Bastian Schweinsteiger took part in the VBL Series Thailand Final, presenting awards and meeting fans at the Bangkok final. The winner is set to travel to Germany to watch Bundesliga matches.
(Photo Credit: FC Online, Garena Thailand)
Bastian Schweinsteiger, 2014 World Cup champion, served as Guest of Honor at the VBL International Series Thailand Final 2026, which concluded grandly last Sunday in Bangkok after thousands of gamers from across Southeast Asia competed intensely.
A highlight of this fiercely contested tournament in Thailand’s capital was the appearance of Schweinsteiger, who made a standout performance in the 2014 World Cup final at the Maracanã Stadium, helping Germany secure the title in Brazil.
The legendary FC Bayern München player, who won the German league eight times, acted as the official Bundesliga ambassador for the final, presenting awards to winners, engaging actively with media, and collaborating with Thai influencers to create content promoting the idea of “Football As It’s Meant To Be.”
(Photo Credit: FC Online, Garena Thailand)
Schweinsteiger said, “The passion for the Bundesliga among fans in Thailand is truly remarkable, and esports is a key channel to connect with the younger generation.”
“Seeing these players compete shows that love for football is full of excitement, whether on the pitch or on the game screen. Esports is a unique platform that attracts new fan groups, and through the VBL International Series, we’re showing young football fans that they can be part of the Bundesliga story.”
(Photo Credit: FC Online, Garena Thailand)
This year, the VBL International Series expanded to unite the vibrant gaming communities from both Thailand and Vietnam.
The competition is designed to connect the digital esports world with real football experiences. This year, it expanded throughout Southeast Asia through partnerships with local operators Garena Thailand and Vietnam.
Leveraging Garena’s access to over 10 million users, the tournament held separate national competitions, attracting thousands of amateur and professional players.
By combining online and offline events, the Bundesliga continues to be closely integrated into daily life for football fans in Southeast Asia, providing direct access to the clubs and players they follow.
The journey for the winners from Thailand and Vietnam does not end here; they will travel to Germany to experience an exclusive Bundesliga event, culminating in next month’s final match of the season between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Köln.
Since 2012, the Bundesliga has been the first professional football league to organize its own esports competitions, with over one million players participating in various digital tournaments, including the Virtual Bundesliga International Series.