The Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) recently celebrated a remarkable year for the organization with a slew of both competitive and organizational achievements in 2023 as well as announced some of its plans for the coming year.
SIBOL, the Philippine national esports team, was able to secure six medals during the Southeast Asian Games last May 2023. The team received 2 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals, and notably won medals in every esports title at the event while the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team also clinched their third consecutive SEA Games gold medal.
SIBOL also won gold and silver in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Tekken 7 at the International Esports Federation (IESF) World Championship 2023 last September. SIBOL also secured the title of overall world champion at the event, winning over 111 countries.
“We take immense pride in supporting a team of talented and passionate players who have been training relentlessly to represent our country. Looking ahead to 2024, we hold firm in our belief that Sibol will persist in elevating the Philippines on the global esports stage,” says Sibol general manager Jab Escutin.
As an organization, PESO was able to inaugurate its new headquarters in Mandaluyong last July 2023. The new facility will also serve as the training and collaboration center for SIBOL.
PESO was also honored with the title of National Federation of the Year 2023 by the International Esports Federation (IESF), prevailing against 140 other countries.
In 2024, the organization plans to build a dedicated esports facility that can fulfill multiple roles, from athlete training to on-site events and broadcasting. PESO announced that it has already laid plans for the facility and is in the process of finalizing the funding procedures for it.
PESO also plans to expand its National Grassroots Programs (NGP) next year. Some of the plans involve identifying eight locations across the country to bring NGP initiatives to a larger audience and collaborate with numerous partners to help identify and develop players through the grassroots program.
“In 2024, PESO is resolute in fostering esports talent through the advancement of our esports facility. Our focus on enhancing esports infrastructure reflects our commitment to providing top-tier environments for players to hone their skills. Moreover, our commitment extends beyond physical boundaries. PESO’s esports facility is not just a space; it’s a dynamic broadcast center, bringing online events to life with cutting-edge technology and production values. PESO’s vision for 2024 is to create spaces that inspire excellence and propel esports to new heights,” says PESO executive director Marlon Marcelo.