I graduated 8 years ago and I barely remember people’s I used to hanged with and the teacher was supposed to remember someone he didn’t even hang out with 12 years ago? That kid has some weird expectations about people.
It seems the objective of the mangaka was different when he created this story at first. In the main manga, he loses this match, and he doesn't get to the finals, but gets to be a pro (ish) thanks to the whims of a recruiter.
I think the anime ends around chapter 35 or 36. It’s been awhile but I don’t remember a lot of things from chapter 36 onwards.
I haven’t seen the anime since the same year it was released so it’s been awhile. I just forgot this story existed.