The University Athletic Association of the Philippines is gearing up for a chapter with the highly anticipated debut of the UAAP Esports Tournament. After a year of planning this momentous event is set to kick off on Tuesday, August 13 at Ateneo. This marks a milestone in UAAPs history as it officially introduces esports into its lineup of events.
For years the UAAP has been a cornerstone of sports in the Philippines with member schools competing in traditional sports, like basketball, volleyball and athletics. The addition of esports signifies an forward looking step that resonates with the changing interests of todays youth. This innovative idea was first suggested by UP Board Managing Director and current UP College of Human Kinetics Dean Francis Diaz during UAAP Season 85. While originally planned for the end of Season 86 logistical hurdles led to a postponement. Now it promises to be a standout feature of UPs hosting year.
The tournament's launch at Ateneo de Manila University underscores the institution's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Emmanuel Fernandez, a member of Ateneo’s Board of Managing Directors, emphasized this sentiment: “Through the years, the UAAP has expanded with new events like beach volleyball, poomsae, and 3×3 basketball. This shows that the UAAP will adapt.”
The inaugural UAAP Esports Tournament will feature three competitive titles: NBA2K24 for sports-based console gaming, Valorant for PC first-person shooters, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or MLBB for mobile multiplayer online battle arenas. This diverse selection of games ensures that students from all walks of life and gaming preferences can participate making the tournament as inclusive as possible.
“The goal this season was to be as inclusive as possible and give students many chances to participate, so we decided to include popular titles from different platforms,” said UAAP Season 87 Esports Commissioner Monique Monasterio. “As you know, there are many esports titles, and narrowing it down was definitely a challenge, but the UAAP is committed, so there will be more chances to join for those whose game of choice hasn’t been selected yet.”
This inclusivity extends across all eight UAAP member schools, with each institution fielding teams in all three games. The tournament format is designed to maximize competitive opportunities while ensuring a fair and exciting competition for all participants.
The NBA2K24 tournament will feature a 16-man field, with each school fielding two student-athletes. These players will be divided into two pools, with the top two players from each pool advancing to the Final Four. This structure ensures that only the most skilled and strategic players make it to the later stages of the tournament, setting the stage for intense and high-stakes matchups.
In Valorant esports, one of the most popular first-person shooters globally, the competition is divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and Adamson University and Group B, featuring the University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, National University, and University of the East.
The elimination rounds will follow a best-of-two format, where teams earn 3 points for a 2-0 series win, 1 point for a tie and no points for a loss. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the Final Four where the competition will intensify in a best-of-three format for the semifinals, third-place matches and finals.
For Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a wildly popular MOBA in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, the groupings are similarly structured. FEU, NU, and Ateneo form Group A, while UST, UP, UE, and Adamson make up Group B. The format and point system mirror that of Valorant, ensuring consistency across the tournament and providing teams with clear goals as they compete for a spot in the finals.
The UAAP Esports Tournament represents more than just a new event in the league’s calendar; it is a historic moment that reflects the growing influence of esports in the Philippines and around the world. Commissioner Monasterio expressed her excitement about the tournament’s launch: “As someone who’s been a ‘gamer’ since I was a kid, I can hardly believe how much esports and gaming have grown as an industry. I feel incredibly lucky to not only witness it but to be a part of its history and the many ‘firsts’ in the Philippines. The feeling is surreal, and it gives me a lot of joy and hope that this is only the beginning of esports in the UAAP. Expect bigger and better things to come!”
The enthusiasm for the tournament extends beyond the gaming community, with UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene Saguisag Jr. highlighting the broader significance of this event: “This event continues the league’s commitment to evolving with the times while also playing a vital role in nurturing future national athletes.”
Recognizing the growing popularity of esports and its potential to reach a wide audience, the UAAP has partnered with various media outlets to broadcast the tournament. The games will be streamed live on One Sports’ YouTube channel, Pilipinas Live, the Varsity Channel, and One Sports. This extensive coverage ensures that fans from across the country and beyond can follow the action as it unfolds, further cementing the tournament’s place in the UAAP’s expanding legacy.
As the UAAP Esports Tournament kicks off, it signals a new era for the league, one that embraces the evolving interests of today’s students while staying true to its mission of fostering athletic excellence. The success of this tournament could pave the way for even more esports titles to be included in future seasons, offering students even more opportunities to showcase their skills and represent their schools on a national stage.
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