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Esports AcadArena, the first full-fledged esports scholarship programme in the Philippines will be getting a boost from American video game developer, publisher, and esports tournament organiser – Riot Games.

The collaboration with the Southeast Asian division of Riot Games will help to bolster AcadArena’s campaign to promote esports education in Philippines schools, especially on the collegiate level, as well as lead to bigger and better student gaming initiatives in the country.

Nurturing next generation of players

Riot Games’ first partnership will be the University Alliance Cup (UAC), where Riot’s competitive first-person shooter game, Valorant, will be the headline of the tournament. The tournament, which has a prize pool of US$9,275, will also see the grand champion represent the Philippines in the international PVP Esports Campus Championship.

The partnership with this campus esports initiative is a step forward for Riot Games towards continued growth of the global esports scene.

“Collegiate-level esports is an important step in nurturing the next generation of professional players and video game industry professionals,” said Chris Tran, Head of Esports at Riot Games Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. “We are excited to work closely with Esports AcadArena and Globe Telecom to bring our games to campuses in the Philippines.”

Riot Games also working with YEP

Riot Games is also expanding its presence in esports among youths through the Philippines’ Youth Esports Program (YEP) for student-oriented events and activities.

Formed by Mineski Philippines and the Philippines Collegiate Champions League (PCCL), YEP will help develop future esports talents through students.

Riot Games’ involvement in YEP includes giving students the opportunity to join workshops and career talks, and participate in joint projects.

“The Philippines has always been one of our most important markets and we have been consistently blown away by the passion and talent discovered within the community here. We are excited to partner with the Youth Esports Program and to support their efforts in nurturing the next generation of esports and game industry professionals,” said Tran in a press release.

YEP Director Marlon Marcelo also commented that this backing from a global gaming company will raise the importance of esports to that of traditional varsity sports in schools. This could be a gateway for the Philippines to create an infrastructure that helps students have a clear and safe way to pursue their passions in esports.