15-year-old student organizes esports tournament to raise funds for charity

A 15-year-old student has organized an esports tournament to raise funds for charity amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubbed as "Scope for Change," the event was started by Kyler Sy, an avid gamer who attends an international school in the Philippines.

The tournament offers a total of P80,000 in prize money as sixteen teams battle in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on July 17-19 and July 24-26.

"I wanted to translate my passion for esports to bolster the hope of the Filipino people in these times of financial and emotional turmoil," Sy said. "This is combining fun and camaraderie while returning gratitude to the heroes in our society during this pandemic."

The top team will win P40,000, while the runner-up will receive P20,000. The third and fourth place will also receive P10,000 each. Each team's chosen charity will receive 75% of their respective cash prize.

Sy, who opened the event for registration on his 15th birthday, said he has plans to feature other game titles in the future.

"This project also aims to alter the ubiquitous poor connotations esports carries which include its unhealthy and addictive nature," he said. "I believe esports should convey the same discipline and competitive spirit as traditional sports.""

The event is sponsored by Asus, Republic of Gamers, Logitech, JBL Quantum, and Adata. —MGP, GMA News