The Rise and Fall of Triton Esports
Correction: An earlier version of this story did not fully reflect Dr. Rojas’s explanation regarding the funding decision for the Esports manager position and the continued availability of equipment for student use. Dr. Rojas clarified that the decision to reallocate funding was based on prioritizing technology upgrades within OIT, not a lack of support for esports. She also noted that OIT has made equipment available for student organizations, such as the esports student org, to continue and expand their activities.
Once a thriving collegiate esports program at the University of Guam, Triton Esports now faces an uncertain future following the abrupt withdrawal of key financial support. An initiative that once put UOG on the map in the collegiate esports world is now in sudden decline, leaving students and staff alike questioning how and why a well-performing program with long-term plans and strong student backing was cut so swiftly, and who made the final call to pull the plug.
Launched in 2020, Triton Esports marked UOG’s first official venture into competitive gaming, making it the first collegiate esports program in the Marianas. The team held its inaugural tryouts that year, selecting student-athletes based on both gaming skill and teamwork. Competing in popular titles such as League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Valorant, the team quickly built a reputation for success in the collegiate esports scene.
By June 2022, Triton Esports had secured a master-level sponsorship from GTA, a local telecommunications company, further boosting its ability to compete at higher levels. With solid institutional support from UOG’s Enrollment Management & Student Success, the Office of Information Technology, and Triton Athletics, the program seemed poised for long-term success.
Triton Esports gaming equipment worth thousands of dollars in total. Photo Courtesy: Triton Esports official website (esports.uog.edu/).
Dr. Anita Borja-Enriquez, Senior Vice President and Provost at the time, once praised the program’s potential: “You have fellow UOG Tritons who live across the continental U.S. and in different parts of the world who are also within the field of technology. Rest assured, you have come into a particular community that is going to connect you to even more possibilities.”
The program quickly became a hub for student engagement, providing mentorship opportunities and fostering a strong sense of community among gamers. Triton Esports hosted outreach events for local middle and high schools, igniting a passion for competitive gaming among the next generation. Dean Santos, a former team captain, reflected on the program’s growth: “We started from about 20-30 players, and before we knew it, we had roughly 60-70 players in different video game genres like Valorant, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Seeing that growth firsthand was incredible.”
For many students, the program provided more than just a platform for gaming. Santos shared how his involvement helped him cope with personal challenges: “Before joining Triton Esports, I was struggling with depression and anxiety. Gaming became my outlet and gave me purpose during a difficult time. The program helped me find motivation, not only in gaming but also in my academics and personal growth.”
Funding Issues and Program Collapse
Despite its success, Triton Esports faced severe financial challenges that eventually led to its downfall. Originally supported by funds from various campus departments, the program saw its financial support dwindle as priorities shifted. According to Dr. Gena Rojas, Dean of EMSS, budget constraints forced the department to use its resources for recruitment and retention efforts.
However, the truth behind the sudden collapse of Triton Esports goes beyond budget cuts. According to internal sources involved with Esports and anonymous tips obtained during this investigation, there was initially a five-year plan in place to maintain the program and secure a return on investment. The decision blindsided both staff and students, as many believed the program had long-term institutional backing.
Dr. Rojas expressed frustration over the lack of coordination and commitment with other departments. “Had we been able to secure more stable long-term funding or institutional support, Triton Esports could have continued to thrive,” she said. “Once the funding source for their manager was no longer available from OIT, it became increasingly difficult to sustain the program,” Rojas said.
“We tried to find ways to keep it running, but without continued support from OIT and VPAF [Vice President of Administrative Finance], it just wasn’t feasible.”
What seems to be the most significant loss and downfall of UOG’s esports program was the departure of Ken San Nicolas, the program’s manager and driving force. Known for his passion and dedication, San Nicolas was instrumental in building the team’s reputation and securing sponsorships and partners. However, his position was ultimately cut due to financial constraints.
“It was heartbreaking to let him go,” Rojas said. “He brought so much to the program, not just in terms of competitive success but in creating a community that welcomed all gamers.”
Impact on Students
For many students, the loss of Triton Esports was more than just the end of a gaming team—it was the loss of a community and a support system. The program served as a safe space for gamers who often felt isolated or overlooked, providing them with friendships and a sense of purpose.
Dean Santos, former team captain, shared how deeply the loss impacted him and others: “It felt like we lost a family. The program gave us a sense of belonging and pride in representing UOG on a national level. To have it taken away so suddenly was devastating.”
The loss of Triton Esports was a major blow to students who relied on the community for social interaction and mental well-being. Some students described the program as a lifeline during the pandemic, giving them a structured way to stay connected despite physical isolation. Others saw it as a chance to showcase their talents and gain recognition for their skills, something they felt was taken away without warning.
An anonymous source closely involved with the program noted that the decision to cut funding felt abrupt and poorly communicated.
“We were all caught off guard,” they said. “It seemed like the program was doing well, and then suddenly, it was gone.”
What Could Have Been
While efforts were made to seek alternative funding, no viable solutions emerged in time. Dr. Rojas acknowledged that the university’s financial situation made it impossible to sustain such an ambitious program. “Had we been able to secure more stable long-term funding or institutional support, Triton Esports could have continued to thrive,” she reflected.
Despite the setback, Dr. Rojas remains hopeful that the program could return someday. “If finances stabilize and there’s a renewed push from the university or external partners, I would prioritize bringing it back,” she said. “It was a powerful tool for student engagement and community building.”