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Tag: Esports Nations Cup 2026

  • KarlTzy headlines Philippine squad as top-ranked nation eyes Esports Nations Cup crown

    KarlTzy headlines Philippine squad as top-ranked nation eyes Esports Nations Cup crown

    The Philippines will head to the inaugural Esports Nations Cup carrying more than just an elite roster—it will arrive as the tournament’s highest-ranked Mobile Legends: Bang Bang nation.


    With the ENC set to take place from November 2 to 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Mobile Legends competition will unfold during the final stretch of the event from November 25 to 29, where the country’s collection of world champions and international stars will attempt to translate its global success into a national team title.

     

    The Esports Nations Cup officially unveiled the participating rosters, confirming the Philippines as one of the 16 nations that received a direct invitation based on the ENC Rankings.

     

    A total of 32 countries will compete in the MLBB tournament, with 16 earning automatic berths through the rankings. Joining the Philippines among the directly invited teams are Indonesia, Myanmar, Turkiye, Cambodia, Germany, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China, Mongolia, Brazil, India, the United States, Canada, and Malaysia.

     

    The Philippine squad draws its strength from some of the country’s biggest professional organizations and internationally recognized talents.

     

    Leading the charge is Team Liquid PH’s decorated jungler Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, who returns to international competition eager to bounce back after the team’s brief campaign in the Mid-Season Cup at the Esports World Cup.

     

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    Team Falcons PH will also have a major presence on the national team despite falling short of a podium finish in the MSC. EXP laner David “Flap” Canon and gold laner Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano have been selected to represent the country as they look to deliver stronger results on the international stage.

     

    Joining KarlTzy from Team Liquid PH are veteran roamer Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz and dependable midlaner Alston “Sanji” Pabico, giving the Philippine lineup an experienced core that has competed at the highest level of professional Mobile Legends.

     

    The roster becomes even more formidable with the inclusion of Duane “Kelra” Pillas and Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol, two Filipino stars currently playing as imports for ONIC Indonesia and regarded among the world’s best in their respective roles.

     

    Collectively, those achievements helped the Philippines secure the No. 1 position in the ENC Rankings with 12,550 points, placing the country ahead of long-time regional rival Indonesia in second and Myanmar in third.

     

    The ENC Rankings are determined by the cumulative points earned by players through their performances in international tournaments, regional competitions, and select events, including the most recent Mid-Season Cup in Paris.

     

    The Mobile Legends event is expected to be one of the marquee competitions of the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, which will also feature some of the biggest titles in competitive gaming, including Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, and Valorant.

     

    Armed with one of the deepest talent pools in the world and carrying the distinction of being the tournament’s highest-ranked nation, the Philippines will enter Riyadh with one clear objective—turning its individual accolades into a championship performance on the international stage.

     

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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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  • Philippine League of Legends team secures Esports Nations Cup slot after qualifier run

    Philippine League of Legends team secures Esports Nations Cup slot after qualifier run

    The Philippine team is set to return to the international esports stage after the country’s League of Legends squad fought through a challenging Southeast Asia/Oceania qualifier path to secure a place in the Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

     

    The Esports Foundation (EF) confirmed on Tuesday, June 23, that the online regional qualifiers have concluded, with the Philippines claiming one of the region’s two available League of Legends slots for the global competition scheduled from November 2 to 29.

     

    The road to Riyadh was far from easy for the Filipino lineup. After suffering an early setback in the upper bracket, the team responded with a strong lower bracket campaign, overcoming Guam, Australia, and Singapore to keep its international hopes alive.

     

    That comeback secured the Philippines a place among the world’s top national teams that will compete in the upcoming tournament.

     

    Representing the country are Reven Lhi “Relhia” Aloi as top laner, Joshua “Devoured” Escucharo as jungler, Cherv Zildjan “Cherb” Dorado as mid laner, Kyle “Dawn” Somera as ADC, and Jan Edward “Cresho” Hortizuela as support. Ralph Andrei “Leathergoods” Llabres will guide the squad as coach.

     

    The qualification represents another major step forward for Philippine League of Legends esports, giving local players the opportunity to test themselves against international contenders on one of the biggest competitive stages.

     

    The League of Legends event at the Esports Nations Cup will begin on November 21, with the championship match scheduled for November 29.

     

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    While the national team prepares for Riyadh, the League of Legends Filipino teams is also receiving another boost through the return of the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) 2026 Wild Card.

     

    The tournament will provide Filipino organizations with another route toward the region’s premier competition, the LCP, where teams compete for opportunities to reach global events such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds).

