Asia
IESF to Host Two-Day World Esports Academia Seminar in Busan
The International Esports Federation will host the World Esports Academia Seminar, a two-day event at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, from November 28 to 29, 2023. The theme of this year’s Seminar is “Socio-cultural challenges in the World of Esports Education” and will support the development of the World Esports industry through academic knowledge and research.
The Seminar will feature keynote speeches from knowledgeable members of the World Esports Family, including Del Rosario University esports professor Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor Peichi Chung, Chair of IESF Equity Committee Diana Tjong, NASEF Executive Director Gerald Solomon and more.
NASEF Executive Director and Chair of IESF’s Education Committee Gerald Solomon said:
“IESF could not be more excited to host the World Esports Academia Seminar once again. Together with esports stakeholders from all corners of the world, we will revitalize the relationship between esports researchers and educators. This year’s theme will inspire us all to think outside of the box and unite the World Esports Family. We look forward to the insightful discussions that will take place in Busan.”
The first day of the Seminar will feature four keynote speeches representing different regions around the world. Day one will conclude with a panel discussion entitled “How Can IESF’s Approach to Esports Competition and Education Be Socially and Culturally Sensitive To Global Differences,” moderated by Solomon with panelists Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, James Fraser-Murison and more to be announced.
The second will include four workshops to share the value of esports education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The full schedule can be found below.
Day 1 Keynote Speeches and panel discussions:
- Esports Education in Asia: A Digital Solution and Paradigm Shift: Peichi Chung, Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Esports in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities and the Emerging Trends
- How Esports are helping to solve Colombia’s problems through education: Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, Esports Professor at Del Rosario University
- European Esports Education: Introducing Essentials Skills for the Modern-Day Workplace: James Fraser-Murison, Director at Fraser Esports
- How Can IESF’s Approach to Esports Competition and Education Be Socially and Culturally Sensitive To Global Differences: Gerald Solomon, Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, James Fraser-Murison and more.
Day 2 workshops:
- The IESF x NASEF Scholastic Esports Model: Integrating Competition, Learning and Career Development: Gerald Solomon and Jorrel Batac
- Breaking Barriers – Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Esports: Diana Tjong, Chair of IESF Equity Committee, and Debora Imanuella, Global Senior Vice President & Founder at UniPin & Luna Nera
- Leveling the Playing Field – Addressing Disparities in Esports Opportunities: Diana Tjong, Chair of IESF Equity Committee, and Debora Imanuella, Global Senior Vice President & Founder at UniPin & Luna Nera
- Creating a Safe and Inclusive Esports Environment – Combating Toxicity and Bullying: Diana Tjong, Chair of IESF Equity Committee, and Debora Imanuella, Global Senior Vice President & Founder at UniPin & Luna Nera
IESF continues to use education as a tool to unite the World Esports Family and contribute to the overall growth and development of the industry. IESF recently announced the details for the third annual WE Academia Competition, which called for members of the World Esports Family to submit research papers related to the two chosen research subjects: “Esports Toxicity: The Challenge, Evidence, and Solutions” and “Managing Harassment in Esports – The Role of Accountability and Standards to Address the Harassment.”
ArenaPlus
DigiPlus Wins “Digital Operator of the Year” Award at 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has been named Digital Operator of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific, marking its second consecutive annual win in the category and reinforcing its leading industry position in the APAC region. The recognition was announced during the Global Gaming Awards ceremony held on June 2 at Conrad Manila.
One of the international gaming industry’s most prestigious awards programmes, the Global Gaming Awards, powered by Global Gaming Insider, recognise excellence in innovation, player experience, responsible gaming and operational excellence across both land-based and online gaming sectors. Winners are selected by a panel of senior industry executives with extensive experience and deep knowledge of the market, with the voting process independently adjudicated by KPMG to ensure rigor and transparency.
The Digital Operator of the Year category recognises operators that have demonstrated outstanding growth, innovation and player engagement over the past 12 months. DigiPlus emerged victorious from a shortlist of eight nominees, besting seven other operators across APAC.
Judges highlighted DigiPlus’ strong 2025 performance, the addition of over 500 new e-games on its platforms, and the rollout of industry-first responsible gaming tools. The company also continues its momentum in 2026 through major partnerships, including recently launched collaborations with Manny Pacquiao and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
In addition to its top industry honor, DigiPlus earned further recognition for its social impact initiatives, securing the first runner-up spot in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Year category.
