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Category: Esports

  • Team Falcons PH opens MSC 2026 campaign with a statement sweep, moves closer to playoffs

    Team Falcons PH opens MSC 2026 campaign with a statement sweep, moves closer to playoffs

    Two years after falling short in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid-Season Cup finals, Team Falcons PH opened its 2026 campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over China’s Guangzhou Gaming on Wednesday in Paris, taking the first step in what it hopes will be a redemption run on the international stage.

     

    The victory sends Team Falcons PH to the upper bracket semifinals, leaving the MPL Philippines runner-up just one win away from booking a place in the playoffs.

     

    “We already felt that loss and we’re gonna use that experience in this tournament,” EXP laner David “Flap” Canon said.

     

    Guangzhou Gaming dictated the pace early in Game 1, racing to a 6-2 kill advantage behind jungler Recall’s Nolan, while also claiming two of the first three Turtle objectives to keep the Philippine representatives on the defensive.

     

    Team Falcons PH patiently waited for its opening, and it came at the 11-minute mark when Michael “Kyle” Sayson, piloting Ling, secured the first Lord. The objective immediately shifted momentum as the Filipinos cracked open all three lanes and destroyed four turrets to seize control of the map.

     

    Another turning point followed when Guangzhou’s jungler was caught defending the top lane, allowing Team Falcons to secure a second uncontested Lord. With the enhanced minion wave marching down the bottom lane, the Filipinos completed the comeback.

     

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    Gold laner Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano put the finishing touches on Game 1 with two separate double kills that wiped out Guangzhou Gaming and secured the opening victory.


    Game 2 followed a familiar script as Hirara, once again dominated the neutral objectives by capturing all three Turtle buffs, but Team Falcons PH refused to let the early deficit dictate the outcome.


    After claiming the first Lord, Flap delivered the decisive play of the match. Using Sora’s Shifting Skies at the 15-minute mark, he initiated a crucial four-man pick-off that dismantled Guangzhou Gaming’s defense and completed the 2-0 series sweep.

     

    The victory keeps Team Falcons PH firmly on course for the knockout stage, but an even bigger challenge now awaits.

     

    The Filipino side will next face Indonesia’s Team Vitality, which also advanced after defeating True Rippers, with a playoff berth on the line. 

     

    Meanwhile, fellow Philippine representative Team Liquid PH begins its own Group B campaign against Turkey’s Aurora Gaming.

     

    This year’s MSC marks another milestone for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports as the tournament is being staged in Europe for the first time as part of the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris. 

     

    The group stage features a 16-team double-elimination format, with only the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds, making every upper-bracket victory crucial in the race for the championship.

     

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  • NAVI PH’s title run ends with silver medal finish after falling to Team Vitality in MWI 2026 

    NAVI PH’s title run ends with silver medal finish after falling to Team Vitality in MWI 2026 

    NAVI PH came within two games of a championship breakthrough, but Team Vitality’s late surge denied the Filipina squad another Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) crown as the Indonesian powerhouse completed a successful title defense at the Esports World Cup in Paris on Saturday, July 18.

     

    The Philippine representative ended its campaign with a silver medal finish after dropping a 4-2 series decision to Team Vitality, earning a $90,000 runner-up prize while watching its hopes of lifting the trophy slip away after a promising start.

     

    NAVI PH immediately showed why it was considered one of the tournament favorites, taking control of the opening game with a commanding performance. 

     

    The Filipinas overwhelmed Team Vitality in just 15 minutes, setting the tone for what appeared to be another deep tournament run.

     

    However, the defending champions quickly responded. Team Vitality adjusted its approach in Game 2, shutting down NAVI PH’s momentum and leveling the series at 1-1.

     

    The third game turned into a test of endurance as both teams battled through a 28-minute slugfest. NAVI PH held firm against Vitality’s pressure for most of the match, but a crucial late Lord push broke through the Filipinas’ defenses and gave the Indonesian squad its first lead of the series.

     

    Refusing to let the match slip away, NAVI PH answered back in Game 4 with one of its strongest performances of the series. 

     

    The Filipina squad regained control and tied the championship match at 2-2, putting the defending champions under pressure heading into the final stretch. But the turning point came in Game 5.

