After two successful seasons, the Collegiate Center for Esports is set to expand its membership to be able to cater to more players who are looking to get into the game.
CCE president Stanley Lao said they are getting a lot of inquiries from other colleges and universities about the possibility of joining the fast-rising league in its third season that is scheduled to start by the second half of this year.
“We are grateful, thrilled, and honored to have gained traction for more schools that are seeing the noble cause of helping us advance the Esports movement, especially in the collegiate ranks,” Lao said.
“This is a welcome development and definitely a possibility moving forward.”
Originally, CCE has 10 member schools — all from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Lyceum of the Philippines banners the cast together with Letran College, San Sebastian College, Mapua University, San Beda University, Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, College of Saint Benilde and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
The Pirates have dominated the field, winning the first two titles as well as the warm-up event — the Varsity Cup — that featured NCAA men’s basketball players.
CCE commissioner Waiyip Chong said they will leave no stone unturned in promoting Esports and developing student-athletes who desire to carve a career out of professional gaming.
“Our ultimate goal ever since has been to champion Esport at the Collegiate level, including unwavering support to schools in enriching their Esports programs,” Chong said.
“We are open and willing to lend that hand.”
The CCE is now finalizing the mechanics of the expansion as stakeholders are set to convene in the coming months to discuss the league’s third season.
