“Maties” Esport have etched their name into South African Varsity Sport history, emerging as the inaugural champions of the Varsity Esport tournament.
In the FISU world, Stellenbosch University (SU) is currently linked with the FISU University World Championship Rugby Sevens that they will host from 4-6 September this year. But rugby is far from being the only sport Maties – this is the name of the spots teams at Stellenbosch University – team excel in, as they were recently crowned in a discipline you play… sitting down!
In a fiercely contested, multi-title competition featuring the South Africa’s top universities, Esport’s depth, structure and consistency set them apart as the benchmark programme in the varsity esports landscape.
Esports in a nutshell
Esport (electronic sport) refers to organised, competitive video gaming where individuals or teams compete against each other in popular multiplayer games. Like traditional sports, esports feature structured leagues, professional players, coaches, commentators, and live audiences — both in arenas and through online streaming platforms.
Competitive titles often include games such as League of Legends, Valorant, Dota 2, and EA Sports FC 24.
At university level, varsity esports competitions bring student players together to represent their institutions, combining teamwork, strategy, communication, and fast decision-making — just like traditional varsity sports.
For Sport Manager Yaseen Gangat, the achievement represents far more than silverware. “It’s an incredible honour and a proud moment for Stellenbosch University,” Gangat said. “Being crowned the inaugural champions validates years of planning, investment, and belief in student esports. More than the trophy, it sets a benchmark for excellence and shows that SU Esports belongs at the very top of varsity competition in South Africa.”
Built over time, won as a team
Maties Esport’s success was no overnight feat. What began as a small competitive community has evolved into a high-performance programme aligned with the university’s broader sporting vision.
“The programme has grown significantly in both scale and structure,” Gangat explained. “We now have multiple teams across titles, structured trials, dedicated coaching, analyst support, and clearer player pathways. We’ve also improved governance and athlete welfare, which has been key to sustained success.”
That structure paid dividends throughout the tournament. Competing across “Rocket League”, “Valorant” and “EA FC 25”, Stellenbosch showcased both elite talent and impressive depth. Their Rocket League squads were particularly influential, with the first team delivering consistent results and SU Turbo Charge pushing deep into the bracket to secure third place overall.
Valorant proved equally dominant, with two Maties teams finishing in the top four, and the leading squad claiming the overall title. In EA FC 25 — widely regarded as the most competitive title with over 100 students per split — Stellenbosch placed two players in the top eight, underlining their versatility across genres.
In total, Maties Esport amassed 105 points, finishing ahead of strong rivals such as UCT (University of Cape Town) and North-West University.
A tournament that tested the best
The inaugural Varsity Esport tournament brought together leading institutions including Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, North-West University, University of Pretoria and Varsity College. The format featured two splits, with four teams qualifying for each split final, and points awarded to the top eight teams based on match results and final placings.
“The competition was both competitive and representative of the national varsity scene,” Gangat noted. “Every match mattered, and consistency across titles was crucial.”
From player to champion leader
At the heart of Maties Esport’s Valorant success was team captain Sam Raven, better known in-game as TwoFace. The 21-year-old BCom Management Sciences student has been part of the Maties Esport setup for two years, growing from a competitive player into a leader.
“Winning the inaugural Varsity Esports title is without a doubt the biggest moment so far,” Sam Raven said. “Alongside winning the University Sport South Africa (USSA) 2025 title, it’s something really special. We also compete against pro teams in ACGL and Mettlestate competitions, and consistently rank among the best.”
For Raven, the pride comes not just from winning, but from the journey: “Winning as a team hits differently because you know how much work goes on behind the scenes — scrims, reviews, setbacks, and sacrifices. Being part of a championship-winning environment is something I’ll always carry with me,” he said.
Lessons Beyond the Screen
The pressure of varsity competition brought valuable lessons for the young captain. “I learnt the importance of composure under pressure, clear communication, and trusting your teammates,” Raven reflected. “At varsity level, mental strength and adaptability can matter just as much as raw mechanical skill.”
Those lessons, both Gangat and Raven believe, are what make esports such a powerful development platform for students.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With history made, Maties Esport are already setting their sights higher. “Our goals for 2026 are to defend our Varsity Esports title, expand competitiveness across more game titles, and further professionalise our environment,” Gangat said. “We want to strengthen talent pipelines, increase international exposure for our top athletes, and develop student leaders who can transition into the esports industry beyond university.”
Raven echoed that vision, encouraging other students to get involved.
“Don’t hesitate — join. You don’t need to be perfect to start; you just need the willingness to learn and compete. Maties Esports gives you a platform to grow as a player, a leader, and a person, while being part of a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.”
As the inaugural Varsity Esport champions, Maties Esport have not only claimed a title — they’ve set the standard for what varsity esports in South Africa can become.
Written by Kimara Singh Ruiters
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