     

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    Team Vitality came out aggressively, building an early 13-2 kill advantage and taking full control of the match. 

     

    NAVI PH struggled to find answers against Viorelle “Vival” Chen, whose Ling performance proved to be one of the biggest difference-makers. Vival finished the game with a 3-1-6 KDA, creating constant pressure across the map and helping Vitality regain the series lead.

     

    The Indonesian side carried that momentum into Game 6, where Vival once again became the centerpiece of Vitality’s championship-clinching performance. Her Ling delivered a Maniac in the deciding game, sealing Team Vitality’s second consecutive MWI championship.

     

    The result marked a reversal from the teams’ previous encounter. NAVI PH had swept Team Vitality in their 2024 meeting, but this time the defending champions had the final answer, overcoming the Filipinas’ early dominance and proving their championship experience on the biggest stage.

     

    Despite falling short of the title, NAVI PH’s silver-medal run further highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in women’s MLBB esports. The team showcased its ability to challenge the world’s best and pushed the reigning champions to six games before ultimately surrendering the crown.

     

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  • NAVI PH stays alive in MWI 2026 after stunning reverse sweep against Falcon Daisies

    NAVI PH stays alive in MWI 2026 after stunning reverse sweep against Falcon Daisies

    NAVI PH refused to let a difficult start define its MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2026 campaign.


    After finding itself one loss away from elimination following a 0-2 defeat to Cambodia’s Galaxy Phoenix in the opening round of Group B, the Filipino squad delivered a crucial response when it mattered most, eliminating Myanmar’s Falcon Daisies with a 2-1 reverse sweep in the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals in Paris, France.

     

    The comeback victory extended NAVI PH’s stay at the Esports World Cup and secured a much-needed opportunity to continue chasing a spot in the tournament’s Knockout Stage.

     

    The road back, however, was far from easy as NAVI PH entered the lower bracket after Galaxy Phoenix exposed the team’s early struggles, particularly during the drafting phase. Despite the long trip from Manila to Paris, jungler Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto refused to blame fatigue for their opening-match loss, instead giving credit to their Cambodian opponents for executing their game plan better.

     

    “In-expect ko na maganda din yung performance nila,” Alpuerto said.

     

    The Filipina jungler also admitted that NAVI PH had difficulty preparing for the draft, especially in the second game, where their opponents were able to take advantage of certain hero choices.

     

    “Siguro hindi din kami nakapag prepare masyado sa draft lalo na nung Game 2 kasi parang nahirapan kami kasi hindi namin bina-ban yung mga hero kung saan kami nahihirapan,” she said.

     

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    That defeat placed NAVI PH in a dangerous position, leaving the squad with no room for another mistake. A loss against Falcon Daisies would have ended their international run before reaching the Knockout Stage.

     

    Instead, the Filipinas showed composure when everything was on the line.

     

    Against Falcon Daisies, NAVI PH absorbed the pressure of another elimination match and found a way to turn the series around. 

     

    After dropping the first game, the team adjusted its approach, regained control in the next two matches, and completed the reverse sweep to secure the 2-1 victory.

     

    The win highlighted NAVI PH’s ability to adapt in a tournament where the meta continues to shift and where every mistake can immediately swing momentum toward the opposing side.

     

    The team previously struggled with consistency against Galaxy Phoenix, but the victory over Falcon Daisies showed signs of improvement when facing another high-pressure situation.

     

    Now, NAVI PH faces its next major test as the Filipino representatives will take on South Korea’s Gen.G in the next round for a chance to advance to the playoffs at MWI 2026. 

     

    The matchup gives NAVI PH another opportunity to prove that its lower-bracket journey is not just about survival, but also about making a deeper run on the international stage.

     

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  • Jab Escutin aims to shape the future of Philippine esports as SIBOL general manager

    Jab Escutin aims to shape the future of Philippine esports as SIBOL general manager

    Esports has rapidly evolved into one of the most popular competitive pursuits among the younger generation in the Philippines, with the country consistently producing world-class talents and fielding one of Southeast Asia’s strongest national teams.

     

    At the forefront of that growth is SIBOL general manager Jab Escutin, whose vision for a more professional and sustainable esports ecosystem has helped shape the direction of Philippine esports both on and off the competition stage.

