It comes with the territory, apparently.
The inaugural season of PBA Esports Bakbakan has been concluded on Monday at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati. Similar to the PBA Governors’ Cup finale, TNT Tropang Giga took home the trophy by dominating Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 3-0. Reigning supreme in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tourney, the champs took home a whopping P750,000 cash prize.
Present at the event was Ginebra forward and well-known gamer Jared Dillinger. In an interview with Martie Bautista of News5, the 15-year PBA veteran divulged something about the vast majority of cagers who are playing in the league today.
“Outside of basketball, we’re jumping on the sticks, and we’ll play Call of Duty or Valorant, or Fortnite,” the nine-time PBA champion said.
For myself, I’m a Hogwarts Legacy guy. Like I said earlier, 90% of the league, we’re all gamers,” he added.
That’s quite a sweeping statement from JD. But hey, it wouldn’t hurt to take his word for it. After all, he is a legit baller/gamer.
The season began with 12 teams, representing each PBA franchise. Each eight-man squad is composed of PBA players, an influencer, students, and fans. After the eliminations, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, Ginebra, NorthPort Batang Pier and TNT made it to the semifinals. An in the end, it was the Tropang Giga crew that prevailed.
This is the first time the PBA made its way in the realm of Esports. The reception has been great as the participants, from the players to the gamers, and the fans, were fully engaged the entire tournament. All things considered, a bigger and better second season could be on the way.
(With reports from MArtie Bautista of News5)