Esports on Prime Time: Sports5 and Mineski Join Forces
What began as a fleeting dream for videogame fans is rapidly becoming a reality.
At a press conference held earlier today at Aracama, Bonifacio Global City, TV5 announced the beginning of their long-term investment into the Philippine eSports industry by partnering with the most decorated eSports organization in the country, Mineski-Dota.
Mineski-Dota, a long established pillar of the Filipino Dota tradition, also announced their partnership with shoe and sportswear manufacturer World Balance.
Present for the announcement was the head of Sports5 — TV5’s sports division — Chot “Puso” Reyes, Mineski management representative Benson Te and World Balance Philippine’s Marketing Manager Carlo Castronuevo.
Also present to witness the partnership were Philippine eSports Association (PeSPA) Chairperson and Head Organizer of ESGS, Joebert Yu and Ronald “RoRo“ Robins, the owner and founder of Mineski and considered by many as the father of Philippine eSports. (Read: Father of Philippine eSports Calls on Enthusiasts to Drop their Pride)
Gaming on Prime Time
Aside from lending support to Mineski-Dota’s tournament campaigns, the partnership between Mineski and TV5 will ultimately mean that the media outfit will cover the Mineski Pro-Gaming League (MPGL).
Last October, TV5 provided a televised broadcast of the League of Legends Season 5 World Finals — the first every fully-televised eSports championship event in the country.
With TV5 launching their gaming-focused media platform, Good Game Network, MPGL may soon reach audiences both online and those sitting in front of their television sets.
Future support
For his part, PeSPA chairperson Yu said that he is excited by the new partnership, stating that this may open the doors for partnerships between other eSports organizations and entities outside the eSports industry.
“Sports5 will be looking to support other teams, not just Mineski,” said Yu. “As long as the current situation of the team and their management is a good fit with their values.”
“They want to be there to support Philippine eSports,” he added.
Yu told eSports Inquirer that a major factor in TV5’s decision to partner with Mineski is due to the latter’s experience management team and excellent pedigree in the eSports field.
The last two months have been great for Mineski and Philippine Dota 2 in general. Earlier in October, the team secured invitations to the Frankfurt Major, one of Dota 2’s most important tournaments.
Just last week, the team also earned the right to attend The Summit 4 LAN tournament in Los Angeles, California.
Banner photo from Mineski
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