The Grand Finals of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 kicked off with an electrifying showcase of skill and intense matches during the Group Stages. Filipino teams have proven themselves as formidable contenders, concluding the Group Stages with outstanding performances. This premier esports tournament features 26 VALORANT and Dota 2 teams from the region, all competing for the coveted Predator Shield and a share of the impressive $200,000 prize pool.
In Dota 2, Filipino powerhouses Blacklist Rivalry and Execration have successfully advanced to the semi-finals, solidifying their positions among the elite.
Blacklist Rivalry, led by the renowned midlaner Abed Yusop, exceeded expectations by dominating Group A with an impressive 4-0 record. Their methodical gameplay was evident as they systematically dismantled opponents, averaging only 30 minutes per match. Demonstrating exceptional form, offlaner Kim ‘Gabbi’ Santos contributed significantly with 59 assists across their matches.
Execration, despite sharing a group with the dominant Blacklist Rivalry, secured a spot in the semi-finals by dropping only a single game, facing defeat against Blacklist Rivalry. Execration secured 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 topped Group B behind 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 Mongolian teams continue to showcase their improving quality in Dota 2, displaying magical moments in LAN events throughout the year.
In VALORANT, Philippine powerhouse 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. FAV Gaming and BOOM Esports remained undefeated in Group A and Group C, respectively.
As two more action-packed days of high-level competition unfold this weekend, the SM MOA Arena will witness another thrilling showdown in Manila on January 13 and 14, 2024.
