ESPORTS, the fastest-growing sport in the country, is expected to hold more cash-rich tournaments and draw bigger crowd in the coming years.

In a report by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), esports emerged as the most active professional sports for the year 2022.

Dr. Jesucito M. Garcia, head of professional basketball and other pro sports division of GAB, said the government regulatory body has issued a total of 1, 043 licenses and 205 permits in 2021 alone and 961 licenses and 149 permits as of September 2022.

“Esports is now the fastest-growing sport in the country and the numbers keep growing as early as the third quarter of the year,” said Dr. Garcia, during an online press conference held last Nov. 4.

“As expected, esports has generated a lot of income among all professional sports. They have not only contributed to the growth of professional sports in the country even during the pandemic, but was able to raise enough revenue of the government,” added Garcia.

Dr. Garcia also said GAB is now supervising the coming opening of the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) this month.

PSL teams Boracay Islander and Davao Occidental Tigers have already secured licenses from GAB, according to Dr. Garcia.

The other PSL teams still applying for licenses are Bicol Spicy Oragons, Pampanga Lanterns, Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, Quezon City, Sta. Rosa Laguna Lions, Nueva Ecija Slashers, Muntinlupa, and Cagayan de Oro PSPs.

GAB is still waiting for the appointment of a new chairman by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

“We are still waiting for our new GAB Chairman. We’re also excited. It’s up to the President,” said GAB officer-in-charge and legal chief Atty. Ermar Benitez.

Meanwhile, GAB welcomed the “Manny Pacquiao presents Blow by Blow the Revival”, a popular boxing TV program featuring boxing fights of new and up and coming boxers. back in the 1990s.

In reviving the show, Pacquiao looks back to his roots and gives boxers the opportunity to excel.

With the support of Blow by Blow original mover, Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Sr., the promotions will be held in Mandaluyong City with at least one event per month.

Atty. Benitez, GAB Boxing Division head Jackie Lou Cacho-Ornido and Dr. Radentor Viernes attended the event launching at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City last Nov. 6.

Atty. Benitez said GAB’s “full support to the worthy and timely endeavor, coming as it does when the boxing industry is standing back up from the pandemic and working at its own resurgence.”