The Philippines is rapidly gaining recognition as a global leader in Web3 esports, consistently excelling in tournaments of Anichess, the innovative new decentralized interpretation of the classic game of kings.
Blending the nation’s passion for strategic gaming, blockchain innovation, and community-driven play, Anichess is positioning itself to replicate the widespread popularity that the Philippines experienced with Axie Infinity.
Anichess: Chess Reinvented
Developed by Animoca Brands alongside Chess.com and endorsed by world-renowned chess champions including Magnus Carlsen and Anish Giri, Anichess enhances classic chess with unique magic spells. This fresh strategic dimension appeals equally to traditional chess enthusiasts, esports players, and blockchain gamers.
Filipino Champions Shine on Global Stage
The Anichess x Chess.com Pre-Season Cup, which ran from February to March 2025, highlighted Filipino dominance, with three of the top four finalists, including tournament champion Portgas, representing the Philippines.
Portgas completed a remarkable comeback from a 0-2 deficit, securing victory in a gripping final match viewed by thousands worldwide. He claimed the championship title and a $3,000 prize out of a $10,000 prize pool through strategic spell chess mastery.
Victories in other Anichess events have also highlighted the dominance of Filipino chess players.
Bybit Blitz Cup: Filipino players showcased strategic excellence in the $10,000 prize pool tournament, reinforcing the country’s esports reputation in December 2024.
YGG Play Summit: John F Dong, a newcomer with a traditional chess background, unexpectedly claimed victory after discovering the tournament on social media, earning $3,000 out of a $10,000 prize pool and a one-year Anichess ambassador contract. “I was supposed to be playing DOTA,” John said, “but when I saw Anichess, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be my best decision.”
CoinEx & Anichess Support Philippine Chess Community
Strengthening the intersection of blockchain and traditional gaming, CoinEx sponsored the National Age Group Chess Championship held in Batangas in March 2025. With over 1,000 attendees, the event featured Anichess alongside influential figures such as Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, emphasizing a shared commitment to strategic growth and youth development.
Why the Philippines Leads Web3 Esports
The Philippines’ recent achievements stem from a robust gaming culture and adoption of Web3 fostered by communities like Yield Guild Games (YGG). Initially key to the Axie Infinity boom, YGG continues to propel Filipino gamers toward success in Anichess, helping to cement the nation’s Web3 gaming leadership.
Growing Esports Potential and Community Rewards
The Anichess Pre-Season Cup attracted over 315,000 viewers across its livestreams from 7 to 11 March 2025, underscoring its global esports potential. The Checkmate Foundation confirmed the introduction of $C token rewards for Anichess players from Seasons 1 to 3, reinforcing its sustainable play-to-earn model.
Future Expansion: More Play-to-Earn OpportunitiesAnichess is expanding its gameplay with the upcoming Arena Mode and Quest features, which will increase opportunities for competitive gameplay and rewards.“We’re excited about the skill and enthusiasm that Anichess has attracted,” said Brian Chan, Animoca Brands Deputy COO and Head of Anichess. “This is just the start. We’re building an inclusive, competitive platform that rewards strategic talent.”