Gold or bust for SIBOL in Asiad

Alta Sports17 days ago · 145 views

Photo: PESO

By Tiffany Dela Cruz

The Philippine Esports Organization (PeSO) is aiming high as SIBOL gears up for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan this September.

“I think right now the expectation is that we will get the gold,” SIBOL general manager Jab Escutin said during a press conference at the TNC office in Cubao last Tuesday.

With the Philippines widely recognized as a global leader in Mobile Legends, Escutin explained that the expectation for victory is well-founded. SIBOL is expected to maintain the nation’s strong track record in the game and continue its tradition of excellence.

The country has dominated the competitive scene, winning six out of seven M-Series World Championships and earning gold in every Southeast Asian Games where Mobile Legends was featured, bringing home a total of four gold medals.

“We've been defending our gold medal in the SEA Games for the longest time and with the support that we're getting from our partners and the government and all the other support that we're getting from the community,” Escutin said.

To maximize their chances in Nagoya, PeSO has undertaken extensive preparations.

This includes holding rigorous qualifiers and bringing in experienced coaches such as Francis "Duckey" Glindro, Michael "Arcadia" Bocado, and Denver "Yeb" Miranda, ensuring that the team is fully equipped for the challenge.

“I think we want to maximize all of the advantages, how little it is, how big it is, we want to maximize all of it. That's why we have the support and knowledge of our support coaches to assist our head coach and our analysts,” Escutin said.

“So that's why we are coming in with all of our guns blazing. That's why we have all of our support coaches. That's why we had very extensive qualifiers this round. So that we can go in prepared and we are prepared to give our players and our coaches everything they need so they can bring glory to the country,” he added.

Allec "SN4P" Alvarado will lead the squad as head coach, following his recent success guiding Team Liquid PH to victory in the qualifiers. He will work closely with support coaches to assemble the national team through the SIBOL Combine, selecting standout players from Team Liquid PH, Team Falcons PH, ONIC PH, and the amateur Aurora Hunters.

“I really like the term powerful and I think na appreciate rin ng mga coaches natin that they are considered one of the most powerful coaches in MLBB. It's because of the opportunity we have right now,” Escutin said.

“It's the first time that MLBB will be part of the Asian Games and as the Philippines is the current defending champions for all or let's say the standard when it comes to MLBB championships.”

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