The Philippines is emerging as a premier destination for esports, with millions of players, international tournaments, and a growing appreciation for the esports scene.
Esports took hold in the Philippines with amateur tournaments for Dota, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike at internet shops across the country. Pinoy Dota was a key meme on Garena, reflecting the popularity of esports in the country.
Today, the Philippines hosts international esports tournaments and has a national team for various esports games making waves in different sports events.
MLBB is everyone’s go-to esports title
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is the most popular esports game in the Philippines. The country even has its own MLBB Professional League (MPL), showcasing the wide appeal of this game among players. Gamers of all ages love to play it, creating a vibrant pro scene that includes young talents like Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, who turned pro at just 15.
In his Ph Pro Player Behind-the-Scene video, Sanford shared the struggles he faced as a young professional player, including juggling studies and limited resources.
Filipino blood in the international esports scene
Filipino MLBB players have excelled on the global stage, with Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol making an impact in Onic and gaining recognition in both the Philippines and Indonesia. The country has also produced notable talents in Pro Dota 2, with players like Carlo “Kuku” Palad and Abed “Abed” Yusop making their mark internationally.
Going International
The Philippines not only produces exceptional players but also hosts prestigious international tournaments. The M5 World Championship in December 2023 broke records in viewership, with over 5 million peak concurrent viewers, establishing itself as the “most popular MLBB event of all time.”
AP.Bren won the crown at the M5 World Championship, solidifying the Philippines’ dominance in MLBB. The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 showcased the country’s strength in both Dota 2 and Valorant, with Filipino teams emerging victorious in their respective tournaments.
With its thriving esports industry, the Philippines is well-positioned to develop world-class pro players and attract global recognition for its esports games. The Filipino presence in international esports is on the rise, signifying the country’s growing influence in the esports world.
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