RP cyber athletes seek strong finish in upcoming World Cyber Games

By JOEL D. PINAROC - Manila Bulletin

The Philippine representatives to the upcoming World Cyber Games (WCG) in Seattle, Washington, in October have been named, and will try to improve their showing in the annual event dubbed the Olympics of computer gaming.


Organizers of the World Cyber Games in the Philippines last week bared the eight Filipino players who will vie for honors and substantial prizes offered in this year’s WCG.

The winners have been named following a nationwide competition, culminating in the national finals held two weeks ago in Metro Manila.

Most of the participants are virtual veterans, particularly players in CounterStrike and Need for Speed.

The following players who survived the three-day national finals include Kristofer Romillo, Arvin Agbisit, Gary Gueverras, EJ Clores and Jupiter Gaboy (Team Horsemen of the Apocalypse) for CounterStrike; Tristan Solee for Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne; Byron Bongon for Starcraft; and Israel Magante for Need for Speed: Carbon.

The national champions each received cash prizes from sponsor Samsung, as well as prizes from other sponsors.

The RP team will compete against gamers from seven continents.

Helping the Philippine gamers prepare for the main event are major supporters like Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation and the Philippine E-Sports Entertainment Network, Inc.

"We are proud to give these fine cyber athletes the opportunity to strut their stuff in the global arena," says Jerry Lacson, Samsung general manager for marketing. "Seeing how they have competed these past weeks, we look forward to how they will fare in this year’s competition."

Samsung, which has been supporting WCG steadily in the Philippines, recognizes the relevance of video gaming in the country.

The company has participated in the WCG as a worldwide sponsor for the last six years.

After nearly 10 weeks of intense and competitive cyber sports, 64 finalists emerged from Davao, Baguio, Cebu and Metro Manila.

WCG Philippines chief Tjader Regis meanwhile said a medal for the Philippines is very significant, and will surely pave the way for the mainstream acceptance of computer gaming as a legitimate sporting event.

"More support is needed for the local gaming scene," Regis said, adding that a medal win however, remains very elusive, considering the kind of competition that the Philippine players face.

"Our Philippine team will face players that are actually professional gamers," Regis further said, adding that South Korean and European players are expected to again dominate the annual tournament.