Esports games in the Philippines have become immensely popular in recent years. In 2021, there were an estimated 43 million active players – around 37% of the country’s population. Today, competitive video gaming continues to draw a growing following of passionate gamers and enthusiastic audiences alike.
With highly competitive professional Philippine esports teams, a solid fan base, and support from various sectors, the popularity of esports is expected to grow even more. Here are the top 5 esports games that have captivated gamers all over the country.
Being a mobile-first nation, it’s no surprise that this is the most popular video game in the country. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, often abbreviated as MLBB, is a mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Moonton.
In MLBB, players team up in 5v5 battles to destroy the enemy’s base. With its easy-to-learn mechanics, stunning graphics, and roster of diverse heroes, Mobile Legends has become a staple in the Filipino gaming community. MPL or Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League is Southeast Asia’s largest and most prestigious mobile games competition, attracting local and international players each season.
Developed and published by Valva, Defense of the Ancients 2, better known as Dota 2, is a classic in the world of esports. This free-to-play MOBA game has a dedicated and competitive player base in the Philippines, with several local teams making waves in international tournaments. Filipino esports gamer Djardel “DJ” Mampusti is regarded as one of the best Dota 2 players in the region.
The game’s complexity and depth have led to a thriving competitive scene, with fans eagerly following top-tier competitions such as The International. Dota 2’s challenging yet rewarding game features and vibrant community, coupled with strategic gameplay, make it a favorite among Filipino gamers.
As one of the pioneering titles in the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, Counter-Strike has become a household name in the gaming community worldwide. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), developed by Valve, continues the legacy of its predecessors, delivering intense and tactical gameplay.
The Philippines has embraced CS: GO as a premier esports game, with local teams and players showcasing their skills in national and international tournaments. The adrenaline-fueled matches where each player unleashes tactician and sharpshooter skills, along with the ever-evolving meta, keep fans glued to their screens as they cheer for their favorite teams.
Also known as LoL, League of Legends is a multiplayer game that draws inspiration from Dota and is another prominent MOBA game in the Philippines. Developed by Riot Games, players dive into combat and unleash the powers of their chosen champions in strategic 5v5 matches until the team destroys the enemy base.
Filipino fans passionately follow the game’s competitive scene, with local and international tournaments and prize money adding to the excitement. To date, the highest-earning LoL Filipino player is Jake Puchero, also known as Xmithie, who has earned over USD 290,000. The game’s constant updates and developer support ensure LoL stays engaging for players and spectators alike.
Valorant, developed by Riot Games, is its most popular game. Inspired by Counter-Strike, the game combines elements from traditional FPS games with unique character-based abilities. Players and fans are captivated by the thrilling, action-packed matches that demand precision and teamwork.
Released in 2020, Valorant quickly gained traction among competitive gamers. The rise of local talents and a growing interest in strategic gameplay resulted in various Valorant tournaments being organized throughout the country. With its fast-paced action and high skill ceiling, Valorant continues to attract a dedicated and passionate community of players and viewers.
The esports industry in the Philippines is thriving, and we foresee more exciting developments and opportunities for Filipino gamers to shine internationally. The esports scene has fostered a sense of community and healthy competition among Filipino gamers.
With strong support from fans and organizations like Ampverse, the future of esports in the Philippines looks bright. As the largest ecosystem of gaming communities and IPs in Asia, Ampverse acts as a conduit. We connect the esports community with other industries by offering data-driven, tech-enabled, and creative marketing solutions for businesses that want to strengthen and grow their market.
The dynamic, fast-growing industry of esports games in the Philippines presents many marketing opportunities for your brand. Contact Ampverse to learn more about creating marketing solutions, such as online campaigns, influencer activations, esports partnerships, and interactive brand experiences.
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