By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE island’s darts community gathered at Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort on Sunday for the Saipan Electronic Darts Association banquet, honoring standout moments from the 2025 SEDA Bud Light Dart League in both team and individual competition.
Although the regular-season and Bud Light Cup champions had already been named, the individual awards were the highlight of the evening. Leading the charge were A-Division’s Vince Cepeda, Master Division’s Burth Dacumos, and Flame Tree Division’s Ian Norita, who cemented their status as undefeated among the MVPs. Not only did Cepeda secure a perfect 100% winning percentage to claim the A-Division MVP title, but his 64.11 weighted average also earned him a promotion to the Master Division.
Other MVPs included Ladies Division’s Fanlyd Halito (99.70%), Latte Stone Division’s Jesstin Laniyo (98.00%), Chichirika Division’s Angelo Cristobal (99.00%), Fanihi Division’s Johnny Malenab (99.60%), and Co-Ed’s James Welly (97.60%).
The crowd-favorite High-In, High-Out, and Top Gun awards recognized moments of total board dominance.
Although promotions are usually linked with good news, in the world of darts, they mean tougher competition for players who have earned the “privilege.” Promoted to the Master Division was Vince Cepeda; to A Division were Roylan Nagaliza, Jonathan Panlican, Vironlanson Sechamidal, and Ian Norita; to B Division were Gary Ezra, Angelo Cristobal, Neil Camacho, and Micheal John Jr.
While scores were high, the spirit of the game remained a priority. SEDA recognized several teams for their conduct and contribution to league culture with the Sportsmanship Award. Recipients included: Last Shot Throwing Shades (Ladies), L.S. Hobbies Score Horse (Chichirika C), Tom Yum Pew Pew (Kingfisher C), 520 Team (Latte B), Spicy Thai Hittaz (Fanihi B), Last Shot Taya Mana’i (Flame Tree B), Last Shot Treble Makers (Inter-Gov’t), Tom Yum YumYum (Co-Ed), 6JMS Pinoy Hybrid (A), and The Hut Ridin’ Darrty (Master).
Dedication was also recognized. Martin Dela Cruz was dubbed “Mr. SEDA” for competing in the A, Master, Fanihi, and Inter-Gov’t divisions, while Jayda Babauta earned the title of “Ms. SEDA” for competing in the Ladies, Chichirika, Fanihi, Inter-Gov’t, and Co-Ed divisions.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
