The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) is leveling up its engagement with young Filipinos by hosting its first-ever Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament, inviting all 149 member cities to join in this groundbreaking esports initiative.
At a media event held on November 12, Victorias City Mayor and LCP Focal Person for Youth and Sports Development Javi Benitez announced that 25 cities have already confirmed their participation or expressed interest in the tournament. Mayor Benitez was joined by LCP Acting National President and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and AP.Bren CEO AJ Ponce as they unveiled details of this historic competition.
Each city can field up to two teams, with the initial rounds set to take place online starting November 22. This virtual battle will culminate in an on-site Grand Final scheduled for February 2024. Fans can catch all the action through LCP’s official streaming channels, ensuring the tournament is accessible to audiences nationwide.
Mayor Benitez emphasized the importance of esports as a platform for youth empowerment and international recognition:
“[We are really] pushing for sports and especially esports where we can excel on the global stage,” he said. “We feel that MLBB is not only practical, but at the same time, there’s a chance for our grassroots to be in the next Olympics.”
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of esports as a viable sport for global competitions. With Mobile Legends: Bang Bang recently featured in the Southeast Asian Games and esports gaining traction as a potential Olympic category, this tournament serves as a stepping stone for Filipino youth aiming to make their mark internationally.
Esports also provides an accessible platform for players from diverse backgrounds, fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and skill development. By hosting this tournament, LCP aims to not only entertain but inspire the next generation of Filipino gamers to strive for excellence on both local and global stages.
This bold step by the LCP shows that esports is no longer just a pastime—it’s a movement uniting cities, nurturing talent, and bridging the gap between traditional governance and the digital generation.
As the tournament kicks off, cities across the Philippines will battle it out in the Land of Dawn. Who will emerge victorious in this exciting clash of strategies and skills? Tune in via LCP’s official streaming platforms and cheer for your city’s team!
Stay tuned for updates as we follow the journey of these aspiring esports champions.
