After a solid performance of the Philippine Esports team in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which netted the country with five medals, the gaming industry is ready to take the next step for the growth of esports in the country.
Mineski Global has agreed to join forces with Philippine Collegiate Champions League to transform esports into a world-class, big-league competitive sports event nationwide called National Interschool Cyber League, which will be expecting 1,000 participating teams from 200 different schools in the country.
PCCL will offer member schools a chance to participate in the new league and develop their own comprehensive esports programs in collaboration with Mineski.
PCCL has been known for its national collegiate basketball championships, bringing together big collegiate leagues such as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. to name a few.
“This is the future of sports and competition. Esports is more inclusive than other sports and will help lead even more of our new generation to play competitively and responsibly in tournaments and engage in activities at par with the rest of the world,” said Rey Gamboa, PCCL Chairman.
Adding to the esports tourney, the partnership between the top esports organizations will build the foundation for grassroots talents the opportunity to train, compete, win scholarships and eventually be part of the national team.
“The continued growth and development of esports in the country presents us with another avenue for excellence, sportsmanship, and inclusion. Esports advances not just skills but also values of hard work and determination among all players,” explained Mineski Global CEO and founder Ronald Robins.
Former national basketball team tactician Chot Reyes, who will also serve as the PCCL Esports President, shared that his support of the industry started in 2015, when he headed a TV network that showed the first Dota 2 tournament on free TV.
“We’ll be exploring ways of training and motivating athletes for careers in esports. This program will also promote esports as a legitimate part of the school curriculum and reveal the positives it can bring to the table,” said the five-time PBA Coach of the Year.
With Reyes at the helm, esports is expected to mirror the growth of the national basketball program and reach new heights for the industry.
PCCL-member schools and esports teams looking to participate in this year’s program can visit the Mineski Events Team-MET Events Facebook page.