Globe Telecom, in partnership with Mineski, unveiled a professional esports team called Liyab and will field teams for League of Legends, Hearthstone and Arena of Valor.
Liyab will be the symbol of the country’s burning passion and pride in global esports events, Liyab, which translates to ‘Blaze,’ represents the team’s intense passion and focus in the realm of esports.
Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said.
Through its partnership with Mineski, Globe is committed to further strengthening the country’s esports program and solidifying the Philippines’ position alongside the established esports giants in the region.
With the proper management system, we strongly believe we can overcome the hurdles and set an example for many to follow suit as well so to make each country competitive with each game and also to promote a stronger region overall, Liyab will establish a professional sports team management system by introducing sports science, mental and physical programs, as well as proper training facilities – moving away from playing houses.
Says Mineski CEO and President Ronald Robins.
Robins believes that esports is now at a stage whereby new roles are being filled in to assure the constant growth and progress of the athletes.
Since its launch in April 2018, the Globe Games and Esports Program is at the forefront of the Philippine esports landscape by organizing and hosting international esports tournaments such as the Globe Philippine Pro Gaming League, Globe Conquerors Manila, and Valor Cup.
Globe SVP for Content Business Nikko Acosta revealed that Globe Games and Esports Program has been leading the development of the industry by setting the trend in all gaming access such as mobile, PC and consoles.
With the birth of Liyab Esports Team, we will be disrupting esports and games much like how we changed the digital lifestyle and entertainment in the Philippines, The Philippines will finally have a systematic and professionalized program for esports.
Acosta said.
This is in line with the major development last quarter when it was announced by the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) that Esports will be officially included in the calendar of games for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in the Philippines from November 30 to December 11, 2019.
Cu also said that Liyab will play a major role on how Globe would redefine the gaming and esports habits of Filipinos by expanding its #PlayItRight advocacy into gaming responsibility.
We are now positioning gaming and esports like a real sport for Filipino gamers to follow. By focusing on the total development of the esports athlete such as Physical Wellness, Nutrition, Discipline and Cognitive Development, this provides gamers an avenue to progress to a professional level.
Cu added.
Robins said that Mineski will help shape the local gaming industry by creating professional standards for esports athlete development, influence attitudes, personalities and aspirations of the next generation of gamers.