The Philippines is strengthening its position as a major esports hub in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by a young, mobile-first population and growing support from global and local partners. An estimated 43 million Filipinos now take part in esports or mobile gaming, with the local esports market projected to reach US$28.6 million in 2025.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) remains the country’s most popular mobile game and a key driver of this growth. The game has more than 110 million monthly active users across the region, and Philippine teams regularly compete on the global stage. At the upcoming MLBB M7 World Championship in Jakarta in 2026, two Philippine teams will be among 22 elite teams worldwide. The previous edition of the tournament drew over 50 million hours of watch time globally and peaked at more than 3 million viewers.
Global payments company Visa is playing a growing role in supporting esports development. As the official payments partner of the MLBB M7 World Championship, Visa is expanding its investments in gaming as part of a broader focus on passion-driven spending among millennials and Gen Z. Visa data shows that gaming and esports events are becoming as important to young consumers as live music and sports.
In the Philippines, Visa has partnered with GCash, the country’s leading superapp, to make in-game payments faster, safer, and more accessible for gamers. The collaboration also supports wider goals such as financial inclusion and the shift to digital payments. Visa is also working with international esports organizations to offer exclusive experiences and event access to Filipino gamers through local bank partners.
To bring the global esports experience closer to local fans, Visa and GCash will send selected Filipino MLBB players and fans to watch the M7 World Championship live in Jakarta. At the same time, a large public watch party will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 24–25, 2026, allowing local audiences to take part in the event.
With strong fan engagement, popular mobile titles, and backing from companies like Visa and GCash, the Philippines continues to build momentum as a key player in the global esports ecosystem.
