[READ] Thriving Esports Community in the Philippines: Post Covid-19 Pandemic

The global Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to various industries, and the eSports community in the Philippines was no exception. However, in the face of adversity, the Philippine eSports industry not only survived but thrived. With the country slowly recovering from the pandemic, the local eSports community has emerged stronger than ever, showcasing its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion for competitive gaming.

Photo from SFR x ROG Marikina 2023

  1. Resilience and Homegrown Talents

Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the Philippine eSports community showed remarkable resilience. Local tournaments and leagues quickly adapted to online formats, allowing Filipino players, teams, and fans to continue their engagement with eSports. This resilience also highlighted the wealth of homegrown talent in the country, as Filipino players made their mark in international competitions, bringing pride to the nation.

  1. Growing eSports Infrastructure

The post-pandemic era in the Philippines witnessed a significant growth in eSports infrastructure. eSports-dedicated venues, known as gaming hubs or cybercafés, continue to spring up across the country. These hubs provide state-of-the-art facilities for players to train, compete, and connect with fellow gamers. Additionally, local universities have recognized the potential of eSports and are now offering programs and scholarships dedicated to gaming and eSports management.

  1. Rise of Local eSports Leagues and Tournaments

With the pandemic pushing events online, the Philippines experienced a surge in local eSports leagues and tournaments. Major local organizations, both traditional and new, organized competitive events that showcased the country’s talents. Prominent tournaments such as the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL-PH) and the Nationals showcased the skills of Filipino gamers while nurturing the growth of the local eSports scene. 

In addition, Special Force Rush is continuously organizing tournaments all over the Philippines to encourage players in engaging fair, fun, and competitive gaming while meeting new people across the country.

  1. Support from Government and Corporations

The Philippine government and various corporations have recognized the economic potential and social impact of eSports. Efforts have been made to provide support and investments to develop the industry further. Recognizing the growing popularity of eSports, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) included eSports as a medal event in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in the Philippines, granting the industry official recognition and legitimacy.

  1. Thriving Esports Community and Fanbase

The Philippines has long been known for its passionate gaming community, and the post-pandemic era saw an even more enthusiastic fanbase emerge. Online streaming platforms and social media became avenues for Filipino fans to connect, discuss, and cheer for their favorite teams and players. The support from fans has fueled the growth of eSports, making the Philippines an exciting hub for both local and international tournaments.

As the Philippines emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, its esports community stands as a symbol of resilience, talent, and passion. Through the challenges, the industry has grown stronger, with a flourishing esports infrastructure, a supportive ecosystem, and a passionate fanbase. With homegrown talents shining on the international stage and the increasing recognition and investments from government and corporations, the future of esports in the Philippines is bright. As the country continues to recover, the thriving esports community will play an integral role in shaping the landscape of competitive gaming, providing opportunities, excitement, and inspiration for Filipino gamers and fans alike.