The Asia Pacific (APAC) Predator League 2024 Grand Finals Day 1 saw the teams from the Philippines as formidable contenders for the Predator Shield, a share of the $200,000 prize pool, and regional champions in the making.
They are battling it out in the VALORANT and Dota 2 tournaments, along with the other 25 teams, on the second and final day today.
At the press conference held ahead of the competition, Sue Ong Lim, general manager of Acer Philippines, emphasized the pride of hosting the regional finals, as it showcases the country as an important market for the technology company. She also noted the impact of esports on the Predator brand, reporting increased sales after holding the qualifiers a few months ago. Tickets for the tournament sold out immediately as fans from the region anticipate a world-class tournament from the teams.
PH teams prepare for APAC finals of Predator League 2024
Filipino esports teams ready for APAC Predator League 2024
Road to APAC Predator League 2024
Prior to the finals this weekend, Filipino powerhouses Blacklist Rivalry and Execration solidified their positions among the elite after advancing to the semi-finals. During the regional qualifiers, Blacklist Rivalry, led by the world-renowned midlaner Abed Yusop, exceeded expectations by dominating Group A with an impressive 4-0 record. Their methodical gameplay was on full display as they systematically dismantled opponents, averaging only 30 minutes per match. Offlaner Kim “Gabbi” Santos showcased exceptional form, accumulating 59 assists across their matches.
Execration, despite sharing a group with the dominant Blacklist Rivalry, secured a spot in the semi-finals, dropping only a single game against the stars of Blacklist Rivalry. They achieved victories against Malaysian team Mythic Avenue Gaming, fellow Filipino squad ZOL Esports, and India-based Whoops, with Mark “Bob” Urbino leading the charge with an impressive 11 KDA ratio.
On the other side of the bracket, Team Aster from China emerged at the top of Group B, propelled by Gu “Han” Jiahan’s stellar performance in the midlane. The Chinese team lost only one match in the Group Stages against fellow semi-finalist IHC Esports. The Mongolians, represented by IHC Esports, continue to showcase their improving quality in Dota 2, creating magical moments in LAN events throughout the year.
In VALORANT, Philippine juggernaut Team Secret emerged unscathed in Group D, delivering dominant performances against Malaysian side TODAK and Singapore’s Ender Dragon. Unfortunately, other Filipino squads Oasis Gaming and ZOL Esports couldn’t progress beyond their respective groups.
Team Secret is set to face off against Team Flash from Vietnam, Japan’s FAV Gaming, and BOOM Esports from Indonesia in the upcoming matches. FAV Gaming and BOOM Esports were undefeated in Group A and Group C, respectively.