Sailor Leads Base Esports Team

Photo By Staff Sgt. Deven Schultz | U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Nikolas Sanchez, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System administrative specialist, takes a break from playing video games at Dover Air Force Base, Del., October 18, 2021. As the new base esports team leader, Sanchez’s plan is to provide opportunities for service members to compete competitive in online tournaments and eventually reach the national level. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Deven Schultz)  

DOVER, DE, UNITED STATES

10.15.2021

Story by Staff Sgt. Deven Schultz 

Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

Dover Air Force Base, Del. – For the first time, a U.S. Navy Sailor, Yeoman Second Class (YN2) Nikolas Sanchez, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System administrative specialist, was selected by the 436th Force Support Squadron to command the base esports team, October 15, 2021, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
Esports is a form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions usually between professional/competitive players and/or teams. In 2020, the Air Force gaming league launched its own esports team. The intent was to foster resiliency and retention through global esports events bringing Airmen and Guardians together in competitive leagues.
According to Col. Christopher Parrish, Air Force Services Center commander, over 86% of Airmen and Guardians between the ages of 18-34 identify as gamers. As the Air Force gaming league starts season two, bases across the United States have created their own local gaming communities.
At the age of 12, Sanchez began playing video games on the family Nintendo GameCube in Vallejo, California. As the market for different gaming consoles grew, so did his interest and fascination with the games he played.
“I’ve always had a love for video games, but my love for the competitive side came when I built my own PC,” said Sanchez. “The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise is where I’ve found the most joy throughout the years.”
Sanchez says the strong community is what made playing the games so enjoyable. From making lifelong online friends, to playing in tournaments, the community is what keeps him coming back.
“During Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, you could stay in the same lobby as people you recently played with and develop electronic relationships, which could last for years,” said Sanchez. “I’ve played every CoD game to the newest battle royale version, CoD Warzone.”
With skills learned through many hours of playing video games, Sanchez believes he has the resume to lead the esports team. According to Sanchez, he is currently ranked within the top 10 percent of all Warzone players.
The California native, plans to give his all to make sure the team stays afloat for years to come.
“When this opportunity came to lead an esports team here on base, I couldn’t let it pass me by,” exclaimed Sanchez. “We eventually want to get space for a training facility on base.”
As the base looks to add varsity teams to different intramural sports, Sanchez says there is no better time to create a platform for competitive gaming.
Sanchez also noted a word of caution that this team isn’t going to be for your average casual player.
“I want to get motivated players interested because the end goal is to win tournaments, and eventually get recognized on a national level,” said Sanchez. “I find the best way to make friends is through fierce competition.”
For more information or to join the team, contact YN2 Nikolas Sanchez at [e-mail] or [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.15.2021
• Date Posted: 10.21.2021 16:08
• Story ID: 407727
• Location: DOVER, DE, US