For the consecutive second year, the Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA) is hosting the DIALOG-SLESA All-Island Free Fire Championship. This prestigious event, spotlighting the globally renowned game Free Fire, is generously supported by its primary sponsor, Dialog, in collaboration with its strategic partner, Gamer.LK.
The championship held entirely online boasts an impressive prize pool of Rs. 1 million, reflecting the growing significance and investment in the Esports arena in Sri Lanka. The district qualifier stage, which commenced on 18th September, is set to culminate with a two-day Grand Final scheduled for late November.
Players first take part in the district qualifier stage where teams have to earn their right to represent their district at the district final round by making their way through a group stage, semi-finals and a qualifier final. This year also features a Solo Wildcard round where individual players will battle it out to be placed into one team which will also make their way to the district final round. The teams that make it through the district final round earn the right to represent their district at the All-Island semi-final round, after which the top 12 teams qualify for the Grand Finals.
Last year’s Championship, saw over 2,000 participants take part where team nA NEVERSTOP, who were selected to represent the Mongarala district emerged victorious. Popular Free Fire game streamers hosted watch parties on their social media channels, creating massive interest and bringing together a fledgling community of young aspirants as they compete on the national stage.
“The DIALOG-SLESA All-Island Free Fire Championship showcases the thriving Esports culture in Sri Lanka. We are excited to witness the growth of our local talent and provide them a platform to shine on the national stage and thereby set their sights on breaking into the international Free Fire arena,” said Raveen Wijayatilake, President of SLESA.
Esports, the country’s fastest-growing sport, is officially recognised by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports. Sri Lankan Esports athletes have competed internationally, most recently at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Founded in 2012 by Gamer.LK and four other members, SLESA has systematically fostered the sport’s growth in the country, gaining international recognition.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, has been at the helm of uplifting Esports for over a decade by powering gaming competitions in Sri Lanka. In the recent past, Dialog’s strategic partnership with SLESA has empowered the training and development of vital skills for avid local gamers and help bring structured Esports to all corners of the island. With the widest 4G coverage in Sri Lanka and constantly network optimisations, Dialog delivers on its commitment towards bridging the digital divide by enabling Esports to prosper in the rural peripheries of Sri Lanka.
Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling matches as the Dialog SLESA All-Island Free Fire Championship 2023 unfolds. For updates about the event and to watch the matches, visit the Sri Lanka Esports Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/srilankaesports.