In a groundbreaking move that merges the worlds of gaming and reality television, TikTok, the premier platform for short-form mobile videos, is set to launch a gaming competition, “The Greatest Gamer Philippines.”
With a unique concept that combines real-world and gaming challenges, the show aims to unearth the country’s most skilled and passionate gamers while captivating audiences with an immersive and engaging viewing experience.
Following the success of its pilot season in Indonesia in 2021 and the exponential growth of mobile gaming in the Philippines, TikTok has partnered with Smart, Smart Omega, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), Grab, and Samsung to bring “The Greatest Gamer Philippines” to life. This collaborative effort is driven by the shared vision of discovering and nurturing the next generation of professional gamers in the country.
According to the 2023 Global Digital Report by Meltwater, over 95% of internet users in the Philippines identify as avid gamers, highlighting the nation’s vibrant gaming culture. Capitalizing on this fervent community, “The Greatest Gamer Philippines” is poised to become a crucial initiative that fosters and amplifies the potential of aspiring professional gamers.
Vanessa Brown, Director of Business Development, APAC, TikTok, expressed her excitement about the venture, stating, “We are thrilled to bring ‘The Greatest Gamer’ to the Philippines, where there is a thriving and welcoming gaming community that aspires to grow and excel as skillful gamers.
“The Greatest Gamer Philippines showcases the journey to becoming a professional gamer while engaging the gaming community by providing relevant entertainment, highlighting the skills, passion, and dedication necessary to excel in esports. We also hope to empower the local gaming community, nurture its growth, and provide a space for enthusiasts to continue displaying their skills and creativity.”
“The Greatest Gamer Philippines” promises to bridge the gap between esports and entertainment. The show’s format will feature 10 hand-picked contestants living together in a villa for three weeks, competing in a series of real-world and gaming challenges that will push their skills to the limit. Viewers will have a front-row seat to their favorite gamers’ journey through immersive livestreams of mini-games, weekly tournament gameplay, and various online and offline challenges, gaining insight into the world of professional gaming.
TikTok, renowned for its ability to blend gaming and culture seamlessly, will offer viewers an exclusive window into the contestants’ lives. Through interactions with creators, weekly interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and program highlights, TikTok users and esports fans will witness firsthand the sacrifices, determination, and dedication required to pursue a career in gaming.
Powering this revolutionary experience is Smart, the official telecommunications provider of “The Greatest Gamer Philippines.” Recognized by Ookla as the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network, Smart ensures seamless gameplay and uninterrupted connectivity for contestants, gaming enthusiasts, and the wider community. Together, TikTok and Smart aim to usher in a new era of interactive gaming experiences and create unforgettable moments throughout “The Greatest Gamer Philippines.”
Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and Head of Prepaid and Content at Smart, spoke about the partnership, saying, “Smart has been a leading patron of Philippine esports because we’ve always believed that Filipinos have the passion, talent, and skill to dominate in this field.
“As the official telco provider of TikTok’s ‘The Greatest Gamer Philippines,’ we aim to elevate the players’ gameplay experience with our fastest and best mobile network. We believe that this would also translate to an enjoyable viewing experience for all esports fans.”
Aspiring professional Esports gamers can submit their audition videos from May 24 to June 14, 2023, on TikTok.
Pinoy gamers interested in going professional and joining The Greatest Gamer Philippines must follow @thegreatestgamer and @smartcommunications on TikTok and create audition video content by introducing themselves and showcasing their MLBB skills, using the official audition filter and hashtag #TheGreatestGamerPH, and tagging the official @thegreatestgamer and @smartcommunications TikTok accounts.
Aside from gaining awesome experiences with today’s top content creators, The Greatest Gamer winner will take home a cash prize worth P250,000 and a contract with Smart Omega that gives them a chance to suit up and be part of their MLBB roster.
