Heroes of The Dorm 2018 Winners Press

Université Laval claimed the Heroes of The Dorm 2018 championship title in a dominant tournament run. The team sat down for an exclusive press conference to discuss their path to victory, strategic approach, and what it takes to win one of collegiate esports' biggest tournaments. Their insights into competitive Heroes of The Storm strategy offer valuable lessons for aspiring esports competitors.

Playing The Dorm Meta with Confidence

Throughout the tournament, Université Laval stood out for playing traditional, meta-heavy lineups. When asked about their disciplined hero selection, the team explained they had the mechanical skill to execute the strongest picks available. Rather than relying on unconventional compositions, they trusted their macro play and forced opponents to adapt to suboptimal picks. This approach proved highly effective—by securing the best heroes in the game, they could punish mistakes and control match flow. The team's confidence in the Heroes of The Dorm meta allowed them to focus entirely on execution rather than mind games.

Preparing for The Dorm Finals

Heading into the grand final against Buffalo, Laval expressed confidence after learning they wouldn't face Pomona, a team known for risky, unconventional compositions. The team had prepared extensively for Kentucky but adapted quickly when the matchup changed. Game one proved tougher than expected, but by game three, their conviction in their draft strategy returned. The team credited their preparation regimen and pre-tournament analysis for allowing them to pivot without panic.

The Value of High-Level Scrim Partners

Université Laval attributed much of their success to scrimmages against top-tier HGC (Heroes Global Championship) teams. This professional-level exposure taught them elite drafting, positioning, and decision-making that other collegiate squads simply couldn't access. Even in losses during scrims, they extracted lessons that translated directly to tournament success. The team acknowledged that most collegiate teams don't have this advantage, making their access to HGC-caliber practice partners a crucial edge.

Adapting When Buffalo Surprised Them

While Laval stuck primarily to meta heroes, they proved flexible when opponents deviated. Buffalo's Deckard Cain and unconventional picks initially caught attention, but the team's deep champion pool allowed them to adapt without panic. Their willingness to execute their game plan while responding to opponent picks demonstrated the balance between preparation and adaptability that separates champions from contenders. They never felt threatened by unexpected picks because their fundamentals were sound.

The Break Between Matches

With a lengthy gap between their semifinal and grand final, some questioned whether sitting idle hurt their momentum. The team disagreed, noting the break actually benefited them. They used the downtime to review Buffalo's gameplay, study different compositions, cool down after intense scrimmages, and play solo queue. However, they acknowledged being slightly rusty in game one—a minor trade-off for the mental reset and strategic preparation time.

For the complete breakdown of Université Laval's championship victory, including their thoughts on future professional prospects and the emotional weight of winning, watch the full press conference video above.