PC and smart device manufacturer Lenovo has announced the kick-off of its Legion of Champions Series III (LoC III) grand finals. In partnership with Intel, the eSports competition will bring together over 60 gamers from 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific, in their quest to become the 2019’s LoC III champions.

This year’s tournament will include first-time competitors from India, Japan, and Korea, in addition to Hong Kong/Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. After multiple elimination rounds at the local level, in-market winners will face-off in the international showdown at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok, on Jan. 25-27.

“LoC is a testament to Lenovo’s ongoing commitment to foster Asia’s gaming community,” said Ken Wong, president, Lenovo Asia-Pacific. “With eSports’ meteoric rise in legitimacy and influence in the region, our initiatives seek to further connect like-minded enthusiasts and empower the next generation of gamers. Lenovo Legion was designed with gamers’ needs in mind and we will continue to provide the most exciting and relevant gaming experiences and devices.”

“With the rapid growth in eSports and gaming in Asia, Intel continues to support the industry through partnerships with the ecosystem, including global and regional gaming leagues such as Legion of Champions with Lenovo, and provide the gaming community with the best-in-class gaming experience powered by Intel technologies,” said George Chacko, global account director for Lenovo, Asia Pacific and Japan.

During the previous LoC held last year, the tournament welcomed participants from close to 7,000 gamers and 20,000 on-site attendees. Such events have become crucial and valuable moments for Lenovo to interact with the community and better understand their gaming needs and motivations.

“Competitive gaming has become a hallmark in the Asia-Pacific region and we are happy to say that the LoC has become a major annual highlight that is wholly anticipated and supported by both gaming organizations and fans alike,” said Michael Ngan, country general manager, Lenovo Philippines. “We’re proud to be part of our local teams’ eSports journey by providing them a platform to enhance and hone their skills.”

ArkAngel

Representing the Philippines in the LoC grand finals is the team ArkAngel composed of Cedrik “Ivalice” Santos, Nickelson “Nickstah” Yanga, Robert Dan “Trebor” Mansilungan, Keefe Jyro “Zensho” Pascual, and Christopher Jordan “Raux” Pamintuan. The group topped the five-round qualifying tournament that saw a total of 98 participating teams.

At the end of the tournament, the winning team will walk away with $7,000 cash and $5,000 worth of Legion Y530 notebooks, while the first and second runners-up will take home $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.

The total combined prize pool of the entire Legion of Champions III tournament is $35,000 (approximately P1.9 million), the largest of any LoC tournament yet.

Those who wish to be part of the excitement may also take part in the Rise of Legion walk-in tournaments, LAN party, and cosplay contests. Follow the epic journey at https://www.legionloc.com/.