     

    The 2026 Wild Card format will begin with a two-day single-elimination Open Round before advancing teams enter a double-elimination Knockout Round under Fearless Draft rules.

     

    Regional winners and the Last Chance Qualifier champion will then battle in the LCP Wild Card Playoffs from October 3 to 6. The eventual champion will earn the region’s lone opportunity to enter the LCP Promotion Series.

     

    The Philippines has already seen success through the Wild Card route, with Inferno Esports making a breakthrough last year. The Filipino squad defeated teams from across Southeast Asia before beating Thailand’s Full Sense in the finals to reach the promotion tournament.

     

    The next Philippine LCP Wild Card qualifier will open registration from July 30 to August 12. The Open Round is scheduled for August 15 to 16, while the Knockout Round will run from August 20 to 23.

     

    With two major international pathways opening up, Philippine League of Legends continues to build momentum, giving local players more chances to compete and represent the country on the global esports stage.

     

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  • Esports Nations Cup unveils star-studded Philippine Mobile Legends roster 

    Esports Nations Cup unveils star-studded Philippine Mobile Legends roster 

    The official roster for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 has been announced, and the Philippines enters the global stage with one of its most decorated lineups yet.

     

    Bannering the national squad are Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, and Alston “Sanji” Pabico from MPL PH defending champions Team Liquid Philippines.

     

    They are joined by David “FlapTzy” Canon and Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano of Team Falcons Philippines, while the reserve pool features Duane “Kelra” Pillas and Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol, who currently competes in Indonesia under ONIC Esports.

     

    All seven players have won either an M-Series and/or MSC title, with the entire main roster also having previously represented the national team and captured Southeast Asian Games gold medals, underscoring the depth of experience assembled for the campaign.

     

    Long regarded as a global powerhouse in MLBB, the Philippines continues to lean on a winning formula built on familiarity and championship pedigree. The latest roster reflects that identity, blending proven chemistry with players who have repeatedly performed on the international stage.

     

    At the heart of that continuity is the reunion of Nepomuceno and Canon, who once played together under BREN Esports and famously delivered the country’s first MLBB world championship at the M2 World Championship, a partnership now revived under national colors.

     

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    Philippine Esports Organization (PeSO) executive director Marlon Marcelo said that with the reveal of its new MLBB Philippines roster, the organization said it has assembled a group designed to compete at the highest level, drawing inspiration from the country’s legacy of Mobile Legends world championships and SEA Games gold medals.

     

    He also emphasized that beyond individual accolades, cohesion will be key as the team prepares for global competition.

     

    From a competitive standpoint, the Philippines enters the Esports Nations Cup cycle as the clear frontrunner in the rankings, sitting atop the standings with 10,400 points. 

     

    The gap to its nearest challengers remains substantial, with Turkiye at 6,500 points and Indonesia at 6,300, positioning the country as the early favorite heading into the tournament proper.

     

    The scale of the event further raises the stakes, with 107 countries and territories confirmed to participate in the MLBB competition. 

     

    Only the top 16 teams will earn direct qualification to the ENC Finals based on rankings to be finalized on August 2, while the remaining slots will be filled through regional qualifiers and wildcard pathways.

     

    With a $1,500,000 prize pool on the line, the Esports Nations Cup 2026 is set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. 

     

    For the Philippines, however, expectations are already defined—not just to compete, but to extend a legacy of dominance built on world titles, continental success, and a roster that arrives with both history and unfinished business on its side.

     

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  • Filipino gamers aim for glory for the Philippines at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 

    Filipino gamers aim for glory for the Philippines at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 

    The Philippine Esports Organization (PeSO) has taken a significant leap onto the global stage after being officially designated as the Philippines’ National Team Partner for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The landmark development further solidifies PeSO’s position as the central authority for esports in the country and underscores the Philippines’ steady rise as a competitive force in the international gaming landscape.

     

    The appointment is more than symbolic—it signals a structured and unified approach to national team development as the Philippines prepares to compete against some of the best esports nations in the world. Over the past decade, Filipino players and teams have built a reputation for excellence across multiple titles, and this latest opportunity provides a formal platform to showcase that talent under a national banner.

     

    Leading the charge is national team manager Leo Andrew Escutin, who has already begun organizing preparations months ahead of the competition. From scouting and selection to intensive training regimens, the delegation is focused on ensuring that the country fields a roster capable of competing at the highest level. The emphasis is not only on skill, but also on discipline, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities that have defined successful international esports campaigns.

