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| TNC Pro Gaming, one of the teams representing the Philippines in The International 2017, made a Cinderella run in The International 2016 upsetting a world-renouned e-sports team and reaching the quarterfinals. (Image Source: Scout Magazine) |
The Philippines has been producing potential high level professional
gamers since the beginning of the popularity of e-sports worldwide, but
bureaucracy has been hindering them from competing in the international scene
especially when it comes to visa issues which has been a perennial problem for
e-sports players not only in our local shores but also in Southeast Asia as
well. Now, it will all change as the Philippine government is beginning to
recognize the potential of local e-sports players in the global stage.
As reported on ESPN.com, TNC Pro Gaming and Execration which are slated
to compete in The International 2017 which will be held on August in Seattle,
have recently secured their visas worry-free after being granted their own
athletic licenses from no less than the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) making
them the first line of high level e-sports players to become bonafide professional
athletes. These licenses follow the provisions set by Presidential Decree No.
871, an executive decree signed by former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos
in 1976 placing basketball and other professional sporting endeavors under the
GAB.
Prior to this major development, both TNC and Execration are struggling
to secure the legal papers required for them to compete in various
international pro gaming events. At one point, Filipino DOTA 2 players were
able to compete in The International 2016 through the support of Senator Bam
Aquino, where TNC reached the quarterfinals in a shocking manner and finished
with US$250,000 from the prize pool. However, sometimes their efforts are not
enough for them to continue their progress in the global scene due to the visa issues
that has been plaguing them before.
