The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals kicked off with an electrifying display of skill and high-octane matches throughout the Group Stages. The Filipino teams have emerged as formidable contenders as the Group Stages reached its conclusion. This premier esports tournament pits 26 VALORANT and Dota 2 teams from the region as they vie for the coveted Predator Shield and the lion’s share of the $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 world-renowned midlane Abed Yusop, lived up to high expectations, dominating Group A with an impressive 4-0 record. The methodical gameplay was on full display as they systematically dismantled opponents, averaging only 30 minutes per match. Not merely a one-man show, offlaner Kim ‘Gabbi’ Santos similarly demonstrated exceptional form, accumulating 59 assists across their matches.
Execration, despite sharing a group with the dominant Blacklist Rivalry, also secured a spot in the semi-finals. The squad dropped only a single game, facing defeat against the stars of 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 performance in the midlane. The Chinese team lost only one match in the Group Stages against fellow semi-finalist IHC Esports. The Mongolians continue to show their constantly improving quality in Dota 2, as they continue to have 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 will face off against Team Flash from Vietnam, Japan’s FAV Gaming, and BOOM Esports from Indonesia. FAV Gaming and BOOM Esports were undefeated in Group A and Group C, respectively.
With two more action-packed days of high-level competition coming this weekend, it will be another Thrilla in Manila at the SM MOA Arena on January 13 and 14, 2024.