     

    Escutin, who co-founded Bren Esports in 2017, entered the industry with a clear mission—to bring structure, professionalism, and accountability to what was then a rapidly growing but largely unregulated scene.

     

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    Looking back on the early years of Philippine esports, Escutin recalled the challenges faced by both players and organizations as the industry struggled with a lack of standards and proper governance.

     

    “Everybody wanted to be an esports athlete, but I got so frustrated because nobody understood what contracts are. Owners and athletes were getting scammed left and right. It was the wild, wild west back then. Nobody was putting in the effort to change the culture or the mindset,” Escutin said, as quoted by The GAME.

     

    Rather than simply building a successful organization, Escutin said Bren Esports sought to redefine what it meant to be a professional esports team by prioritizing player welfare and establishing better organizational practices.

     

    “My goal was to make everyone understand what a professional esports athlete should be. I would tell everyone who shared our vision that this was going to be a long and hard road because we were changing how these guys operate. We had backing and prominence, but some would say we were also very antagonistic. The players liked us because we treated them well, but other owners saw us as a threat,” he added.

     

    Nearly a decade later, Escutin now carries that same philosophy into his role as general manager of SIBOL, where he oversees the country’s preparations for regional and international tournaments while ensuring that every aspiring national team member has an equal opportunity to earn a roster spot.

    Central to that vision is a merit-based selection process through open national qualifiers, a system Escutin has championed since taking over the national program.

     

    “Ang lagi ko sinasabi is as long as I’m here, I will give the opportunity to everybody. I don’t want to handpick or give favors. So that’s why I proposed that there has to be a national qualifier. It has to be something that anyone can join,” Escutin continued.

     

    Under the current system, national qualifiers are held before every major international competition, allowing players and teams across the country to compete for the chance to wear the Philippine colors. The approach ensures that roster selections are based on current form rather than reputation, while also providing rising talents with a pathway to the national team.

     

    The format, however, has not been without its critics. Some members of the esports community have argued that the country’s most established players should automatically represent the Philippines in major tournaments instead of going through another qualification process.

     

    Escutin disagrees, emphasizing that esports differs significantly from traditional sports because of its constantly changing competitive landscape. Frequent game patches, balance updates, and shifting strategies can dramatically alter the strength of teams in a short period, making it essential for every player to continually prove themselves.

     

    Beyond competition, Escutin believes esports has now reached a level of mainstream acceptance that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.

     

    “One of the best things I have heard was from one of the Saudi princes when they were giving a presscon. He said ‘in the last five years, nobody has been born where esports competitions wasn’t the norm.’ So right now, walang pinapanganak thinking ‘uy, bago ‘to’.

     

    “Everybody can now see on TV, on livestreams, that this is normal, this is happening. So the best thing to happen to esports is for people to see it and think it’s another sport. Hindi ka na nagugulat, hindi na siya historical, it’s an everyday thing na,” he concluded.

     

    Under Escutin’s stewardship, SIBOL continues to build toward sustained international success. The Philippine national esports team has established itself as a regional powerhouse, winning a combined 27 medals across four Southeast Asian Games editions and cementing the country’s reputation as one of the region’s esports leaders.

     

    The challenge moving forward is translating that dominance onto the broader continental stage. SIBOL fell short of the podium at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, finishing without a medal despite entering the competition with high expectations. As preparations continue for future international events, Escutin remains focused on strengthening the national program through transparency, equal opportunity, and a commitment to raising professional standards across Philippine esports.

     

     

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  • NAVI bears lone Philippine banner, seeks redemption at MWI 2026 

    NAVI bears lone Philippine banner, seeks redemption at MWI 2026 

    NAVI’s journey to Paris is about more than representing the Philippines—it’s about finishing the story that slipped away twice on the international stage.


    After enduring a pair of heartbreaking defeats in 2025, the Filipina squad returns to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2026 carrying both unfinished business and the nation’s expectations. 

     

    As the Philippines’ lone representative in one of the premier tournaments under the Esports World Cup (EWC), NAVI hopes this year’s campaign ends with another world title instead of another painful “what if.”

