Singapore-based Southeast Asian esports organization RSG has officially launched its local presence in the country, the latest in its expansion to overseas markets.
The organization known for its Malaysian and Singaporean Mobile Legends teams will take on a new challenge, developing future esports talents in the country.
“With the second largest population in Southeast Asia, Philippines has a highly enthusiastic esports community that has grown rapidly in recent years. As the esports scene gathers momentum in the region, RSG is proud to be one of the first few regional esports organizations to expand our presence and support the development of the local esports industry. We hope to bring to the fans here our experience in developing esports champions, drive innovation in the way we create and engage fans, and last but not least, the trademark RSG spirit of relentlessly pursuing excellence. We will be working together with stakeholders and fans to educate the masses about esports, and contribute to a more robust ecosystem as we aspire to be the leading esports organization here,” said Jayf Soh, founder and CEO of RSG.
The Philippines games market is one of the leading ones in Southeast Asia, growing at a rapid pace. According to market research firm Newzoo, 43 million gamers spent USD 572 million on games in 2019, making the country the world’s 25th biggest market by games revenues. In the Digital 2021 report on the Philippines by Dataportal, which reports data and insights on various topics, the number of internet users in the Philippines increased by 4.2 million (6.1%) between 2020 and 2021, to 73.91 million. Of which 72.1% of internet users aged 16 to 64 use game apps each month. MLBB was the top-ranking mobile game by monthly active users in 2020.
RSG PH’s MLBB Team to compete with the nation’s best esports teams
Also announced during the launch was the team’s official entry in the Mobile Legends Pro League–Philippines. RSG PH will be one of the eight teams that have bought a spot in the now franchise-base MPL-PH Season 8. RSG PH will be fielding a team of experienced and up-and-coming players.
With this move, RSG PH signaled its commitment to provide more sustainable career paths for players and widen support for players and staff alike as it works towards the goal of raising standards for the industry. MPL Philippines Season 7 had notched over 33 million total watch hours with 1.4 million peak live viewers, featuring one of the country’s most popular games.
Team Captain Kenneth Jiane “Kenji” Villa leads the team who will train under the guidance of Coach Brian “Panda” Lim, who led the Philippines to a Gold Medal win at the 30th SEA Games. Players include Elyson Edouard “GHOST Wrecker” Caranza, one of the country’s most popular streamers – known for his massive social media fan base (with 7.7 million followers) and a big heart for philanthropy.
The team line-up will also comprise of:
- Arvie “Aqua” Calderon
- Dexter “Exort” Martinez
- Earvin John “Heath” Esperanza
- Eman “Emann” Sangco
- Joshwell Christian “Iy4knu” Manaog
- Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto
- Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo
RSG PH is helmed by country manager, Richardson “RJ” Jacinto, a veteran with more than 10 years of industry experience in esports. Highly attuned to the needs of the Filipino esports community, he took up key positions in various esports organizations and related companies prior to joining RSG. He will be tapping on his expertise in business development, marketing, and project management to focus on developing and nurturing young local talent and develop initiatives to help grow the local esports industry.