By CSULB Esports Association
on Tuesday, October 15, 2019
You may have seen someone walking around campus wearing a white sweater with the words “CSULB x ESPORTS” and the name “ROEKA” emblazoned on the chest and sleeve, respectively. This person is CSULB Esports’ Team Coordinator, Christopher “Roeka” Yem. Dive into the energetic and hyped mindset of Roeka with this article.
First things first, who are you and how did you get into video games, and Esports later on?
I’m currently a senior (graduating in Spring 2020) and changed from Business Finance to Marketing! That was a huge step in my life in my opinion because I felt that taking Finance was just the safest route to financial freedom and success. However, marketing is a major that has allowed me to express my creative drive and do what I love most: spreading positivity. Pursuing a career in esports is the next chapter in my life after I graduate and I hope to destroy the negative stigma surrounding all gamers.
I first got into video games through OG Runescape. I was a PK god in the wildly, pure STR with a Rune Scimmy. Then in 2012, I watched competitive League of Legends for the first time and I got so hyped watching the gameplay.
Overall, I’d say I’m a pretty chill and lax guy who’s super easy to talk to. “Good vibes and good times POGCHAMP!”
How did you come up with the name Roeka?
I got it from the movie Ant Bully. The main character’s name is Lucas Nickle but was also called Rokai which meant “hero”. I thought that was pretty dope and ended up going for a similar name: Roeka.
What led you to join the club?
I wanted to meet like-minded individuals with the same drive, work ethic and passion. I also wanted to expand my network and experience in the esports industry. This club can and has been exposing me to both.
So what’s the story with your sweater and what was it like for you, making a custom piece of merchandise?
I made the sweater is because I didn’t have any merch for the club at the time and I just really wanted to endorse the club. I wanted to make clothing that I believed would catch the attention of people passing by. I’ve gotten multiple compliments and even questions about the club because of it.
The experience was really fun, to be honest. It was a form of a creative outlet for me.
Who knows, there might be some shark merch 😉
After spending some time with the club, what position within the internal board did you apply for?
I actually applied to be VP but the previous board thought my passion and creative ideas for the club’s future were a perfect fit for Teams Coordinator. So it actually wasn’t planned!
Despite getting a different position than you applied for, what are your goals as the head team coordinator?
I want our teams to be ranked highest in the nation for collegiate esports. Most importantly though, I want our players to grow themselves as a person by gaining interpersonal skills and adapt to different situations.
Honestly, if there weren’t any rules or paperworks restricting us, I would encourage our competitive teams to compete in as many local tournaments as possible to get our name recognized. When people think of CSULB, I want the esports org to pop up in their head first!
Since you’re a senior, where do you see the club after you graduate?
I see the club growing alongside the industry and I’m hoping we’ll get a facility soon on campus! I also want this community to grow as much as possible so it can help create networking opportunities for students. The college experience for our members will only be enhanced with the friendships they make in the club.
Thank you for your time. Any final comments?
LET’S GET IT GAMERS!!!