NCAA Philippines Enters the Digital Arena with Inaugural Esports Tournament Featuring Mobile Legends
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Philippines is making history as it launches its first-ever official Esports Kick-off Tournament, beginning June 28 to July 25, 2025. Featuring the wildly popular mobile title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, this initiative marks a bold and strategic leap into the digital frontier of collegiate sports.
With all 10 NCAA member schools set to participate, this tournament ushers in a new chapter in NCAA’s long-standing legacy—bridging tradition with innovation by embracing the rapidly growing esports scene in the Philippines.
Leveling Up Collegiate Competition
Melchor Divina, Event Chairman for NCAA Esports, emphasized the broader vision behind this initiative:
“As we launch this year’s NCAA Esports Tournament, we’re not just starting a competition—we’re igniting a movement that recognizes the talent, drive, and potential of college gamers across the nation. Esports is now a gateway to leadership, collaboration, and professional growth in the digital age.”
Tournament Format: Who Will Rise as Champion?
The Esports Kick-off Tournament will unfold in two phases:
- Group Stage (June 28–July 23)
- The 10 schools are split into two groups of five, competing in a round-robin format.
- The Top 3 teams from each group will advance to the playoffs.
- Playoffs (July 25–27)
- The Finals will be held live during the Philippine GameDev Expo 2025 at SMX Convention Center, Manila.
- Teams will face off in a modified gauntlet double elimination bracket until a champion is crowned.
Full Esports Season Set for NCAA Season 101
This tournament is only the beginning. The NCAA has confirmed that a full esports season will debut in NCAA Season 101, launching this December 2025. It will feature two of today’s most competitive titles: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Valorant, expanding the league’s offerings beyond the hardwood and into the digital battlefield.
The season will be organized in collaboration with the Collegiate Center for Esports (CCE), a CHED-recognized esports body known for spearheading student-focused competitive platforms since 2019.
NCAA Joins the Esports Evolution
With over 96 seasons of rich history in traditional athletics, NCAA Philippines now embraces a generation of gamers who see esports as both passion and profession. Its 10 member schools—Arellano University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Mapúa University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA—are all set to go head-to-head for the inaugural title.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Campus Esports
The NCAA Philippines Esports Tournament is a defining moment for collegiate esports in the country. It reflects the growing legitimacy of gaming as a competitive sport and a viable pathway for career development in the tech and entertainment sectors.
Whether you’re a student, fan, or aspiring pro, this tournament is your front-row ticket to the future of campus esports.
