MANILA, Philippines — E-Gilas, the country’s national Esports team, looks to regain its status the best in the Southeast Asia conference in the Fiba Esports Open III, which tips off Friday.
The Philippines will compete in a field that features Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Australia, which derailed the Filipinos’ bid for a second straight crown last November, won’t be part of the competition this time.
The tournament has expanded to 60 teams, 28 of which in the Europe Conference.
Participating countries in the Fiba ESports Open III. FIBA GRAPHIC
Group stage games are scheduled on Friday while the best-of-three Play-Off series will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
The Philippines, which will be represented by Playbook Esports anew, won the inaugural title back in June after sweeping Indonesia.
Also tipping off on Friday are the Africa and Middle East Conferences while the tournaments in North and Central America and Europe will be held from April 23 to 25.
The FIBA Esports Open began with just 17 teams in its inaugural tournament before growing to 38 in its second edition and ballooning to 60 this time.