Paraguay has confirmed its official League of Legends roster for Copa Naciones, marking the first time this group of players represents the country on an international stage. The announcement highlights Paraguay’s determination to strengthen its presence in regional esports and showcase the level of local talent.
The line-up features Malik in the top lane, Pablo (Chambers) in jungle, Maximiliano (Maczimilian) in mid, Mathias (Meneo) as ADC and Ivan (Strike) as support, with Rúben (Perreo) and additional substitutes completing the squad. Their selection stems from initiative rather than institution, as the team organised itself independently before approaching tournament officials.
A team built from passion, not privilege
What makes them unique is how they earned their spot. No formal structure chose them. No institution built them. Their presence is the result of dedication and initiative.
In a conversation with The Asunción Times, Chambers describes how everything began. “Someone had registered a team under Paraguay. I talked to the organisers and explained that we had a team too.” He adds that their group already had a marketing manager and a history of competing together. “They ended up choosing us. That is how we became the official team.” His voice carries both relief and pride.
Representing a country with heart
For the players, wearing Paraguay’s colours is more than competition. It is a personal milestone. “It is an opportunity to show the region that we can compete,” Maximiliano says. “We want to put up a fight.”
Their first match was against a powerful Chilean roster. The odds were not in their favour, yet Paraguay surprised many. They extended the game for longer than expected and held their ground against more experienced opponents. “People were saying we gave them a pretty hard time,” Chambers recalls.
Perreo shares the same pride. “It is a good opportunity to show that Paraguay has people who give it their all.”
Life behind the screens
The team trains as professionals, but none of them live as full-time players. They balance competitions with jobs, studies and family responsibilities. Training sessions usually take place after long workdays.1
Maximiliano explains his weekly routine. “I have a fixed job schedule, so I usually practise with the team during the week.”
Their devotion sometimes requires uncomfortable situations. Sharing a moment that shaped him: “I had to compete in my office because I would not arrive on time at my house.” He laughed, but the message was clear. The sacrifice is real.
A team that grew through rivalry
Many Paraguayan fans do not realise that several players on this roster have competed against each other for years. Their history is filled with local tournaments, friendly rivalries and shared memories.
Maximiliano remembers facing Chambers’ old team. “They used to win every tournament for five years straight.” He said it with respect rather than frustration. Those rivalries forged today’s synergy.
The team also remembers winning a national championship with a prize that reached almost ten thousand dollars. “We qualified for an international tournament against sponsored teams,” Pablo mentions. “We won a game. It was a really nice experience.”
A growing esports scene in need of visibility
Paraguay’s esports community has talent but limited support. “Companies do not know about gaming pretty much at all,” Maximiliano says.
He recalls Paraguayan players who required raffles to afford international travel. “There is talent here, but no support for them.”
The team hopes their participation in Copa Naciones can spark greater recognition for local esports. They believe that visibility creates opportunities, not only for them but for those who will follow.
Dreams for the future
Looking ahead, the players are determined and optimistic. Maximiliano says, “I feel like we are going to make it out of the group stage. That is the idea.”
Perreo hopes their effort inspires others. “We want people to talk about Paraguay, we want to show them who we are.”
Their excitement for being featured in English media was heartfelt. Chambers said, “Esports in Paraguay needs more visibility. We appreciate the opportunity.”
A message beyond the arena
The story of Paraguay’s Copa Naciones team is not only about a tournament. It is about resilience, pride and the desire to prove that Paraguay belongs in the regional esports conversation.
These young athletes have shown that passion can overcome a lack of infrastructure and that representation can inspire a community.
Paraguay is often seen as an underdog in the region. Yet this team reminds the country of something powerful.
There is strength in those who love what they do. And Paraguay has more talent than the world realises.
To follow the team’s adventures, you can check out Blackbox’s instagram page.
