Only a few sports teams have played consistently due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the world level.
Majority of these come from the realm of esports. There are BREN Esports, who were hailed as world champions in Mobile Legends. Then there’s E-Gilas Pilipinas.
For the past year, E-Gilas — composed of Playbook Esports’ core — has competed thrice in the FIBA Esports Open. And two of those times the Philippines emerged as the region’s best.
After E-Gilas captured their second Southeast Asian crown, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas lauded the team, saying that it “continues to be a source of pride and joy during these tough times as well as inspiration for individuals who wish to pursue a career gaming.”
“After the last competition, the SBP saw how hungry E-Gilas was to reclaim the title. They worked hard on their game and have now regained their spot as the best in the region. Even as more competitors entered the field, E-Gilas still stood tall,” said Panlilio.
“Job well done to our players Angelico Cruzin, Arnie Sison, Clark Banzon, Custer Galas, Ian Santiago, Philippe Herrero, and Rial Polog Jr., head coach is Nite Alparas, team manager Richard Brojan, and Program Director Butch Antonio.”
E-Gilas dominated during its six-game sweep of the tournament.
But as seen during their two-game sweep of Indonesia — where they won by just an average of 8.0 points per game — the rest of the region is closing in on the Philippines.
That is why Panlilio’s next marching order for E-Gilas is to continue training hard for the next battle. FIBA Esports Open IV is expected to have a much bigger field.
“It was clear from the results of the games that our neighbors are working very hard to reach our level. We’ll enjoy the victory now but we also know that the bigger challenge is to keep getting better and to stay on top.”
