The SIBOL Esports team has just been announced through an online live press conference. The Philippines has gone all-in this year, sending over 64 Filipino delegates through a split of 55 players and 9 coaches.
Games played will be the following: Arena of Valor, CrossFire, FIFA Online, Free Fire, League of Legends, Mobile Legends, Wildrift (Men and Women), and PUBG Mobile. The theme for the year is Lakad Matatag which means owning up to the responsibility with a sense of competitiveness, unity, and pride.
This department isn’t just child’s play. There will be dedicated training centers with state-of-the-art equipment and practice plans to help boost the players’ chances. The competitors won’t just be playing games all-day; other exercises will be done to keep their physical and mental states in tip-top shape. Notes and lectures will also be done to teach the very best of strategies, adding an educational aspect to this as well. This is precisely what separates professionals from amateurs or casual gamers.
What’s desired is recognition not just as gamers but as national representative athletes. As such, the selected pool is expected to act with professionalism and set an example to all those who desire a slot in the future. These selected athletes are also a ray of hope for the future of esports in the country.
This optimism stems from the country’s first foray into the competitive e-sports scene. There was a much smaller selection back then due to constraints, but the country still bagged 3 gold medals, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
Issues faced include securing passports for the first-time flyers and arranging the teams for COVID-19 safety. Thankfully, the team has mentioned receiving government assistance so these appear to be addressed as of now.
The tournament will be held in Vietnam during September of this year and we’re all excited to see how the SIBOL Esports team will perform. After all, it was mentioned that the selected players are already considered regional favorites. For more news, follow their Facebook page here.