     

    The same core experienced two crushing exits last season. Their first setback came at the MWI, where Gaimin Gladiators swept them, 2-0, in the quarterfinals, preventing the squad then competing under the Omega Empress banner from defending the world championship it captured in 2024.

     

    The heartbreak only deepened months later at the Southeast Asian Games. Representing the Philippines, NAVI stood just one point away from securing the gold medal after reaching match point in the grand finals. 

     

    Instead, Malaysia mounted a dramatic comeback to steal the series, 4-3, leaving the Filipinas with silver after coming within inches of the championship.

     

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    Now wearing the NAVI banner, the team earned another shot at international glory after dominating the Athena Cup Season 2, the tournament that awarded the country’s lone MWI berth.

     

    The Filipinas will once again rely on the chemistry of jungler Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto, midlaner Honey “Rainn” Jemlan, EXP laner Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon, roamer Mery “Meraaay” Vivero, and gold laner Lhoureain “Rianne” Alcaraz as they attempt to reclaim the title they once held.

     

    Unlike last year’s edition, where the Philippines fielded two teams after Team Liquid Aqua also qualified, only one slot was allotted to the country for MWI 2026, placing the entire nation’s hopes squarely on NAVI’s shoulders.

     

    The challenge, however, has become even steeper. MWI 2026 features its biggest field yet with 16 teams from more than 60 qualifying regions, reflecting the continued expansion of women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports. 

     

    The tournament also introduces a revamped format with two double-elimination groups, where only the top four teams from each bracket advance to the knockout stage, making every group-stage series crucial.

     

    NAVI’s path won’t be easy from the opening day. The Filipinas begin their Group B campaign against Cambodia’s Galaxy Phoenix on Tuesday at 9 p.m. (PHT) at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

     

    Group B is widely considered one of the tournament’s toughest brackets, featuring defending champion Team Vitality and several other regional contenders, leaving little room for slow starts as NAVI pursues another deep run on the world stage. 

     

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  • Coach Nite Alparas credits preparation, chemistry for eGilas Pilipinas’ historic eFIBA World Title 

    Coach Nite Alparas credits preparation, chemistry for eGilas Pilipinas’ historic eFIBA World Title 

    For eGilas Pilipinas, the historic gold medal at the eFIBA Season 4 Qatar World Finals was never just about winning a tournament.


    It was about proving that the Philippines could compete, and build a lasting presence on the global NBA 2K stage.

     

    Head coach Nite Alparas said the team entered the competition with one mission in mind—not simply to claim a championship, but to bring home a victory that Filipinos could celebrate.

     

    “Ang unang pumapasok sa isip ko is magcha-champion yung Pilipinas and parang para sa bayan talaga lahat ng iniisip namin,” Alparas said.

     

    That mindset carried eGilas throughout the Finals, where they defeated Turkiye in the best-of-three championship series on Sunday to capture the country’s first-ever gold medal in the world stage of NBA 2K.

     

    But behind the historic achievement was a different approach from previous campaigns.

    For Alparas, the biggest factor that separated this championship-winning squad from past teams was not talent—it was preparation.

     

    The team committed more time to building chemistry, reviewing opponents, and sharpening their strategy through extended training and film study.

     

    “Mas nagbigay kami ng time na magkasama yung isa’t isa. Nagkaroon kami ng bootcamp na mas matagal at mas mahabang preparations yung ginawa namin. Nag-review kami ng iba’t ibang films ng teams. Feeling ko yun lang din talaga yung nagpalakas ng team—yung chemistry,” he said. 

     

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    That preparation became the foundation of eGilas’ title run, allowing the team to overcome the pressure of playing on the international stage and deliver a championship performance.

     

    However, Alparas believes the victory is only the beginning. Beyond the gold medal, he hopes the achievement can help push the Philippine NBA 2K community to greater heights and inspire more players to take part in the growing esports scene.

     

    “Pag dating sa pressure, I don’t think mas tataas pero feeling ko mas mae-evolve namin yung 2K community sa Philippines. And hopefully mas lalo tayong lumakas sa Asia and mas marami pang countries na makuha sa Asia,” Alparas said. 

     

    The impact of the championship was already evident even before the team returned home.

    During their stay in Qatar, eGilas experienced the support of Filipino fans who showed pride in their historic accomplishment.

