Market · National

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.

Manila skyline, representing the national capital and one Philippine esports center; the image shows the capital rather than the whole country. · Manila skyline image · Unsplash search collection · Unsplash License

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Updated September 17, 2026

Market snapshot

Population

112.73m[1]

Official population as of 1 July 2024.[](cite:1)

Active gamers

43m[2]

A 2024 government release cites 43 million active gamers using 2021 statistics; this is a dated estimate, not a current census.[](cite:2)

Video game market

US$1.26bn[3]

Estimated 2020 video-game market value cited by the government; historical estimate, not a current revenue measure.[](cite:3)

MPL Philippines · S15

1.8m peak concurrent viewers[4]

MOONTON reports the league’s 2025 season record, citing Esports Charts.[](cite: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.

Manila· Capital city and recurring league market

Clubs

The Philippines is a reported regional operating market for ONIC Esports.

ONIC Esports· Club with a Philippines division reported in 2026

Games and competition

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is an established professional competition title in the market.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang· Mobile esports ecosystem MLBB M Series World Championship· International championship

Competitive teams

Teams with a structured location relationship to this market.

Team Secret VALORANT

City footprint

Makati

Makati is a city in Metro Manila whose central business district and production facilities form part of the Philippines' commercial and media landscape.

Manila

Manila is the Philippines' capital city and a professional Mobile Legends market, with a large Metro Manila audience base and arenas connecting league play to major entertainment venues.

Parañaque

Parañaque is a city in Metro Manila on Manila Bay, with commercial and event facilities in the Aseana area.

Pasig City

Pasig City is part of Metro Manila and home to the Philippine Sports Commission's PhilSports Complex, which includes the arena selected for MPL Philippines Season 18 playoffs.

Quezon City

Quezon City is a city in Metro Manila and the regular-season host of MPL Philippines Season 18, which opened at Victoria Sports Tower in August 2026.

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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