     

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    Escutin expressed confidence and enthusiasm about the partnership and the road ahead:

    “We are very happy to be partners with enc. We see the vision and are aligned with all of their goals. We are really going all in on this endeavor. With our national coaches at the helm, we are one step close to showcasing the world-class talent of the Philippines. The journey to the Esports Nations Cup starts now, and we are ready to show the world what Filipino Esports Athletes can do,” Jab Escutin, Philippine National Team Manager said in a media interaction.

     

    On the global side, Hans Hagnow, Director of Clubs, National Teams and Player Relations at the Esports Foundation, emphasized that the tournament is designed to be more than just a high-stakes competition. Instead, it aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange among participating nations.

     

    “The ENC will add a second pillar to the esports economy. To build the national pride that comes with competition. For us, this is something that we see the world coming together for. Where everyone can see what works, learn, and develop their esports infrastructure. There will be a lot of diversity in the ENC and hopefully everyone will enjoy themselves in such a big multinational festival,” Hagnow added.

     

    The Esports Nations Cup 2026 is widely anticipated to become a marquee fixture on the global esports calendar, with organizers already outlining plans for a rotating host city format in future editions. Such a structure mirrors traditional international sporting events and reflects the growing maturity and institutionalization of esports worldwide.

     

    For the Philippines, participation carries implications beyond competition. It represents a chance to highlight the country’s grassroots programs, professional leagues, and talent development systems that have produced world-class players across various game titles. It also offers an opportunity to attract greater investment, sponsorship, and institutional support for the local esports ecosystem.

     

    As preparations intensify, expectations are building for the Philippine squad to deliver a strong showing in Riyadh. With PeSO at the helm and a new generation of Filipino esports athletes eager to prove themselves, the nation is poised to make a meaningful impact on one of esports’ biggest emerging stages—signaling that the Philippines is not just participating, but aiming to contend.

     

     

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  • PeSO appointed as national team partner for the Philippines at Esports Nations Cup 2026

    PeSO appointed as national team partner for the Philippines at Esports Nations Cup 2026

    The Philippine Esports Organization (PeSO) has taken a major step forward in the international esports arena after being officially named the Philippines’ National Team Partner for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This milestone cements PeSO’s role as the leading authority in Philippine esports and reinforces the country’s growing reputation on the global stage.

     

    As the designated National Team Partner, PeSO will oversee all aspects of the Philippine national esports team’s preparations and operations for the prestigious tournament. This includes the critical processes of player selection, training programs, team management, and overall coordination with event organizers, ensuring that the delegation represents the Philippines at the highest level of professionalism and competitiveness.

     

    “We are honored to be appointed as the national team partner of the Philippines for the upcoming Esports Nations Cup 2026. This designation reflects our continued commitment to developing world-class Filipino esports athletes and strengthening the country’s presence in international competition,” PeSO executive director Marlon Marcelo said in a statement. “We will work closely with our stakeholders to ensure that our national team is fully prepared to represent the Philippines with excellence, discipline, and pride.”

     

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    Further strengthening the national team’s leadership, Leo Andrew Escutin, general manager of Sibol, has been appointed as National Team Manager. Escutin will oversee day-to-day team operations and ensure that the Filipino delegation meets the competition standards and protocols set by the Esports Nations Cup organizers. His appointment is seen as a key factor in maintaining structure, focus, and strategic readiness as the team heads into its first major international competition under PeSO’s guidance.

    Highlighting the global recognition of Filipino esports talent, Hans Jagnow, director of national team relations for the Esports Nations Cup, praised the country’s players for their unique combination of skill and sportsmanship. “Filipino players are some of the most friendly by heart, but also fierce competitors on the server. We are looking forward to hosting their national delegation at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup,” Jagnow said.

     

    The appointment of PeSO as the official National Team Partner was highly competitive. The organization emerged as the top choice from over 630 applicants across 150 countries and territories, highlighting the confidence of international organizers in PeSO’s capability to manage a world-class national esports team.

     

    The inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh is expected to become a marquee event on the global esports calendar, with the organizers planning to implement a rotating host city format in future editions. For the Philippines, this represents not only a chance to compete at the highest level but also an opportunity to showcase the country’s esports development programs and the depth of its talent pool to an international audience.

     

    With PeSO at the helm, the Philippine esports national team is now focused on preparation, training, and strategy sessions aimed at ensuring that the delegation is ready to face top-tier competitors from around the world. As excitement builds for the first-ever Esports Nations Cup, Filipino fans and stakeholders alike are eagerly anticipating the team’s performance—and the potential to solidify the country’s position as a rising power in the global esports scene.

     

     

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