Polo Football Park recently became the centre of an electrifying event, bringing together some of Bangkok’s leading tech companies for a day of football, camaraderie, and competition. Spearheaded by Opn and Agoda, with support from LINE MAN Wongnai, the inaugural Bangkok Intercompany 7-a-Side Football Tournament aimed to foster unity within Bangkok’s business community while promoting respect, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for football.
A Gathering of Players: The Participating Companies
Six tech companies participated in this landmark event: Agoda, Bitkub Group, Honest, LINE MAN Wongnai, Opn, and Rabbit Care, all eager to bring their competitive spirit to the pitch. These companies, representing industries ranging from travel and insurance to crypto exchange and e-commerce, form part of Bangkok’s thriving tech ecosystem.
A group photo kicks off the day. From left: Rabbit Care team in orange and blue, Opn in navy, Bitkub in green, Honest in purple, Agoda in black, and LINE MAN Wongnai in white.
This tournament was more than just a football match—it was a celebration of collaboration within Bangkok’s tech scene, where companies with different specialties came together for friendly rivalry. Beyond the pitch, the event also fostered crucial business aspects like employer branding, networking, and team bonding.
Strengthening Corporate Identity Through Football
For the participating companies, joining this tournament was a strategic decision. Football, as one of the world’s most popular sports, provided a unique platform to showcase company values in an engaging, high-visibility setting. Employees proudly wore their team colours, representing their companies on the pitch. The event spotlighted the people behind the brands, highlighting teamwork, determination, and resilience. It also offered a valuable team bonding opportunity, allowing cross-functional teams to collaborate and interact outside the office, building stronger relationships and reinforcing organisational identity.
Networking was another key element. CEOs, senior management, and employees from various industries connected in a relaxed setting, creating opportunities for future partnerships and collaborations. The event’s informal atmosphere encouraged conversations that went beyond traditional business settings, strengthening the tech community in Bangkok.
As the event began, handshakes and warm greetings were exchanged among company representatives.
Among the high-profile attendees, from right to left: Khun Kev Bautista, Head of People at LINE MAN Wongnai; Almeric Chew, Lead Manager of Operations at Agoda Media Solutions; Khun Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, Founder & Group CEO of Bitkub Group; Michael M. Steibl, Founder & CEO of Rabbit Care; Peter Panas, Founder & CEO of Honest; and Hahn Do Minh, Senior Engineering Manager at Opn.
Following the introductory speeches and group photos, the tournament officially kicked off. Agoda and Opn faced off on Polo 1, while Bitkub Group and LINE MAN Wongnai squared off on Polo 2, setting the tone for an action-packed and competitive day of football.
The Competition Format: League and Playoffs
The tournament was divided into two phases: the league phase and the playoffs. Each team played five 10-minute matches during the league phase, facing every other team once. Enthusiasm ran high as all six teams competed for a spot in the playoffs. After 30 league matches, Bitkub Group topped the table with 13 points, followed by Agoda with 10 points and Opn with 8 points. LINE MAN Wongnai secured a playoff spot on goal difference, while Rabbit Care and Honest were eliminated.
The playoffs saw first-place Bitkub Group facing off against LINE MAN Wongnai, while second-place Agoda took on third-place Opn.
Playoffs and the Road to the Final
Bitkub Group, dominant in the league phase, secured a hard-fought victory over LINE MAN Wongnai to reach the final. Agoda followed suit, defeating Opn in a thrilling match to set up an eagerly anticipated final against Bitkub Group. Meanwhile, LINE MAN Wongnai and Opn prepared for the third-place playoff, as the excitement built for the final showdown.
Before the final, Rabbit Care’s energetic cheering squad and colourful flags added vibrancy to the sidelines, as spectators and participants eagerly awaited the final match.
A Thrilling Conclusion: Agoda vs Bitkub Group
The final between Bitkub Group and Agoda did not disappoint. Both teams showcased skill and determination, with the match ending 1-1 in regular time. A nail-biting penalty shootout ensued, with Bitkub Group emerging victorious, winning 3-2 to claim the title of champions of the inaugural Bangkok Intercompany Football Tournament.
Recognition and Celebration
As the tournament concluded, the atmosphere was one of celebration and camaraderie. The trophy presentation ceremony honoured not only the champions but also the spirit of participation, teamwork, and sportsmanship that defined the day. Awards were given for the best team player from each participating team, third-place finisher LINE MAN Wongnai, runners-up Agoda, and, of course, the champions Bitkub Group.
Congratulations to the Bitkub Team
Khun Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, Founder & Group CEO of Bitkub Group, proudly accepted the winner’s trophy. In his speech, he expressed his delight at Bitkub Group’s success and emphasised the importance of such events in fostering unity and team spirit. “This friendly football competition is not just an opportunity to build good relationships between organisations, but also to foster unity and team spirit within our own ranks. We are proud to be part of such a constructive event and look forward to seeing new friendships form on the playing field,” he said.
His sentiments echoed the feelings of everyone present: the day had been about much more than football—it was about building relationships, celebrating teamwork, and enjoying the sport that brings people together across industries.
A Day to Remember
It was clear that this event had been a resounding success. The first edition of the Bangkok Inter-Company Football Competition had achieved its mission: to strengthen ties between companies in Bangkok through a day of sport, respect, and mutual appreciation. Bernard Obiechina, a technical recruiter from Opn and the event organizer, said that “one of the valuable impacts of the tournament is seeing the joy and camaraderie between team members and their senior colleagues”.
In many ways, this event set the stage for future editions of the competition, establishing a tradition that will likely grow in size and stature. But beyond the trophies and accolades, the true victory lay in the sense of community, teamwork, and corporate camaraderie that had been fostered throughout the day. Whether on the field or in the stands, every participant left with a renewed sense of organizational identity, pride, and the memory of a day well spent in the company of colleagues and new friends alike.