Bintan, May 1, 2025 – The second annual Bintan E-sport Championship returns for a thrilling two-day competition from Saturday to Sunday, May 3–4, 2025, hosted by Bintan Resorts. Backed by the Bintan Regency Office of Youth and Sports and the Indonesian Esports Association (ESI) – Bintan Chapter, the event will spotlight the top esports athletes from across the Riau Islands Province.
The championship will take place at Plaza Lagoi in Lagoi Bay, a central destination within Bintan Resorts, and will feature competitions in three popular gaming titles: Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, and eFootball.
“As an evolving tourism destination, it’s vital for us to connect with broader market segments, especially younger audiences, through diverse and relevant experiences,” said Raja Azmizal Usman, Head of Commercial at Bintan Resorts. “With this esports event, we aim to position Bintan Resorts not only as a travel destination, but also as a creative and competitive space that resonates with youth culture.”
The event has drawn tremendous public interest. Following its promotional launch, registration filled quickly — fueled by the decision to waive participation fees. A total of 50 teams (five players each) and 40 individual participants signed up before registration closed. Building on this momentum, Bintan Resorts announced plans to include regional cross-border communities in next year’s edition, aiming to attract international participants and elevate the tournament’s global appeal.
“This is about more than just games,” Usman added. “It’s a strategic move to enhance our destination’s appeal by integrating entertainment, technology, and tourism. Collaborations with gaming communities can energize the local atmosphere, create social media buzz, and attract a wider range of visitors.”
The tournament also underscores ESI Bintan’s commitment to growing a sustainable esports ecosystem. “We want to shift public perception of gaming,” said Muhammad Syawaludin, Chairman of ESI Bintan. “Esports is recognized under the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) and offers a path to real achievement. Anyone with dedication, discipline, and drive can become a professional athlete.”
He further emphasized the dual mission of the championship: developing esports talent and promoting Bintan as a premier destination. The tournament will feature:
- Mobile Legends in a knockout format with 30 teams,
- PUBG Mobile in a points-based final system with 20 teams competing over 10 matches,
- eFootball in a single-elimination format with 40 individual players.
As a highlight, a professional PUBG athlete from the Riau Islands will join the event to inspire local participants.
“This is the first esports championship in Bintan to award the Bupati (Regent’s) Cup,” said Alfeni Harmi, Head of Bintan’s Office of Youth and Sports. “It’s more than a competition—it’s a platform for youth to channel their interests into meaningful achievements. This initiative is part of our broader mission to guide the younger generation toward positive and productive pursuits.”