The awards body commended DigiPlus for its impressive CSR work via the DigiPlus Foundation which delivers healthcare, education, disaster relief, and social empowerment programs to over 1 million beneficiaries and counting across the Philippines.
“We are honored to once again be recognized by the Global Gaming Awards. These prestigious international industry accolades reflect DigiPlus’ unwavering pursuit of excellence and our drive to continuously innovate, deepen player engagement, and champion responsible gaming across BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco.
“Together with the recognition for DigiPlus Foundation, this back-to-back win affirms our commitment to delivering world-class digital entertainment to Filipinos while contributing to nation-building.”
The Global Gaming Awards also hold annual editions in the Americas and EMEA regions, recognising industry excellence across the globe.
The post DigiPlus Wins “Digital Operator of the Year” Award at 2026 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
S8UL’s League of Legends roster qualifies to represent India at Asian Games 2026
S8UL Esports’ League of Legends roster has qualified to represent India at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, running from September 19 to October 4. The organisation said the team secured qualification through the regional qualifiers after winning the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2026, described as the official national qualification tournament for the Asian Games.
S8UL said the roster competing under India’s banner is Akshaj Shenoy (Kat Bot), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), Sanindhya Malik (Deadcorporal), Mihir Ranjan (Lotus), Ahmed Shahid (Nero), and Rahul Bisht (Bob). The regional qualifiers featured 14 teams across a group stage and a split stage, with top performers advancing to the Asian Games main event.
In Group B, the team went unbeaten against Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan to progress, according to S8UL. In the split stage, it lost to Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia but did enough to secure a berth. India will now face opponents including Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam at the main event.
Four players—Kat Bot, Infi, Deadcorporal, and Lotus—were also part of India’s League of Legends contingent at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, where S8UL said the team finished fifth.
Akshaj Shenoy aka Kat Bot, captain of India’s League of Legends team, said, “Qualifying for the Asian Games is a proud moment for all of us. We knew the regional qualifiers would be extremely competitive, and every match demanded complete focus. For many of us, this will be our second Asian Games, which makes this qualification even more special because we understand the level of competition that awaits us. We are grateful to S8UL for believing in this roster and providing us with the support, stability, and opportunities needed to keep improving as a team. Representing India is always an honour, and we’ll do everything we can to make the country proud in Aichi-Nagoya.”
S8UL co-founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug added, “Representing India at the Asian Games is among the highest honours an athlete can achieve, and seeing our League of Legends roster earn that opportunity is incredibly special. This team has demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a willingness to continually improve, qualities that are essential for success at the international level. At S8UL, our goal has always been to create pathways for Indian athletes to compete on the biggest stages in the world. We have no doubt they will give their all when they step onto the stage in Aichi-Nagoya and compete for the nation with pride,” S8UL also noted that Gurashish Singh (Soul) and Prateek Bhaunt (B Haunt) previously qualified for the Asian Games in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 after winning at NESC 2026.
The post S8UL’s League of Legends roster qualifies to represent India at Asian Games 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alejandro H. Tengco
PAGCOR Sends Food Packs to Help Victims of Mindanao Earthquake
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) dispatched 10,500 food packs to help families affected by the massive earthquake in Mindanao.
The agency’s Chairman and CEO, Alejandro H. Tengco, explained that such assistance will help affected families cope with the challenges brought about by the disaster.
“During times of calamity, we assure our kababayans that PAGCOR is always ready to provide help. We hope and pray that affected individuals and families will soon be on their way to recovery and normalcy,” Tengco said.
According to PAGCOR, the relief food packs will be distributed in General Santos City; Mati City, Davao Oriental; the Office of Civil Defense in Region XII; and the 2nd District of Davao Oriental.
A total of 3000 food pails will be allocated each for General Santos City, Mati City, and the OCD – Region XII; while 1500 food pails will be distributed in the 2nd District of Davao Oriental through the office of Rep. Cheeno Almario, the agency added.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit offshore Maasim, Sarangani on 8 June, with more than 173,000 families affected and many provinces still reeling from loss of life, destruction and continuing aftershocks.
The post PAGCOR Sends Food Packs to Help Victims of Mindanao Earthquake appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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