The National Esports Championship 2026 marked a significant milestone on May 30 with the introduction of its first all-women’s race at Korsa Pitstop Cafe in Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Empowering Women in Esports
This initiative, part of the league powered by Dominado E-Motorsports: Rally and presented by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), aims to encourage more female participation in sim racing.
This year’s All-Women’s Race is designed to attract more female racers and aspiring professionals.
National Esports Championship Committee
In conjunction with the all-women’s race, a Three-Hour Endurance Race featured a unique format that included physical challenges for the teams, testing both skill and endurance.
- Participants included teams from Mapua and De La Salle University.
- The endurance race had competitors from various sim racing organizations.
The championship has undergone changes this season, introducing new formats and a diverse range of circuits and game modes.
Upcoming Events and League Growth
The tournament's roadmap includes several races scheduled for August and September, with registration open via the AAP Esports and Dominado E-Motorsports: Rally Facebook pages.
The AAP serves as the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in the Philippines, ensuring compliance with international standards set by the FIA.
The Rise of Sim Racing
Sim racing has gained significant traction, especially after the success of the Formula 1 series on Netflix, which has broadened its appeal. The Asian market, specifically, is seeing rapid growth.
According to a 2024 study by Ken Research, approximately 18 million participants were engaged in virtual racing in the Asia Pacific region, indicating a robust future for this segment of esports.