Esports: Gamer.LK announces Singer Premier League 2021 with Rs.1 million prize pool

Sri Lanka’s premier Esports company Gamer.LK announced the Singer Esports Premier League - a franchise based PUBG Mobile League consisting of 12 teams and a Rs.1 million prize pool. 

With over 2,000 Esports athletes expected to compete for a spot in the 12 teams, it is Sri Lanka’s largest Esports league. 

The event will be held throughout August, September and October of this year. 

Nine of the franchises are based on the Sri Lankan provinces - Eastern Gladiators, Kadurata Kings, Northern Rangers, Rajarata Giants, Sabaragamuwa Knights, Southern Sharks, Uva Bandits, Wayamba Raiders and Western Warriors.

Esports has been growing at a rapid pace in Sri Lanka over the last decade thanks to Gamer.LK’s consistent efforts in organising tournaments and activities around the sport. 

There are an estimated four million gamers in the country. Esports was recognised by the Sports Ministry of Sri Lanka as the 70th national sport in 2019.

The Singer Esports Premier League by Gamer.LK will be held completely remotely, with players joining the tournament from the safety of their homes. 

Esports is a fully digital activity, making it an appropriate sport compatible with the country’s current social distancing and safety guidelines. 

The league is broken down into four phases -- Open Qualifiers, where any gamer in the country can register (epl.lk) and compete. 

Sri Lanka’s best 60 PUBG Mobile players will be selected from the open qualifier and included in the team auction phase. 

The second phase is Team Auction, where the qualified players are bid on by team managers and recruited. Four players and a substitute player will be recruited for each team. 

The third, Play-Offs, where the 12 teams battle it out for a place in the super-weekend and grand finals. The final phase being Super Weekend and Grand Finals - where the final showdown among the top nine teams that will compete for the Rs. 1 million prize pool and glory.

“The format we have introduced this year enables any gamer across the island to compete and get recruited into one of the 12 franchised teams. With Rs.1 million up for grabs, and the chance to play with Sri Lanka’s top Esports talent, we’ve created a clear pathway for any aspiring Esports athlete to reach the top and be rewarded for it,” said Raveen Wijayatilake, the CEO of Gamer.LK and the founder President of the Sri Lanka Esports Association.

Gamers interested in taking part can visit epl.lk to register for the open qualifiers. Registrations close on August 21 and qualifiers will begin August 28.