Dota 2 is making a comeback in the Philippines esports scene as major companies join forces under the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to establish a professional league. Over 100 Dota 2 teams participated in the qualifiers, with only 10 teams making it to the final “franchised league” stage. Local brands and companies will now support this league moving forward.
While the prize pool for the qualifying event was $4,500, the main focus was on exposure for the participating teams. The lack of interest in the MENA region for Dota 2 and its qualifier spot for ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 came as a surprise to the Dota 2 community. SunBhie, in an interview with Dot Esports, pointed out that SEA Dota 2 is currently at its weakest due to a regional flaw. Talon Esports was the only exception, as the overall performance in the region declined in 2023. The rise of mobile gaming has led to a talent drought in SEA and China.
However, the PBA’s recent experiment has shown that there is still significant demand for Dota 2 in the Philippines. Despite the popularity of mobile esports titles, the level of gameplay and average MMR of participating teams in the qualifiers exceeded expectations. This initiative by the PBA successfully supported the local scene and increased awareness around Dota 2.
With Dota 2 transitioning to a new competitive system in the 2024 season, SEA may have the opportunity to host more major tournaments due to its loyal fanbase and less strict visa regulations. The PBA’s initiative serves as a promising starting point for talented Filipino Dota 2 players.
Source: DOTESPORTS
