After its debut last year, gold medals in esports are once again up for grabs in the 2021 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam following its inclusion by the SEAG Federation Executive Council.
The esports national team pocketed three of the six gold medals at stake in last year’s SEA Games here as it ruled the popular events DOTA 2, Starcraft 2 and the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Thailand won two gold medals as it ruled Tekken 7 and Arena of Valor, while Malaysia won gold in Heartstone.
Joebert Yu, secretary-general of the Philippine Esports Organization – or PeSO led by Brian Lim – said it’s a welcome development for the sports to be included in the events for the 2021 SEA Games.
“I was very excited to hear that ESports will be included in the 31st SEA Games. It will be an honor to represent the Philippines once again,” said Yu.
“The Philippine Esports Organization or PeSO will make sure to provide ESports athletes the best overall assistance and support. We will make sure that just like in the previous SEA Games held here in the Philippines.”
“Our athletes will give their best and help defend the Philippines No. 1 ranking in Esports. In the process, we hope to significantly contribute to our country’s goal of achieving the best overall medal tally for the SEA Games,” said Yu.
During the SEA Games last year, Bryle Alvizo, James Guerra, Jun Kanehara, Mc Nicholson Villanueva, Van Jerico Manalaysay, Marvin Rushton and John Anthony Vargas joined hands to win the DOTA 2 event.
In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Angelo Arcangel teamed up with Jeniel Bata-anon, Allan Castromayor Jr., Karl Nepomuceno, Carlito Ribo, Jason Torculas and Kenneth Villa for the gold.
Caviar Napoleon Acampado won the gold medal in Starcraft 2.
Aside from the three gold medals, the national team also won a silver medal and a bronze in Tekken 7.