'E-Palaro' project leader explains why DOTA 2 was excluded in inaugural staging

LOL could be the biggest beneficiary of the E-Palarong Pambansa. Ivan Saldajeno
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—When the revelation of the esports to be played in the inaugural E-Palarong Pambansa was made on Tuesday, DOTA 2, arguably the number one gaming title in the Philippines right now, was conspicuously excluded.

Despite being probably the "esport ng masa" in terms of the number of gamers playing the game inside an internet cafe on any given day, DOTA 2 missing the cut came as a shock to the reporters present during the press launch at the Orchid Garden Suites Function Hall, especially those active in the esports beat.

However, "E-Palaro" project leader Jamar Montehermoso claimed Valorant and even League of Legends have already overtaken DOTA 2 in terms of the number of gamers currently playing in the professional ranks.

"With regards to the number of Filipinos teams that are currently in the competitive DOTA 2 play, compared to League of Legends and Valorant, mas marami yung naglalaro ng League at Valorant. In terms of the factors that we have considered, mas pinili muna namin yung one with the most player base and the more competitive teams," Montehermoso said.

LOL could be the biggest winner of the E-Palarong Pambansa as the event could become a launching pad for teams that could bring the Philippines to greater heights in the said multi-player online battle arena as well as its mobile version LOL: Wild Rift, Valorant, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, and Call of Duty Mobile.

"We hope that through E-Palarong Pambansa, we're able to gather talents starting from the local level and to scout gems that don't have an opportunity na makilala," Montehermoso further said.

DOTA 2 fans, though, should not fret just yet as Montehermoso added that the E-Palaro will be up for expansion next year, which could mean the game might be finally played in the event.

"We plan to expand to more titles as long as for us to be able to provide to more gaming communities," he further said.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno