Kadiliman Esports (KDM Esports) is among the first organizations to unveil a VALORANT Mobile roster, even though the game’s official release date outside of China has yet to be confirmed.
PHILIPPINES – When people think of global esports hotspots, Southeast Asia might not be the first to come to mind. But that perception is slowly changing, just not in the way traditional PC and console esports fans might expect.
In this part of the world, mobile esports is king. With a low barrier to entry and the widespread adoption of free-to-play games, mobile gaming has become the go-to for millions across the region. Whether it’s students on their breaks or baristas sneaking in a quick match of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang between orders, mobile gaming is seamlessly integrated into daily life.
This isn’t just a casual trend. It’s backed by staggering numbers. The Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Indonesia Season 15, for example, recently became the seventh most-watched esports event of all time in terms of peak viewership. Season 14 isn’t far behind at ninth. Both seasons outperformed even iconic events like the 2019 and 2020 League of Legends World Championships, any CS:GO Major, VALORANT tournaments, and even The International for Dota 2, according to Esports Charts.
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Clearly, the appetite for mobile esports is massive and still growing. Riot Games, in partnership with Lightspeed Studios, is tapping into this surging market through VALORANT Mobile, a mobile adaptation of its successful tactical shooter. While the game is currently in closed beta only in China, its global release date remains unannounced.
Still, some have already jumped the gun, launching their VALORANT Mobile esports teams in anticipation, betting big on what could be the next major wave in esports, especially in regions like Southeast Asia.
One of the pioneers is Kadiliman Esports. With a strong grassroots presence through gaming cafés across Metro Manila, Kadiliman Esports is one of the first Southeast Asian orgs to officially commit to VALORANT Mobile, announcing their roster well ahead of the game’s international launch.
Kadiliman Esports handpicked a roster of high-profile players from various titles, including standouts from the local VALORANT PC scene, to form the foundation of their VALORANT Mobile team.

The roster features a mix of high-profile players, many of whom bring experience from both PC and mobile esports. Headlining the list is Jericho “Pabi” Pablo, a veteran of the tier-two VALORANT PC scene, who previously played under Xtreme Elite Esports alongside Masters Toronto champion Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza of Paper Rex. Pabi also boasts a strong background in mobile games like Rules of Survival, High Energy Heroes, Farlight84, and Knives Out.
Joining them are Majo, Jayzee, Woopiiee, and Blue, all seasoned competitors in similar mobile titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile, Knives Out, Farlight 84, and High Energy Heroes. Jerrold “Woopiiee” Regay brings extensive experience to the roster, having competed in multiple Call of Duty: Mobile World Championships while often teaming up with longtime teammate JC “Jayzee” Rivera on the stage. The team has also recently brought on Cramers as their sixth man.
Rounding out the lineup is coach Jhay “Myd Mathers” Quilicot, a former player with SR Nacague and Kadiliman Esports who previously competed in several main events of VALORANT Challengers Philippines between 2021–2023, including a Top 4 finish at the 2022 AfreecaTV SEA Invitational.
Currently, the team is already in full bootcamp mode, dedicating 8–9 hours per day to practice. They are also scrimming against Chinese pro teams like Nova Esports, LGD Gaming, and Wolves Esports, all currently participating in VALORANT Mobile’s inaugural tournament in China.

Kadiliman Esports provides a full-time environment for its players, a clear statement of intent in what many believe will be the next major mobile esports title in Southeast Asia. In a space where being first often means everything, getting a head start could set the team apart once VALORANT Mobile hits the global market.
“When you think of it, VALORANT Mobile is basically the same as the PC version when it comes to maps and agents, but it has shorter gameplay. That’s why it needs more strategic planning per round, making it more intense and more competitive,” shares Pabi.
For now, there isn’t much to dive into just yet, with the game only available on Chinese servers and no official release outside of China. Still, the demand is clearly there, and with reputable developers known for building strong esports ecosystems behind the project, it’s hard not to get excited about what’s coming next.
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