PUTRAJAYA – While the official game titles for the Olympic Esports Games 2025 have yet to be announced, the Philippine Esports Organization is already preparing for multiple scenarios in anticipation of this historic event.
This includes the potential inclusion of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (ML:BB), a game in which the Philippines has firmly established itself as the strongest team in the world.
“Because this is Olympic-level, kami sa backend, we’re already planning different scenarios,” said SIBOL general manager Jab Escutin during the M6 Summit at the Marriott Hotel here.
If ML:BB is included in the Olympic Esports Games, the SIBOL national team plans to assemble an Avengers-like squad to represent the country.
PESO executive director Marlon Marcelo shared that if ML:BB makes the cut, the goal is to bring overseas Filipino players and coaches back to the Philippines for tryouts, aiming to form the strongest possible national lineup.
(C) Evident
“For the Esports Olympics, kung ‘yung games ay pabor sa atin, kung may ML:BB sa Esports Olympics, laban na ‘yun. Talagang matindi ‘yung tryout na ‘yun. Baka bumalik lahat ng coach (at players) kasi Olympics na ‘yun eh,” said Marcelo.
“So tatawagin natin sila, para tayong si Nick Fury. Imagine niyo (pwedeng lima) ‘yung coach natin sa Olympics (kung may) ML:BB, kasing dami na ng player na maglalaro,” he added.
Among the Filipino imports who have made their mark overseas are Michael “Arcadia” Bocado, Vincent “Innocent” Banal, and Mark “Kramm” Rusiana of the Selangor Red Giants; Kairi “Rayosdelsol” and Denver “Yeb” Miranda of Fnatic ONIC ID; and Jankurt “KurtTzy” Matira and Mark “Hadess” Lazaro of NIP Flash.
Other notable players who could join the tryouts include Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy of Geek Fam ID, Eman “EMMAN” Sangco of Bigetron Alpha, Kenneth “Nets” Barro of Team Vamos, and Kielvj “Kievlj” Hernandez of DianFengYaoGuai.
These names are in addition to the long list of players and coaches currently competing in the MPL and MDL Philippines.
(C) SIBOL
“We expect a very robust tryouts kung sa Olympic Esports at nagtawag na tayo ng Avengers, baka magliparan talaga ang mga best of the best. Kasi Olympics iba na ang usapan dito eh, hindi siya parang SEA Games na gusto nilang maglaro, pero hindi sila makaka-commit. Ibang klaseng commitment na ‘yung mangyayari dito kapag Olympic level na,” said the renowned shoutcaster.
Although the inclusion of ML:BB in the Olympic Esports Games remains uncertain, Marcelo believes that if it happens, every player will seize the opportunity to represent the Philippines on what could be the biggest stage in esports.
“Kapag national athlete ka at sinabi ni GM Jab na pumila kayo diyan, pipila lahat ‘yan sigurado kasi matinding opportunity na ‘to,” said Marcelo.
“They will not miss this kind of opportunity to fight for the Philippines, lalo na sa Olympics. Excited ako sa magiging tryouts kasi tryouts pa lang, best of the best of the best na,” he added.
The Olympic Esports Games are scheduled for next year in Saudi Arabia, with virtual sports taking center stage, similar to the 2021 Olympic Virtual Series and the 2023 Olympic Esports Week. However, reports suggest that traditional esports titles may also be included in the inaugural event.
Marcelo and Escutin announced that they will implement the same plan if other titles that favor the Philippines are included in the Games.
While nothing is set in stone, one thing is certain for Escutin: the meaning of “commitment” will change drastically next year.
“Pero one thing that I can definitely say is the word commitment will be very different next year. Ibang iba na talaga and we’re planning around that word,” he said.