     

    “Sa Qatar, nagulat din kami na ang daming Pinoy na nagpapa-picture sa amin, sumusuporta,” he recalled. After namin mag champion, nakita namin sa social media na parang kahit saan lumalabas na yung eGilas,” he said. 

     

    The championship team, composed of Miguel “MiguelCarlo” Hubillar, Chris “Vio” Briones, Kenneth “Clue-” Gutierrez, Joshua “JMACC” Machado, and Prich “DonP” Diez, now carries the distinction of being the first Filipino squad to win an NBA 2K world title.

     

    Turkiye settled for second place, while France completed the podium with a third-place finish.

     

    Following their historic triumph in Qatar, eGilas Pilipinas returned home to Pasay City, bringing with them not only a gold medal but also a new level of recognition for Philippine esports.

     

    For Alparas and his players, the championship was a milestone—but the bigger mission is continuing to grow the game and establish the Philippines as a force in global NBA 2K competition.

     

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  • eGilas Pilipinas completes redemption arc, captures first eFIBA World Finals Season 4 title

    eGilas Pilipinas completes redemption arc, captures first eFIBA World Finals Season 4 title

    After years of falling just short of the podium’s highest step, eGilas Pilipinas finally turned heartbreak into history.


    The Philippine Men’s National NBA 2K team completed a long-awaited breakthrough by winning its first-ever eFIBA World Finals Season 4 championship, sweeping Turkiye in the best-of-three title series on Sunday to deliver the country’s maiden world title in the competition.

     

    The victory also earned the Filipinos the tournament’s $20,000 grand prize, capping off a campaign that showcased preparation against the world’s best virtual basketball teams.

     

    Composed of Miguel “MiguelCarlo” Hubillar, Chris “Vio” Briones, Kenneth “Clue-” Gutierrez, Joshua “JMACC” Machado, and Prich “DonP” Diez, eGilas closed out the championship with a convincing 68-58 victory in the deciding match.

     

    The Philippines had previously settled for multiple fourth-place finishes at the eFIBA World Finals, making this breakthrough even more meaningful for a program that had steadily established itself among the world’s elite.

     

    That hunger was evident from the opening day of the tournament as the Filipinos dominated the group stage by defeating France, 64-53, Algeria, 73-52, and Germany, 72-45 before eliminating Lebanon, 67-58, in the upper bracket semifinals. 

     

    They then carried that momentum into the finals against Turkiye, finishing the tournament with just one game lost throughout the entire event.

     

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    According to head coach Nite Alparas, the team’s determination to finally bring home the championship never wavered.

     

    “Actually sobrang locked in talaga ng team from the start palang ng season na to. Lahat gutom manalo. During this whole tournament alam namin na iisa lang ang goal naming lahat. At yun ang maiuwi ang gold,” Alparas said.

     

    Preparation also played a major role in the team’s success. Alparas revealed that every night in Qatar was spent breaking down film and developing strategies tailored for each opponent.

     

    “Since day 1 na dumating kami dito sa Qatar, every night we spend 3 hours just to plan and review the games of our opponents. Then nung nakarating kami sa grand finals we know na kaya namin mauwi yung championship para sa Pilipinas,” he said.

     

    The Philippines’ dominance was likewise reflected in the tournament’s individual awards.

     

    Hubillar was named the Most Valuable Player after averaging 24.0 points and 7.4 assists per game, orchestrating the team’s offense throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Gutierrez anchored the defensive end and earned the Defensive Player of the Year award after averaging 3.1 steals per game.

     

    Machado also received international recognition after securing a spot in the All-Star Five, averaging 11.0 points and 1.7 steals per game. He was joined by Hubillar and Gutierrez on the elite team alongside France’s Xmambaout and Turkiye’s Canboymm.

     

    Turkiye finished as runners-up, while France claimed third place. For eGilas Pilipinas, however, the tournament represented more than a championship—it marked the country’s arrival as the new standard in international NBA 2K competition, finally converting years of persistence into a historic world title.

     

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  • Team Philippines expands Esports Nations Cup roster with Honor of Kings, Dota 2 qualification 

    Team Philippines expands Esports Nations Cup roster with Honor of Kings, Dota 2 qualification 

    The Philippine flag will be flying across even more titles at the 2026 Esports Nations Cup.

