Ten titles will be at stake in the esports competitions of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
Emphasis on indoor events were made by organizers in their effort to ensure the safety of participants in terms of social security and order, fire prevention and control, health care, and fighting the pandemic during the biennial meet.
Organizers have given their nod on the proposal of the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association for this year’s games, according to reports.
This means that there will be four categories than what was offered when the sport made its debut at the 2019 Games in the Philippines.
One of the new events to be played is a League of Legends tournament on the personal computer platform, along with men’s and women’s Wild Rift competitions on mobile.
Other mobile tournaments to be played include Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Arena of Valor and Free Fire, and individual and team contests in PUBG Mobile.
FIFA Online 4 will also be featured on the PC platform along with CrossFire.
Among the titles played back in 2019 was DOTA 2 on the PC platform.
The Philippines led the medal standings with three golds, one silver and a bronze during the SEAG’s last staging.
The Philippines figured prominently in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, with the group of Jeniel “Haze” Bata-Anon, Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel, Allan Sancio, “Lusty” Castromayor, Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Kenneth Jiane “Kenji” Villa, Carlito “Ribo” Ribo Jr., Jason Rafael “Jay” Torculas clinching the gold.
Meanwhile, chef de mission Ramon Fernandez said they are awaiting word from organizers in Vietnam on their decision over additional sports that will be played during the meet.
Fernandez said the Philippine Olympic Committee is seeking information on the status of the games.
So far, Fernandez said the date for submission of entries have been pushed back.