Philippines’ NCAA embraces Esports with VALORANT, MLBB tournaments
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of the Philippines has officially approved esports tournaments, marking a major step in integrating competitive gaming into the country’s collegiate sports landscape. This follows the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) own inclusion of esports earlier this year.
In a formal event held at Marco Polo Ortigas, the NCAA announced its entry into esports with the launch of the “Esports Kick-Off” tournament, as per a report by Spin.ph. Organised in partnership with the Collegiate Center for Esports (CCE), the initiative involves all 10 member schools of the NCAA and features one of the country’s most popular titles—Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).
The tournament is slated to commence on 28 June 2025, running until 27 July 2025, and serves as a prologue to esports’ full inclusion in NCAA Season 101, which is slated to take place in December. Another popular title, VALORANT, will join MLBB in Season 101, making up the core of the NCAA’s official esports line-up.
Kick-Off tournament in two rounds
The format of the Esports Kick-Off is designed to test team dynamics and logistics before full integration. The ten schools are divided into two groups of five for the opening round-robin stage, taking place on 28–29 June 2025. A second round of matches will follow on 12–13 July 2025.
The top three teams from each group will then proceed to the playoffs, a modified gauntlet double-elimination format to be held in person at the Philippine Game Dev Expo (PGDX), SMX Convention Centre, from 25–27 July 2025.
While team rosters are yet to be officially released, all member institutions are expected to send representatives, and early signs suggest enthusiastic preparation among participants. The tournament also aims to showcase leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking—skills that are valued in both gaming and real-world careers.
NCAA Esports Event Chairman Melchor Divina said the league’s foray into esports is about “igniting a movement” and encouraging the collegiate community to embrace the evolving nature of sport and entertainment. He added that this event could pave the way for future scholarship opportunities and a more formal recognition of esports athletes.
Tournament expected to draw large crowds
Although this kick-off tournament is not yet part of the NCAA’s regular calendar, it is being closely observed as a pilot for future seasons. Should it succeed, esports may find a long-term home alongside basketball, volleyball, and other traditional disciplines.
The finals at PGDX are expected to draw large crowds, both on-site and online. Streaming details are to be announced via the NCAA and CCE’s official social media channels. With esports rapidly gaining recognition, the NCAA’s move shows a growing acceptance of digital competition in academic institutions across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