     

    After already securing spots in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, VALORANT, and League of Legends, Team Philippines further strengthened its presence in the global event by qualifying in both Honor of Kings and Dota 2, giving the country representation in five major esports disciplines when the tournament opens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this November.

     

    The latest additions highlight the country’s growing depth across multiple competitive titles—not just in its traditional strongholds but in games where the Philippines continues to establish itself among Asia’s elite.

     

    Unlike the country’s Dota 2 and League of Legends squads that battled through regional qualifiers, the Honor of Kings national team punched its ticket through consistent performances during the qualification period.

     

    The Philippines accumulated 6,495 ranking points to finish third overall, comfortably earning a place in Riyadh.

     

    Leading the squad are Blacklist International stars Chammy “Chammy1” Nazarrea, Justine “Juschie” Tan, and Charles “Chazz” Esguerra.

     

    Joining them are Eleazar “Azar” Sall of TNT Tropang Alab and BOOM Esports teammates John “Daniii” Bulanadi and Heri “Tatsurii” Garcia.

     

    Blacklist International’s Gerald “Tgee” Gelacio will call the shots as head coach.

    Their qualification further reinforces the Philippines’ reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s emerging Honor of Kings powerhouses.

     

    If the Honor of Kings squad qualified through consistency, the Dota 2 team earned its place by surviving one of the region’s toughest qualifying brackets.

     

    Facing a Thailand lineup headlined by international star Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahananon, Team Philippines showcased its resilience in a thrilling three-game upper bracket final.

     

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    After claiming Game 1 behind Eljohn “Akashi” Andales’ dominant Terrorblade performance, the Filipinos were thoroughly outplayed in Game 2, managing just three kills in a one-sided defeat that forced a deciding match.

     

    Instead of folding, the national team delivered its strongest game of the qualifier.

     

    Mark “Shanks” Redira orchestrated the victory on Rubick, producing game-changing plays throughout the decisive contest as the Philippines overwhelmed Thailand, 36-13, in nearly 42 minutes to officially secure qualification.

     

    The team had earlier overcome Myanmar in another hard-fought three-game series to reach the winner-take-all showdown.

     

    Representing the Philippines in Dota 2 are Shanks, Akashi, Mc “Mac” Villanueva, Glenard “Rupido” Rugay, and Bryle “cml” Alvizo.

     

    The national pool also includes veteran stars Abed “Abed” Yusop and Polo “Raven” Fausto, who were unavailable during the qualifiers because of commitments with their respective professional organizations.

     

    With the latest additions, Team Philippines continues to assemble one of its most ambitious international esports delegations yet.

     

    The country’s representatives in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and VALORANT previously secured direct qualification, while its League of Legends squad topped the Southeast Asia and Oceania qualifiers.

     

    Now joined by Honor of Kings and Dota 2, the Philippines heads to Riyadh carrying expectations across five different titles, reflecting the country’s continued rise as one of the region’s premier esports nations.

     

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  • Philippines locks in multiple Esports Nations Cup spots with dominant qualification run 

    Philippines locks in multiple Esports Nations Cup spots with dominant qualification run 

    The Philippines will arrive at the 2026 Esports Nations Cup not as a hopeful contender, but as one of the region’s strongest esports powers.

     

    Powered by consistent performances across multiple international tournaments, the country officially secured representation in three major titles, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and VALORANT earning direct qualification through the global rankings while League of Legends punched its ticket through the regional qualifiers.

     

    The country’s biggest statement came in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

     

    The Philippines finished as the No. 1-ranked nation during the qualification period, collecting 11,200 ranking points to comfortably outdistance Indonesia’s 7,100 and seal an outright berth in the prestigious tournament.

     

    The qualification system rewarded countries based on the international achievements of their players throughout the ranking window, making the Philippines’ top finish another reflection of its continued dominance in the global ML:BB scene.

     

    The national roster brings together some of the country’s biggest stars, led by Team Liquid PH standouts Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz.

    Joining them are Team Falcons PH stars David “FlapTzy” Canon, Stephen “Super Marco” Requitiano, and Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo, along with elite veterans Duane “Kelra” Pillas and Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol.

