Population
112.73m
Official population as of 1 July 2024.[](cite:1)[1]
Market
Philippines
The Philippines is a national games and esports market with a large reported player base and an established Mobile Legends: Bang Bang league ecosystem centered in Manila.
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Updated September 17, 2026Market snapshot
Active gamers
43m
A 2024 government release cites 43 million active gamers using 2021 statistics; this is a dated estimate, not a current census.[](cite:2)[2]
Video game market
US$1.26bn
Estimated 2020 video-game market value cited by the government; historical estimate, not a current revenue measure.[](cite:3)[3]
MPL Philippines · S15
1.8m peak concurrent viewers
MOONTON reports the league’s 2025 season record, citing Esports Charts.[](cite:4)[4]
Market access
A sourced operational overview, not legal advice. Requirements should be rechecked before launch.
TopicCurrent positionCommercial implication
Topic
Foreign esports player licensing
Current position
GAB Resolution No. 2026-13 introduced a Special Esports License for eligible foreign professional esports players taking part in short-term tournaments of up to 30 days.[5]
Commercial implication
Organizers should confirm player eligibility, tournament duration, license scope, and remaining event requirements directly with GAB; the resolution should not be treated as a blanket exemption.
Verified Sep 17, 2026
Market ecosystem
Cities and esports operations
Manila anchors the country’s documented professional league and venue activity.
Clubs
The Philippines is a reported regional operating market for ONIC Esports.
Games and competition
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is an established professional competition title in the market.
Competitive teams
Teams with a structured location relationship to this market.
City footprint
References5
- [1]2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President — Philippine Statistics Authority
- [2]DOST Eyes Esports Development — Department of Science and Technology - National Capital Region
- [3]DOST, ESWF partner to boost Philippine eSports, gaming industry — Philippine Information Agency
- [4]MPL Philippines Season 15 crowns Team Liquid Philippines, becomes the most-watched MPL PH season with 1.8 million peak viewers — MOONTON Games
- [5]GAB Passes Resolution Exempting Foreign Esports Players from Mandatory Drug Testing — Games and Amusements Board
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