The Nationals Is Coming

Tweet

GAMING | June 20, 2018

Led by MVP Group chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan, top officials and representatives from various local organizations are going all in for The Nationals, the first franchise model eSports league in the Philippines. (Image Source: Mineski.net)

The Philippine pro gaming scene continues to be on the rise with the likes of TNC Pro Gaming, Mineski, PBE Philippe and more making their own impact on the international scene and more aspiring young gamers showcasing their own skills in numerous local gaming tournaments. However, with the Overwatch League and NBA 2K League on the roll, Filipino gaming and eSports enthusiasts express that they need to have a professional gaming league that can be considered their own. Luckily, their aspirations will be realized in the coming months. 

PLDT, Smart Communications Inc., Mediaquest Holdings Inc., and TV5 Network Inc. have officially forged a partnership with some of the finest names in the Philippine eSports scene - TNC, HappyFeet, Bren eSports, Gariath Concepts, STI Colleges - that will lead to the formation of the first franchise-based professional gaming league in the Philippines and it will be known as The Nationals.

Eight undisclosed franchises have already expressed their interest and are going all in with many of the best players in the local eSports scene to showcase their skills and stuff and compete against each other in three highly-engaging game titles on PC, mobile and console plus a wildcard game to boot. It is set to debut early next year, but the road to The Nationals is slated to begin in August 2018 with its own grassroots program. If you are a fan of eSports, then you should know that grassroots means a series of open qualifiying events across different parts of the country.

There's nothing more I can say about The Nationals, but one thing I know that it will surely be at par with the PBA and the Philippine Superliga in terms of popularity and traction. It will be intriguingly interesting for anyone who is not familiar with eSports to understand what it is all about and know who is going to root for in the upcoming league. There is no doubt and without any question that The Nationals is coming, and it will be a strong statement that the local pro gaming scene will continue to grow and evolve in its own poise to become well-known around the world as well as the industry.

By the way, the competition will be broadcasted live on ESPN5, the sports division of TV5 Network Inc. which is now highly regarded as the number one sports channel in the Philippines. To be honest, it will be the first time that a professional gaming league will be aired on Philippine television in its full entirety. With that in mind, let us keep our hands crossed on a new search for the next national heroes!!