TikTok, a destination for short-form mobile video, launched its first gaming tournament with a unique reality show concept that can nurture and grow potential professional gamers. Called The Greatest Gamer Philippines, the program will select 10 players to be housed in a villa to compete in various real-world gaming challenges for three weeks, showcasing what it takes to be a professional gamer.
With mobile gaming’s rapidly gaining popularity in the Philippines, TikTok, alongside its partners Smart Communications, Smart Omega, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), as well as support from Grab and Samsung, team up to search for “The Greatest Gamer” in the country.
The Greatest Gamer will provide an immersive and engaging experience for contestants as they take part in fun livestreams of mini games, weekly tournament gameplays and other online and offline challenges in the course of learning what it takes to be a professional gamer.
“We are thrilled to bring The Greatest Gamer to the Philippines, where there is a thriving and welcoming gaming community that aspires to grow and excel as skillful gamers. The Greatest Gamer Philippines showcases the journey to becoming a professional gamer as well as engaging the gaming community by providing relevant entertainment, highlighting the skills, passion, and dedication that is necessary to excel in Esports. We also hope to empower the local gaming community, nurture its growth, and provide a space for enthusiasts to continue displaying their skills and creativity,” says Vanessa Brown, director, business development, APAC, TikTok.
TikTok provides a window into the gaming lifestyle by revealing contestants’ interactions with Creators, weekly interviews, content on their backstories, and various program highlights, enabling TikTok users and Esports fans to see firsthand what these rising talents will go through to achieve their dreams.
Powered by Smart, the official telco provider of The Greatest Gamer Philippines, TikTok is leveraging the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network as recognized by Ookla, to ensure seamless gameplay and uninterrupted connection for all contestants, gaming enthusiasts and its community. With TikTok and Smart working hand in hand, Esports fans can look forward to a new era of interactive gaming experiences and memorable moments through The Greatest Gamer Philippines.
“Smart has been a leading patron of Philippine Esports because we’ve always believed that Filipinos have the passion, talent, and skill to dominate in this field. As the official telco provider of TikTok’s The Greatest Gamer Philippines, we aim to elevate the players’ gameplay experience with our fastest and best mobile network. We believe that this would also translate to an enjoyable viewing experience for all Esports fans,” says Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and head of Prepaid and Content at Smart Communications.
Professional gamers can join the competition by submitting their audition videos from May 24 to June 14, 2023 on TikTok. Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers can also join in on the action as well as tune into the journey of The Greatest Gamer Philippines aspirants on TikTok by registering to Power All and Saya All offers, which come with daily access to TikTok.
Pinoy gamers interested in going professional and joining The Greatest Gamer Philippines must follow @thegreatestgamer and @smartcommunications on TikTok and create audition video content by introducing themselves and showcasing their MLBB skills, using the official audition filter and hashtag #TheGreatestGamerPH, and tagging the official @thegreatestgamer and @smartcommunications TikTok accounts.
The Greatest Gamer winner will take home a cash prize worth P250,000 and a contract with Smart Omega that gives them a chance to suit up and be part of their MLBB roster, apart from experiences gained with top content creators.
“Filipinos have always been enthusiastic about gaming, whether online or offline, and we are excited to witness their talents and passions in The Greatest Gamer Philippines auditions. TikTok’s gaming community rallies behind one another to cheer on key wins, support after disappointing losses, and shares tips to help each level up in their favorite games. It would be very interesting, entertaining and educational to see how Pinoy gamers strategize to be the next professional gamer,” says Brown.