Will 2025 be JessieVash’s year to return to the international stage for the first time since VALORANT Champions Berlin?
SOUTH KOREA – Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco spoke with the press during a conference ahead of the VCT Pacific Kickoff in Seoul, discussing his motivation to keep competing as a player and addressing whether his 11-year-old son is being prepared to follow in his footsteps as the next esports player in the family.
At 34 years old, JessieVash is a seasoned player and a cornerstone of the Philippine esports scene. From his time with Mineski Dota 2 to his current tenure with Team Secret in VALORANT, he has represented his country at the highest level of esports in multiple titles including Dota 2, Overwatch, Mobile Legends, and League of Legends. He is also the oldest player set to compete in the 2025 VCT Pacific season.
Globally, only 35-year-old Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov surpasses him in age within the VCT circuit. Despite this, JessieVash continues to hold his own among younger competitors. “I think being on the big stage like VCT keeps me motivated. It’s been a long time since the Philippines was part of this kind of event, so I keep grinding and trying to keep up with the younger players,” he shared.
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As a father to 11-year-old jZeus, who has naturally been influenced by both of his parents’ involvement in esports, JessieVash has seen his son supporting him during the VCT Pacific League and even making appearances in some pre-show segments. Outside of that, jZeus also shares on Facebook his VALORANT highlight clips, basketball medals, and moments cheering for Team Secret in the VCT Pacific League.
However, JessieVash is taking a hands-off approach when it comes to his son’s career path. “I don’t really know if he actually wants to be a pro player. As of now, he is trying to explore basketball, and yeah, he is still playing VALORANT, but he also still spends more time playing Roblox. Currently, he is at Platinum 3, and his highest peak was Ascendant, so it is really up to him,” he explained.
For now, with five years before jZeus would even be eligible to compete in the Challengers circuit, JessieVash is giving his son the freedom to chart his own course. The minimum age for professional eligibility in the Challengers circuit is currently 16, leaving plenty of time for him to decide whether he’ll follow in his father’s footsteps.
VCT Pacific Kickoff begins on January 18th.
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Cover photo courtesy of Jazmin Tabuena/Riot Games
