SIBOL’s Doors Are Open for Kairi

SIBOL’s national team selection process for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang remains open to all qualified Filipino players, even those currently competing abroad.

According to SIBOL General Manager Jab Escutin, geography isn’t a barrier, but the process is non-negotiable.

“Players outside of the country are welcome to try out for the qualifiers,” Escutin said. “They just have to figure out how to play in the qualifiers.”

That includes high-profile names like Kairi Rayosdelsol, the first Filipino esports import currently playing in Indonesia, who previously shared that he declined offers of Indonesian citizenship to remain eligible to represent the Philippines.

In a previous interview with ALL-STAR, Kairi shared how he declined offers to become an Indonesian citizen in 2022 and 2023 because he wants to play for the Philippines too. “Ayaw ko po na i-represent lang ang Indonesia lang po,” he told ALL-STAR.

Can Kairi Try Out For SIBOL?

We asked SIBOL if they are open to Kairi joining future qualifiers. Escutin kept the answer simple.

“He is welcome to try out. All the opportunities are open for him to participate,” he said. “But since the qualifiers is open to everyone, he has to participate. He has all of the qualifications naman to do it.”

Escutin pointed to other players who have already gone through the system to reinforce the point.

“Like Kelra, he was able to participate. He just needs to undergo the process like everybody else,” he added.

The structure, he emphasized, is intentionally inclusive. Reputation alone doesn’t secure a spot—not even for established stars.

“The qualifiers is open to everyone. Somebody who is not famous can participate and qualify,” Escutin said.

He cited Teddyqt as a current example of how that openness creates real opportunity.

“Look at Teddyqt. He’s a good example. He has a really big chance of being part of the SIBOL National Team.”

Kairi moved to Indonesia in 2022, becoming the first Filipino MLBB esports import. That triggered a massive wave of overseas imports of Filipino esports athletes. Among the first wave of imports was the roster of ONIC PH’s Season 9 roster that included Allen Baloy (Baloyskie), Mark Christian Capacio (Markyyy), Gerald Trinchera (Dlar), and Jaylord Gonzales (Hate).

For more exclusive esports stories, click here.