[READ] eSports: The Rise of Competitive Gaming

In recent years, eSports has gained significant popularity worldwide, with professional gamers competing in various video games and earning millions in prize money. First, let us know what eSports is! Esports refers to organized video game competitions, often played in a professional setting where players and teams compete against each other for cash prizes, in-game rewards, and fame. It has become a global phenomenon, with millions of players and fans from different parts of the world.

The rise of eSports can be attributed to the increasing accessibility of gaming and the internet. The internet has made it possible for gamers from different parts of the world to connect and compete with each other. With the proliferation of online gaming platforms and live-streaming services, eSports tournaments have become more accessible to a wider audience.

Photo from SFR x TNC Mandaluyong Tournament 2023

In the Philippines, esports has also seen a significant rise in popularity. The country has a vibrant gaming culture, with many Filipinos spending hours playing different video games. According to a survey conducted by Newzoo, a leading provider of esports analytics, the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing esports markets in Southeast Asia. The survey revealed that there were over 27 million active gamers in the country in 2020, with revenues reaching over $53 million.

The Philippines has also produced some of the best esports players in the world. In 2019, TNC Predator, a professional esports team from the Philippines, won the Dota 2 tournament at the World Electronic Sports Games (WESG) in China, earning a cash prize of $500,000. The team’s victory was a significant milestone for the country’s esports industry, as it showcased the potential of Filipino gamers on the global stage.

The rise of esports in the Philippines has also led to the development of local tournaments and leagues. The country’s largest telecommunications company, Globe Telecom, launched the Globe Philippine Pro Gaming League (PPGL) in 2018, which is now considered one of the biggest esports leagues in the country. The league hosts tournaments for popular video games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Dota 2, and League of Legends, attracting thousands of players and fans from across the country.

Esports has also created job opportunities for Filipinos. As the industry grows, there is an increasing demand for esports professionals, such as coaches, analysts, and event organizers. Esports teams and organizations have also emerged in the country, providing opportunities for aspiring gamers to pursue a career in esports.

However, the rise of esports has also raised concerns about the effects of excessive gaming on players’ health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes gaming disorder as a mental health condition, characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.

Photo from SFR x ROG MarikinaTournament 2023

In conclusion, eSports has emerged as a global phenomenon, with the Philippines being one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. Esports has created opportunities for Filipino gamers to compete on the global stage and has also led to the development of local tournaments and leagues. However, the industry’s growth also raises concerns about the effects of excessive gaming on players’ health and well-being, highlighting the need for responsible gaming practices and regulation.