POC approves membership of Philippine Esports Organization

The Philippines now has an official National Sports Association (NSA) for esports.

The Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) has been accredited as an associate member of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) on Monday.

Since 2012, PESO has been a member of the International Esports Federation (IESF) and organized national qualifiers to the world championships.

"We are grateful to the POC in their recognition of PESO and Esports," said PESO President Brian Lim in a press release. "This would help us bring in more support to our fellow Filipinos who are competing globally and bringing glory to the Philippines."

Esports was staged as a medal event in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games for the first time last year, when the country hosted the biennial meet. Filipino gamers bagged three gold medals, along with one silver and one bronze.

Globally, esports is also growing as a sport. Thirty-six of the 75 IESF members have already been recognized by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs). —MGP, GMA News