UAAP Esports Commissioner on league’s future: ‘we are looking at continuity’

Paolo Barcelon

19.08.2024

One of the country’s biggest collegiate leagues is making sure that esports will become a mainstay in its tournaments.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines or UAAP Esports Commissioner Monique Monasterio says they are looking at “continuity” of the league after a critically-acclaimed start.

“We decided on popular titles so that at least the schools wouldn't have a hard time coming

up with their teams as well to be able to participate,” Monasterio told Scoreline in a phone interview.

“So, we also looked at titles that are popular but would also have longevity because, as you know, with anything, there is a cost. So, we also didn't want to just come up with a title this season that wouldn't have continuity for next season,” the Commissioner explained.

For the inaugural season, three major categories were selected to represent various gaming platforms: Console (NBA 2K), PC (VALORANT), and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Mobile).

And while esports is considered as a demonstration sport - meaning the title won’t be part of overall championship competitions yet - the new endeavor by the league has been met with support from school administrators, students, parents, and even game developers.

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Paolo Barcelon

“I have to say, it's been absolutely amazing talaga. So we actually wanted to keep this inaugural event as small and as simple as possible. We wanted to concentrate on just being able to provide the participants a good experience,” Commissioner Monasterio said. “And I think that we've gone over that. And it's because of the students and the support that they're getting, not just from their schools, but from their families also.”

She adds, “actually, the developers have started talking to me, they really want to support. A lot of developers have already told me, hey, if you need anything, you just let me know, we will support you. The MPL itself has already said that, hey, maybe we can plug your event in our broadcast, and I think they did last night. So for the MPL to give a shout out to the UAAP on air and say, hey, you guys should watch the MLBB finals on Wednesday. It's a lot of, it's just a lot of support coming from the developers and from PESO (Philippine Esports Organization) as well.”

Monasterio confirmed that at least for the next season in 2025, MLBB, VALORANT and NBA 2K will be making a comeback.

Whether or not there will be more titles in the esports mix, is yet to be discussed.

“Well, we wanted to include as many participants as possible. We wanted to be inclusive.So, we decided to give a little bit of diversity where we chose three platforms,” the commissioner said.

“So, you have console, you have PC, and you have mobile, right? And then, for each platform, it was very difficult to narrow it down, right? So, we also decided on popular titles so that at least the schools wouldn't have a hard time coming up with their teams as well to be able to participate,” Monasterio stated.

In the end, Monasterio and the UAAP Esports team are elated that their efforts are being seen as a gateway for esports to become a sustainable athletic career path, with comparisons being drawn to how traditional sports in the UAAP had become a gold mine for pro teams and the national sporting associations.

“Somebody from PESO came over, he saw the crowd. He's actually there with

his nephew. His nephew is Atenean. He said, ‘Monique, the (MLBB) draft, the clashes,

they're all on a professional level already.’ I'm really surprised. And he said, even the picks, the meta, I said, well, it all comes back because it all starts from professional - and then that's where they get their ideas, their strategies. You know, for any sport, that's usually how it goes. We look at what the professionals are doing, and then we teach ourselves and we emulate,” Monasterio said.

PESO has earlier announced it is preparing hard for the coming year, in which many major esports competitions are to be held - including the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, and the 2025 Olympic Esports Games.

The finale of the UAAP Season 87 Esports competition will be held on Wednesday, August 21st.