Senator Bam Aquino has filed a resolution commending Team ENCORE for becoming the first champion of the Ragnarok Origin Classic Tyr Cup Grand Finals in Bangkok, Thailand.
Under Senate Resolution No. 518, Aquino congratulated the Filipino esports team for sweeping Team Poek, 4-0, in the championship match to capture the inaugural Tyr Cup title.
The victory earned Team ENCORE the tournament’s $500,000 grand prize, the exclusive Champion’s Medal and the distinction of serving as Tyr Cup Honor Representatives.
Team ENCORE is composed of Julius “BanoobsDR” Mariano, Johnmar “SUN33V” Villaluna, Awie Angelo “AfyGDPS” Reyes, Edward Joseph “Yamato” Raymundo, Angelo “DocxBR” Docosin, Joshua Dayne “WeeJOSHBR” Abrera, James Michael “Nasmi” Doron, Stephen Martin “WeeGetziiBR” Doron, Kyle Bernard “WeeYomiBR” Ante and Michael Angelo “WeeFrzttBR” Luy.
“Team ENCORE’s victory demonstrated the growing excellence and competitiveness of Filipino esports athletes on the international stage, showcasing the skill, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance necessary to succeed at the highest levels of competitive gaming,” said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
Aquino said the team’s victory reflects the continued growth of the Philippine esports industry and the country’s increasing competitiveness in international gaming tournaments.
“The historic triumph of Team ENCORE in the inaugural Tyr Cup brings pride and honor to the Philippines and serves as an inspiration to Filipino gamers and aspiring esports athletes, further demonstrating the country’s potential to compete and excel in the rapidly growing global esports industry,” he said.
Aquino has also supported Filipino esports athletes and the local video game development sector. He recently commended Aurora Gaming PH for winning the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M7 World Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.
He also helped establish the Philippine Esports Association to strengthen the local esports sector, protect the welfare of athletes and other stakeholders, and promote competitive gaming nationwide.
Aquino has likewise cited the potential of the Philippine video game development industry to generate new employment opportunities for Filipinos.