Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with the Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO) and the eSports National Association of the Philippines (eSNAP) to further champion the nation’s bid for basketball dominance by supporting the country’s representatives to the first-ever Pacific Pro-Am Tournament featuring NBA 2K20.

On the heels of the recent FIBA Esports Open, the tournament, which takes place on August 29 and 30, pits eight Club Teams across Asia— with the Philippines sending the Playbook Laus Esports team to represent the country. Playbook athletes comprised the same Sibol National Team that won historic golds for the country during last year’s SEA Games.

Aside from Playbook Laus Esports (PHI), other participating Club Teams include Take Over (INA), Goodpass (CHN), Promy (KOR), Team Tekong (SGP), Secret Loves (Hong Kong), The Answer (TPE), and 2KJ (JPN). The teams are expected to battle it out for virtual hoops supremacy and a massive USD 10,000 prize pool.

Fans can watch the live stream of the tournament on One Sports Facebook Page and GG Network TV Facebook Page and keep posted on updates via the Smart Sports Facebook Page.

Photo taken during the NBA 2K19 Asia Tournament Finals

Turning point for Philippine esports 

As the sports world experiences this pivot for esports, Smart, PeSO and eSNAP make sure that the country gets to bring its A-game in the international virtual arena, particularly for basketball.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be able to bear the torch of athletic competition during these trying times. We embrace this opportunity to unite gaming fans and rally support for our esports athletes, who we believe will bring to the inaugural Pacific Pro-Am Tournament the same passion and dedication that we Filipinos have in the hardcourt,” says Jane Jimenez Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

Meanwhile, PeSO, which is comprised of different esports entities from across the country, had been conducting national qualifiers every year for tournaments. “We’re excited to bring to life a historic tournament that shines the spotlight on the best NBA 2K20 teams in Asia. PEsO is honored to help promote the NBA 2K scene not only in the Philippines but the whole region as well,” says Brian Lim, PeSO President.

“Being part of the tournament is quite an opportunity for our NBA2K athletes not only to represent the country but entertain a nation longing for more action through eSports. We appreciate the chance to come together and support this cause with Smart and PeSO,” eSNAP President Jobert Yu added,

Tournament Format 

The two-day epic competition will start with a single round elimination via Best-of-Five series.

In the Playoffs, the remaining teams will enter a Top 4 Single Elimination Bracket with a Best of Five per match. The Number 1 Team from each group will play the Number 2 team from the opposite group. The Final 2 teams will play in a Best of 5 Grand Finals for the title of the first-ever NBA 2K20The Pacific Pro-Am Tournament Champion.

The NBA 2K20 Pacific Pro-Am Tournament is the latest brainchild of Gariath Concepts, the company responsible for Rev Major and ESGS, and is also fully supported by local esports governing body PeSO.

The Pacific Pro-Am Tournament is the latest in a string of esports leagues that the mobile services provider has supported to bring together gamers and fans amid the pandemic, at a time when everyone is encouraged to stay safe at home. Smart recently backed a series of Mobile Legends tournaments such as the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional Leagues and the all-female league Liga Adarna in support of COVID-19 front liners and affected communities.

Country’s fastest mobile data network 

Filipinos can level up their games powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile data network as certified by third-party mobile analytics firms, such as Ookla and Opensignal.

Recently, Smart fired up the country’s first 5G-powered esports hub at Gariath Concepts in Quezon City to unlock new possibilities for the gaming community.