Esports will likely be Included in the NCAA Philippines Championship this Year

The Philippines is one of the few countries that has been quick to recognize and adapt esports into the mainstream. The recent inclusion of esports as a medal event in the SEA Games 2019 held in the Philippines, has been instrumental in legitimizing it and making it popular in the eyes of the public.

Now with the current lockdown, according to Philstar, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Philippines is considering including esports should the government relax restrictions and allow the return of sports.

Fr. Victor Calvo, OP, Athletics Director of this year's host of the NCAA Championships: Letran stated:

“We’re seriously considering holding e-games or e-sports should and when we are allowed to open the NCAA this season. It is best for everyone because it is safer for our athletes as well as for everyone.”

Currently, NBA 2k (basketball) and Mobile Legends (MLBB) are being considered for inclusion in this edition of the NCAA Championships. Online chess is also one of the front-runners to be included in this edition of the colleigiate championship.

Considering the fact that esports tournaments can be held online, without risking the lives of any of the athletes with no additional cost for infrastructure, it is likely to be introduced in this year’s NCAA Philippines Championships.