The Philippine iGaming space took a major step into the spotlight as Buenas PH wrapped up the first-ever Battle of the Streamers, a seven-week livestream competition that brought together some of the country’s most influential gaming creators under a shared message of entertainment, accountability, and regulated play.
Organized by YGS (Your Game Simulator) Live, the tournament served as the platform’s flagship program. Powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through Loco Live, the competition unfolded from November 22 to January 10, 2026, with creators battling weekly for a total ₱11-million prize pool.
To ensure fair competition, participating streamers were grouped into three tiers based on audience reach—Diamond, Platinum, and Gold—allowing creators of varying scale to compete on equal footing. Throughout the seven-week run, participants earned points through live game achievements, fan-driven challenges, community missions, and special tasks introduced each week, turning every stream into a collaborative experience between creators and their audiences.
The tournament concluded with a grand finals event held at City of Dreams Manila, where YGS Live crowned the first Battle of the Streamers champions. Beatmaster emerged as the top winner in the Diamond Tier, followed by Hypebits and Bulldog. In the Platinum Tier, Elanorm secured first place, with Laysa Benusa and Ares ML completing the top three. For the Gold Tier, Tatay Elon claimed the top spot, with Mhakadayo Vlog and Coach Chuck TV rounding out the winners.
Beyond the competition itself, the event became a platform for deeper conversations about the direction of iGaming in the Philippines—particularly the growing need for regulation and public awareness. YGS Live founder and esports pioneer Julius “Banoobs” Mariano noted that despite the industry’s rapid growth, much of the market still operates outside regulated systems.
“If you check the scale, the regulated side is only a fraction of the market,” Mariano said, stressing that education and visibility play a crucial role in shifting player behavior toward safer platforms.
That concern was echoed by Atty. Anthony “Tony” Manguiat, President of HHR Philippines Inc., who emphasized that regulation exists not to limit entertainment, but to protect it. According to Manguiat, gaming should be understood within a clear framework—“entertainment, amusement, and recreation”—with safeguards designed to protect consumers rather than restrict access.
He explained that regulation addresses long-standing issues surrounding unchecked online access, pointing to systems such as KYC verification, age screening, and built-in consumer protections as essential components of a sustainable ecosystem. For Manguiat, PAGCOR oversight remains central to that effort, noting that it is viewed not as a threat to operators, but as a layer of protection for players.
Industry leaders also acknowledged that rebuilding trust remains a pressing challenge. Jev Mark Macam, President of 888 Luxury Legacy Corporation, shared that confidence in the sector took a hit in the past year, and that restoring it requires visible action.
“The path back is transparency, regulation, and safeguards that people can actually see,” Macam said.
The role of creators took equal focus during discussions, as influencers continue to shape online behavior at scale. Buenas PH ambassador Boss Toyo pointed out that content creation in iGaming is already part of today’s digital reality, making education more important than avoidance.
“It’s better to teach people what’s illegal versus legal, and how to play responsibly,” he said.
Mariano added that creators already exist within the ecosystem, whether formally acknowledged or not, which is why YGS Live aims to guide them toward licensed platforms instead of allowing unregulated operators to dominate the space.
“Our goal is to move creators away from unlicensed platforms and into the regulated ecosystem,” he explained.
Boss Toyo also shared that the advocacy goes beyond awareness campaigns, revealing that rehabilitation initiatives—including addiction recovery programs—are part of the broader responsibility effort supported by Buenas PH and its partners.
These conversations are reinforced by data. A nationwide study released by sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall found that many Filipino players remain unaware of the risks posed by unregulated platforms, including financial loss, data privacy concerns, and underage participation. At the same time, the study revealed strong public support for regulation over outright prohibition, with players citing safety and legitimacy as top priorities when choosing where to play.
Parallel to the tournament, Buenas PH announced its expanded partnerships with top gaming creators as part of its long-term advocacy. The PAGCOR-licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc. has teamed up with prominent personalities including ChooxTV, Beatmaster, ForeignGerms, Hypebits, and celebrity Mark Herras, collectively reaching more than 150 million followers across platforms.
For Mariano, the partnership represents a shift in how influence can be used within the industry. He described the collaboration as an opportunity to ensure that creators’ reach contributes to a healthier digital environment—one grounded in transparency and player protection.
Manguiat echoed this position, stating that innovation in iGaming must move alongside responsibility. He emphasized that a regulated and ethical environment remains the only sustainable path for long-term growth, where entertainment and consumer protection are treated as complementary goals rather than opposing ones.
Beyond digital advocacy, Buenas PH continues its community engagement through Buenas Cares, its corporate social responsibility arm. With Boss Toyo serving as ambassador, the initiative focuses on outreach programs designed to bring awareness, education, and support directly to communities—reinforcing the company’s people-centered approach.
