Mineski Philippines has officially opened its Youth Esports Program (YEP) regional qualifiers for the National Interschool Cyber League (NICL). For its third leg, teams will compete in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, one of the most popular mobile games in the country with over 100 million registered users and 25 million monthly active users. The game itself has also been used by some universities as an alternative to traditional physical education classes and its recently concluded M2 World Championship was the most watched esports tournament with 136 million views.
Registration is now open to senior high school and college students ages 16-22 years old. Teams based in the National Capital Region (NCR) must sign up on or before April 11 (Sunday), while those from other areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao must do so by April 16 (Friday). Games will run from April 13 to May 7. There will also be a prize pool of Php150,000 up for grabs. For more details and to register, visit YEP’s official Facebook page today.
YEP is a joint initiative between leading esports organization Mineski Philippines and the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL). Together, they are committed using their size and industry influence to promote responsible gaming and co-curricular esports to schools across the country. Its crown jewel is the NICL, the first major collegiate esports league to feature first-person shooter (FPS) and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games for both personal computer and mobile devices.
Through similar grassroot activities and strategic brand partnerships, YEP aspires to create a community for esports enthusiasts and help its youth members find success in gaming whether as a recreational hobby or as a legitimate career path. The program is also a firm believer in inclusivity and balance, offering a structured, safe space for gamers that is both competitive and fun.
“As gaming continues to grow in scale and popularity among our youth, it has become more vital for us to create safe spaces where students learn how to play responsibly and respectfully, understanding the many benefits that esports has to offer them. Gaming, after all, is part of a fun and balanced life. We at Mineski, through our grassroots programs, are committed to creating an inclusive esports environment that upholds the highest of standards and ensures all gamers get a fair and safe experience,” shared YEP Program Director Marlon Marcelo.
The program currently has 80 chapters or partner schools and has already secured sponsorship deals with several international brands, such as OPPO. The global smart device brand recently signed on as the official smartphone brand partner of both the YEP and NICL after recognizing the popularity of gaming among youth audiences and committed its support to helping move the industry forward.
“We greatly value how the youth today appreciate smartphone innovations that are relevant to the esports and gaming industry. Through the partnership with Mineski Philippines’ Youth Esports Program, we can together educate the youth on the growing community and demand for esports and gaming in the country. With OPPO’s latest and affordable smartphone products with premium quality features, it is easier now for Filipino mobile gamers to learn and be part of this growing industry” said OPPO Philippines Marketing Director Raymond Xia.
If you want your school to be part of the YEP or are interested in partnership opportunities, inquire through email at yep@mineski.net.
For more information about Mineski, YEP, and its other programs, visit www.mineskiglobal.com.