![[EXCLUSIVE] Katsuhiro Harada Opens Up About VS Studio, SNK, and What Comes Next](https://cdn.gamerbraves.com/2026/05/Harada-VS-Studio_Interview_FI-1-360x180.jpg)
Razer will be looking to take the lead for the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in esports in 2021. As the official esports sponsor for the 30th SEA Games, held 2019 in the Philippines, Razer was instrumental in lobbying for the inclusion of esports as a medaled event – for the first time in sports history. Now, in the lead up to the official inclusion of esports in the 31st SEA Games, Razer has worked with industry partners and regional esports federations to once again, succeed in the official inclusion of esports in this competitive tournament.
“Esports has always been a fundamental part of the Razer DNA. We have led the rally to elevate esports as a recognized medal event at the SEA Games in 2019 and 2021.”
“With esports now being confirmed as an official event again for SEA Games 2021, we remain committed to working together with the region’s national esports federations to drive its continued development and to prepare all participating athletes for the upcoming competitions.”
Zuber Mohammed, Chief Marketing Officer at Razer
As such, Razer is working closely with partners to prepare athletes ahead of the Hanoi SEA Games 2021. Together with the national esports federations in the region and supporting the SEA esports community, Razer has organized a variety of initiatives such as Razer Invitational – SEA to provide training opportunities, support and a global platform to regional esports athletes. This includes working with VIRESA to sponsor the Vietnam team during the International Esports Federation Championship to train and gear up for the international stage.
“With the overwhelming support from Razer and federations, we’re pleased to share that esports is once again part of the SEA Games.”
“Many athletes have taken part in competitions to train for the upcoming esports event, despite not knowing if the games are confirmed. We are heartened by the dedication of the athletes and will pledge to level up esports in the region.”
Xuan Cuong Nguyen, President of the Vietnam Electronic Sports and Entertainment Association (VIRESA)
Razer Invitationals 2020 prepared athletes for the global stage
Razer continues preparing esports athletes worldwide for international medalled events, believing there is a greater need for inclusiveness and equal opportunities to be given to the amateur level. That resulted in the Razer Invitational – a first-of-its-kind tournament series, held fully online in light of COVID-19, enabling esports athletes from different skill levels to participate and gain regional experience.
Razer Invitational first kicked off with a Southeast Asian edition with the goal of preparing the Southeast Asian athletes for SEA Games 2021, prior to the confirmation of its inclusion. Working with industry partners and regional esports federations, Razer organized and launched an inclusive, yet highly competitive tournament that featured esports athletes from 10 countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It was the largest SEA esports tournament of 2020 and saw more than 500 teams participating with 10.5 million live stream views and 67 million social impressions.
“Along with Razer, we were able to bind the stakeholders, publishers and SEA Esports leadership into a community that has led to its equal recognition and coverage as traditional sports.”
“We’re extremely proud of how far the esports athletes and this community have gone full circle and enabled the opportunities that next year’s SEA Games will bring to the industry.”
Alvin Juban, Philippine SEA Games Union, Co-President & National Team Manager.
The fully digital tournament has moved to Latin America, with Europe games to run from 10 December to 30 January 2021.
As one of the largest esports brands in the world, Razer continues to champion esports’ growth and development. SEA Games 2021 is a key milestone for the industry and Razer looks forward to working with the various federation to solidify esports’ position as a legitimized and permanent medaled event in the biennial multi-sport event.
Learn more about the Razer Invitational here.
