Filipino Teen Crowned as Heroes II Game World Champion

A 14-year-old from the Philippines, Ian, recently ended the last day of the Heroes II Bible Trivia Game World Championship ahead of 15 other finalists from around the world, emerging as the first-ever champion. Ian won the best-of-three series in the finals against Canadian finalist David. 

Together with his father, Greyson, also a finalist, Ian inched his way up to the finals beginning with the Union Level Heroes II competition. From May 19 to 22, 2021, during the General Conference Global Virtual Campmeeting, qualifying rounds were initiated on four occasions to determine who would qualify for the final round. After a four-day qualifying event, 16 names emerged on top: Alef from Indonesia; Karelys from Venezuela; Joseph from the United Arab Emirates; Freddy from Lithuania; David from Canada; Gaby from Ireland; Benjamin, Alexander, and Jose from Mexico; Andre, Vinicius, and Adrian from Brazil; and Ian, Greyson, and Chum from the Philippines.

Ian lives in Lopez, Quezon, Philippines, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of the capital city of Manila. He is the son of Greyson and Shyrell and an elder brother to Ivy. Ian is currently an eighth-grade student in an Adventist academy in Lipa City, Batangas.

First Experience with a Gaming App

This is the first time that Ian was introduced to a gaming app produced and made by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At an early age, Ian was encouraged by his parents to read the Bible, Spirit of Prophecy, and other Adventist resources instead of spending time in computer games. 

Growing up, Ian competed in various Bible trivia quizzes in his church, school, and conference. He won Bible quiz contests in third and sixth grade and a conference-wide contest of a Bible spelling bee.

In an interview, Ian’s mother noted the impact of Adventist education in  his recent achievement. “Adventist education helps a lot in reinforcing Christian behavior and ethics to our children. It is important that whatever we teach at home is in sync with what the teachers tell in school,” she said.

Ian’s father said he is grateful that a Bible trivia gaming app, designed with modern-day concepts, has been created to reach out to millions of gamers. “It is one way with which we can cater to their needs and introduce Jesus,” he said.

The Heroes II Bible Trivia App Experience

After he was announced as the world champion, Ian was overwhelmed by support and messages coming from people all over the world. In an interview, he said that he never thought that something this big would happen. He just wanted to play and interact with other players on the internet.

“Heroes II is not just a game, but it is a tool designed to reach millions of young people. It is an app carefully designed to make its contents, interface, and objective closest to the Bible,” he said.

Ian’s achievement is an inspiration to other young people, showing them that at an early age, they can already know much about the Bible if they only spend time reading it, leaders said. Ian said that he wants to encourage Heroes II gamers to not just focus on how to win championships but to know the Bible and have a deeper relationship with Jesus.

“This Bible Trivia gaming app is just a tool, and it should never replace our personal relationship with God and with other people,” he emphasized.

About the Game

Heroes, a game based on Bible characters, is a sequel to its pioneer version, launched in 2013. The first version generated 10 million minutes of interaction. This resulted in the development of the modernized version of the app. Heroes II was launched in March 2021. The game is available for download on iOS and Android.