The global esports community recently witnessed a ten-day spectacle, hosted by the International Esports Federation (IESF).
The 15th World Esports Championship came to a thrilling conclusion, with the Philippines earning the title of Grand Champion. This championship, seen as one of the premier esports events, shattered previous viewership records. A staggering 700,796 viewers tuned in for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Grand Final, highlighting the increasing global interest in esports.
In total, the championship featured 601 esports players, representing an impressive 111 countries. The games in focus for this year’s competition were CS:GO, Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, eFootball™ 2023, Tekken 7, and PUBG Mobile. One of the notable highlights was the introduction of the Women’s CS:GO tournament. This inclusive move not only doubled the number of participating teams from the previous year but also saw the Netherlands emerging as the formidable champions in this category.
IESF’s General Secretary, Boban Totovski, was vocal in his praise for all the participants, especially the triumphant Philippine team. “We are proud to crown the Philippines as the Grand Champion,” he remarked, further adding that the event solidified IESF’s reputation as the epicenter of international esports. This sentiment was echoed by Brian Lim, President of the Philippine Esports Federation, who stated that the victory was “a long-time dream” and a testament to the potential of Filipinos in the dynamic world of esports.
In addition to the games, attendees and viewers were treated to an array of side events. Insightful panel discussions with industry thought leaders, activations with IESF partner FitGMR, and a ComicCon event ensured an interactive and engaging experience. Moreover, a three-day music festival featuring international artists like Armin van Buuren and Lost Frequencies was organized in partnership with Digital Throne, Romania’s premier pop culture festival.