     

    Guiding the powerhouse lineup will be Francis “Duckey” Glindro, who oversees Team Falcons PH’s Southeast Asia operations.

     

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    The Philippines also secured a place in VALORANT through the qualification rankings.

    Despite finishing ninth overall with 4,875 points, the country comfortably landed inside the top 15 nations that earned automatic qualification to the Esports Nations Cup.

     

    The roster features Filipino talent competing across some of the world’s top organizations, including Global Esports duo Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza and Xavier “xavi8k” Juan, Paper Rex’s Adrian “invy” Reyes, Team Secret’s Jhian “Zeus” Vega and Kelly “kellyS” Sedillo, Oasis Gaming’s Mark “Markyyy” Tuling, and Jade Lions’ Brheyanne “Wild0reoo” Reyes.

     

    Team Secret coach Jose “Rbtx” Jamir will lead the squad.

     

    League of Legends completed the country’s impressive haul.

     

    Unlike ML:BB and VALORANT, the Philippine squad had to earn its place through competition, defeating Singapore in straight games, 2-0, during the lower bracket final of the Southeast Asia and Oceania Qualifier to book its spot in the Nations Cup.

     

    Representing the Philippines are Reven “Relhia” Aloi, Joshua “Devoured” Escucharo, Cherv Zildjan “Agrona” Dorado, Kyle “Dawn” Somera, Jan “Cresho” Hortizuela, and Edrian “DoeDoii” Brancia, with Ralph “Leathergoods” Llabres serving as head coach.

     

    With three titles secured and lineups packed with experienced international competitors, the Philippines heads into the 2026 Esports Nations Cup carrying the momentum of one of Asia’s deepest and most accomplished esports programs.

     

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  • PESO turns focus to Nagoya as SIBOL secures six Asian Games berths 

    PESO turns focus to Nagoya as SIBOL secures six Asian Games berths 

    SIBOL, Philippine national esports team emerged with six coveted berths for Nagoya, Japan, giving the country entries in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, Naraka: Bladepoint, Puyo Puyo Champions, Pokémon UNITE, and Identity V.


    The lone setback came in PUBG Mobile, where the Philippine squad came agonizingly close to completing a perfect qualification campaign. Competing in Vietnam, SIBOL missed the final qualifying spot by just a single point after Jordan edged them out for the last berth.

     

    Despite falling one point short of a clean sweep, the overall campaign was widely viewed as a major success after the national team navigated qualifiers held simultaneously in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

     

    The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad led the way with an impressive 6-1 record to finish atop the qualifiers in Singapore and secure its place in Nagoya. Honor of Kings also punched its ticket after finishing among the successful qualifiers in Malaysia, while the country’s representatives in Naraka: Bladepoint, Puyo Puyo Champions, Pokémon UNITE, and Identity V likewise earned their respective Asian Games slots.

     

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    Behind the scenes, the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) coordinated three separate national team delegations to support the simultaneous campaigns. Each contingent had its own head of delegation along with dedicated personnel tasked with overseeing the athletes’ needs throughout the qualification period.

     

    PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo credited the organization’s leadership for making the ambitious operation possible.

     

    “We were able to manage it naman with the support of our executives. May mga lumipad din na PESO executives to reinforce the campaigns ng ating mga SIBOL national teams,” Marcelo said.

     

    Managing multiple international campaigns presented its share of obstacles, particularly in travel and accommodations, but Marcelo said the federation successfully handled the challenges without significant disruptions.

     

    “Logistically, there were challenges with hotels and flights, but overall, everything went smoothly. We didn’t encounter any major incidents,” he said.

     

    Marcelo also acknowledged the collective effort behind the campaign, thanking everyone involved in coordinating the athletes’ travel, accommodations, and competition uniforms to ensure every team could focus on competing at the highest level.

     

    He likewise recognized the support extended by the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission, along with PESO’s partners and sponsors, noting that their contributions played a vital role in helping SIBOL secure six qualifications for the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    With the qualification stage now complete, SIBOL is entering the next phase of its campaign. Instead of chasing slots, the national esports program will now focus on preparing its qualified teams for Nagoya, where the goal shifts from earning places in the tournament to competing for medals on the Asian Games stage.

     

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