- Eight-time champion is entering the world of esports
- He partners with esports giant Veloce to make a brand called Team Pacquaio GG
- The boxing star says esports have a great future ahead of them
Eight-time division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has entered the world of esports with the launch of a gaming brand called Team Pacquaio GG (TPGG).
Pacquiao Enters the World of Esports
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, a boxing legend from the Philippines teamed up with the global esports giant Veloce to create Team Pacquiao GG. The new venture’s idea is to build a national gaming team and a stronger esports community in the Philippines. The country has an estimated over six million fans and Pacquiao is determined to capitalize on the growing gaming industry.
“Today, we are launching Team Pacquiao to sow the seed of Filipino excellence in international esports competitions. Our purpose is to become the pound for pound esports heavyweights of Southeast Asia through community engagements, professional teams, content creation, and charitable giving,” Pacquiao said according to the Inquirer.
Pacquiao went on to explain that the joint venture’s aim with Veloce is to build the team into something special for both the Philippines and the world. The boxing star explains that the five members who are currently on the team have achieved much in their gaming and streaming careers and also shares his vision to create opportunities for those without them.
The Boxing Legend’s New Venture
Pacquiao is considered legendary for his achievements of winning major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes and across four decades. The boxing legend turned to politics, entering the race to become the next President of the Philippines with the election scheduled to be held next year.
He is now entering the esports scene. The trading of professionals between classical and electronic sports is not something new. For example, England football captain David Beckham co-founded Guild Esports in June 2020. And recently, CS:GO Pro PashaBiceps announced he will be entering MMA fighting in February 2022.
“Esports is not just an online phenomenon but a legitimate, growing sporting industry around the world with a lot of job and business opportunities,” said Pacquaio. He went on to explain that esports has a strong future, citing that they have already been a part of the Asian Games in 2019.
“Together with Veloce, we developed the Team Pacquiao brand as part of a long-term strategy to build the national esports gaming team of the Philippines that will compete across all of Asia and conquer the world of esports.“
