The country’s largest and most credible esports companies and personalities have come together under the revamped banner of the Philippine Esports Organization (PeSO). PeSO, backed by Smart Communications, is comprised of the most recognizable names in Philippine esports—Bren Esports, Gariath Concepts, Mineski Philippines, The Nationals, PlayBook Esports, Tier One Entertainment, TV5, and TNC Holdings.
PeSO also has the distinction of being the sole organization in the country accredited by the Internation Esports Federation (IeSF) since 2012. PeSO’s member organizations had previously worked together under the banner of Esports National Association of the Philippines (ESNAP) and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Esports Union (PSEU) who was sanctioned by the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) to hold the first-ever esports tournament in the SEA Games. The AESF also signed a landmark agreement last March 2020 with the IeSF wherein the IeSF acknowledges and recognizes AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia, while the AESF acknowledges and recognizes the IeSF as the sole international federation for esports.
In the 2019 SEA Games Esports Tournament, Bren Esports, Gariath Concepts, and TNC worked under the leadership of The Nationals commissioner Ren Vitug to be the National Technical Officials (NTOs) of the tournament, while Mineski Philippines and TV5 co-produced and streamed the event for all the participating countries. Distinguished individuals from Bren Esports, Mineski Global, PlayBook Esports, and Tier One Entertainment provided the coaching and management staff for Team Sibol, the Philippine National Esports Team. Gariath Concepts managing partner Joebert Yu was also the overall competition manager for the tournament.
On September 1, 2020, PeSO was granted accreditation by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to be the official National Sports Association (NSA) for the Philippines, giving it the main responsibility to govern and develop esports nationwide. PeSO’s application for NSA accreditation was bolstered by the unified presence of the biggest and most credible collection of esports stakeholders in the Philippines, who have tirelessly worked towards the industry’s growth and betterment since the early 2000s.
PESO’s recognition as an associate member of the POC makes it the official governing body for Philippine esports. Among its tasks are organizing events, promulgation of rules of the sport, promotion and growth of the sport via grassroots programs and other activities, and the recruitment of National players and coaches.
“I entrust PESO on their endeavors of uplifting the Philippines through Esports globally,” said POC chairman Stephen Hontiveros in a statement. “And I congratulate them on being an associate member of the Philippine Olympic Committee!”
Brian Lim, PESO president, said: “We are grateful to the POC in their recognition of PESO and Esports. This would help us bring in more support to our fellow Filipinos who are competing globally and bringing glory to the Philippines.”
To kick off this significant milestone, PeSO will be mounting the Philippine Qualifiers for the 12th IeSF World Championship to be held in Eliat, Israel in December. This year’s Philippine Qualifiers will be an online format, featuring DOTA2 and Tekken 7. Team Sibol’s Andreij “PBE.Doujin” Albar took home the bronze medal in last year’s IeSF World Championships, and PeSO is confident that this time, Team Sibol can match, if not exceed, last year’s contingent’s performance and standing.
“With the support of Smart Communications, there is no doubt that we are in a stronger position to place in this year’s IESF World Championships,” said Lim noted. “Smart’s commitment to support and grow esports and the national team, Sibol, is crucial and is definitely appreciated.”
“Our goal is to continue leading the way to bring glory to Philippine esports. After supporting Team Sibol in the 2019 SEA Games, Smart reaffirms its commitment to the esports industry by looking for the next members of Team Sibol who will represent the Philippines in the IESF World Championships,” said Jane Jimenez Basas, SVP and head of consumer wireless business at Smart.
The search for the newest members of Team Sibol starts this September 2020. Details on the Philippine Qualifiers for the 12th IESF World Championship will be announced through the PeSO Facebook Page. TV5 and Cignal, who have been strong advocates of esports on Philippine airwaves, will air the Philippine Qualifiers on One Sports and One Sports Plus.
The original post has been updated to reflect POC recognition.