The Philippine Esports Organization is aiming for nothing less than a gold medal from SIBOL in the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, this September.
“I think right now the expectation is that we will get the gold,” SIBOL general manager Jab Escutin said during a press conference at the TNC office in Cubao last Tuesday.
Escutin explained that, given the Philippines’ unrivaled strength in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, it is only natural to expect SIBOL to deliver gold in Nagoya and continue the country’s strong legacy in the game.
The Philippines has established its dominance in Mobile Legends, winning six of the last seven M-Series World Championships and securing gold in every Southeast Asian Games where the game has been a medal event, totaling four gold medals.
Filipino players have also made their mark internationally, being recruited to compete in top Mobile Legends leagues worldwide, further demonstrating the country’s talent and influence in esports.
“We’ve been defending our gold medal in the SEA Games for the longest time, and with the support that we’re getting from our partners and the government and all the other support that we’re getting from the community,” Escutin said.
(C) Esports World Cup
To ensure SIBOL fields the strongest possible squad, the federation has conducted extensive qualifiers and enlisted top-tier coaches such as Francis “Duckey” Glindro, Michael “Arcadia” Bocado, and Denver “Yeb” Miranda. Their goal is to fully prepare the team for the competition.
“I think we want to maximize all of the advantages, no matter how little it is, how big it is, we want to maximize all of it. That’s why we have the support and knowledge of our support coaches to assist our head coach and our analysts,” he said.
“So that’s why we are coming in with all of our guns blazing. That’s why we have all of our support coaches. That’s why we had very extensive qualifiers this round. So that we can go in prepared and we are prepared to give our players and our coaches everything they need so they can bring glory to the country.”
Adding to the lineup of seasoned mentors, Allec “SN4P” Alvarado was recently named head coach of the SIBOL squad bound for Nagoya, following his successful stint leading Team Liquid PH to victory in the recent qualifiers.
SN4P will work closely with the support coaches in shaping the national team through the SIBOL Combine, selecting top talents from Team Liquid PH, Team Falcons PH, ONIC PH, and amateur squad Aurora Hunters to form a roster capable of contending for gold.
“I really like the term powerful, and I think na appreciate rin ng mga coaches natin that they are considered one of the most powerful coaches in MLBB. It’s because of the opportunity we have right now,” Escutin said.
“It’s the first time that MLBB will be part of the Asian Games, and as the Philippines is the current defending champions for all or let’s say the standard when it comes to MLBB championships.”
