Mineski Philippines has officially opened its Youth Esports Program (YEP) regional qualifiers for the third leg of the National Interschool Cyber League (NICL) featuring Moonton's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Registration is now open to interested senior high school and college students who are 16 to 22 years old through this link: http://bit.ly/3ceyDO0.
Players need to follow these rules:
1. All team members must be enrolled for SY 2020-21.
2. No team members must have a failing grade.
3. Only one member of the team can be from a different school.
4. Each team will only be allowed one player change in their roster in the middle of the season. A reason must be given.
5. Senior high school, college, and post-grad students are allowed. Junior high school and professors are not allowed.
Teams from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao still have a chance to register until Friday, April 16, while enlistment for the squads in the National Capital Region has already lapsed last Sunday, April 11.
A prize pool of P150,000 is at stake in the tournament that runs from April 13 to May 7.
YEP is a joint initiative between leading esports organizations Mineski and the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL). Its crown jewel is the NICL, the first major collegiate esports league to feature first-person shooter (FPS) and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games for both personal computer and mobile devices.
Through similar grassroot activities and strategic brand partnerships, YEP aspires to create a community for esports enthusiasts and help its youth members find success in gaming whether as a recreational hobby or as a legitimate career path.
The program is also a firm believer in inclusivity and balance, offering a structured, safe space for gamers that is both competitive and fun.
“As gaming continues to grow in scale and popularity among our youth, it has become more vital for us to create safe spaces where students learn how to play responsibly and respectfully, understanding the many benefits that esports has to offer them," said YEP program director Marlon Marcelo.
"Gaming, after all, is part of a fun and balanced life. We at Mineski, through our grassroots programs, are committed to creating an inclusive esports environment that upholds the highest of standards and ensures all gamers get a fair and safe experience,” added Marcelo.
The program currently has 80 chapters or partner schools and has already secured sponsorship deals with several international brands.
YEP featured Riot Games' FPS title Valorant in the first leg followed by Valve's PC MOBA game Dota 2 in the second leg.