In the fast-paced world of esports, careers can be as fleeting as a clutch play. While the lights and prize pools shine bright, former Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) professional player and now content creator Ben “Benthings” Maglaque is shining a light on a crucial, often overlooked aspect of a pro gamer’s journey: financial education. During the MLBB Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 15 Playoffs, he shared insights into his new cafe business and his mission to empower the esports and gaming community.
Benthings’ venture into entrepreneurship stems from a stark realization. “I started becoming aware when I joined some players in a tournament abroad. They would talk about their struggles, saying things like, ‘We should have maximized streaming and doing business back then.’ They always used to tell me, ‘Being a professional player has a time limit.’ As for being a content creator, people eventually get tired of you. That’s why I started getting into business,” he explained.
This sentiment resonates deeply within the esports landscape. While the thrill of competition and the allure of streaming can be all-consuming, the shelf life of a professional player is often limited. Benthings’ proactive approach to building a sustainable future beyond competitive gaming serves as a powerful example.
Esports Pros Investing in Their Future
Benthings isn’t alone in recognizing the importance of diversifying income and investing. The MLBB professional scene has seen a growing trend of players venturing into business and real estate. Team Falcons’ Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo recently celebrated the purchase of his first family home, proudly posting on Facebook, “After years of grinding and manifesting, I finally have my own house!” Similarly, ONIC Philippines’ Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas has invested in the perfume and clothing business, while Team Liquid’s Sanji “Sanji” Pabico launched his own computer shop this year. These stories highlight a maturing mindset within the industry, where players are increasingly looking beyond immediate winnings.
However, despite these inspiring examples, financial management remains a hurdle for many. “My former teammates really struggled,” Benthings shared candidly. “For example, their salaries were already lined up for bills and debts. I always used to tell them, when you’re a pro-player, you can’t sustain your life 100% if that’s your only source of income. Especially if no one is guiding you on how to manage your money.”
Benthings actively encourages players to explore additional income streams, such as content creation and livestreaming, not just for financial gain but also to build a personal brand that can attract sponsorships and collaborations. “I encourage them to do other things they can earn from, like creating content and streaming, so they can also be known to possible brand partners.”
Benthings’ Personal Journey to Financial Freedom
Benthings himself faced financial challenges at the beginning of his pro career. Yet, he understood the critical need to prioritize saving. In a savvy move in 2017, he invested in a jeepney for his brother, creating a passive income stream that allowed him to gradually build his savings. “I bought my older brother a jeep. I invested in him, and because of that, I was gradually able to save up. Before, my money was going nowhere. I realized that I can’t just keep earning a salary and have it all go to expenses.” This early lesson in passive income and disciplined saving laid the groundwork for his current financial stability and entrepreneurial ventures. He credits having a savings account for helping him track expenses and monitor earnings, a simple yet effective tool often overlooked.
MPL PH and BPI: Partnering for Financial Empowerment
Recognizing this vital need, MPL Philippines has been actively pushing for financial literacy and education within the MLBB esports community. Their partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Inc., is a significant step towards this goal, aiming to equip gamers with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions.
“At MPL Philippines, we strongly believe in the importance of financial literacy and education. It is a key area of focus, and we believe it is crucial to spread the knowledge of how to manage their money at a young age. Most of our pro-players have various streams of income, but we want to emphasize the importance of making smart monetary decisions,” stated Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of Business Development and Partnerships at MOONTON Games. “We thank BPI for bringing banking closer to the gaming community. We share the same goal with them in pushing for financial solutions that encourage our gamers to save up and make a habit of saving.”
Ginbee Go, Head of Consumer Banking at BPI, echoed this sentiment: “At BPI, we believe that financial empowerment should start early, especially in fast-growing communities like esports and gaming. Stories like Benthings’ show how financial education can transform lives, create new opportunities, and unlock long-term success. Through our partnership with MPL Philippines, we aim to bring banking closer to a new generation and market of Filipinos, helping them save, invest, and build a future beyond the game. When the youth is equipped with the right tools and mindset, they can truly Do More—not just in their careers, but in life.”
As esports continues its meteoric rise, the conversation around financial stability and long-term planning for its participants becomes increasingly critical. Benthings’ journey, supported by initiatives from MPL PH and BPI, is a powerful reminder that while the games may be virtual, the financial futures of its stars are very real.
