PH’s Team Secret, Blacklist Rivalry rule Asia Pacific Predator League

Team Secret asserted its dominance with a flawless 2-0 win over Japan’s Fav Gaming in the Valorant championship event, while Blacklist Rivalry secured a 2-0 sweep against Team Execration in the Dota 2 finale of this tournament backed by Acer Philippines.

Despite a slow start in Game 1, Team Secret gradually built a comfortable lead until Adrian “Invy” Reyes’ Kay/o sealed their foes’ fate with a decisive fragment throw, securing a 13-7 win in Game 1.

The momentum continued into Game 2, where the Filipinos maintained an 8-0 lead, ultimately clinching the title with a commanding 13-3 victory.

Noel “NDG” De Guia’s Killjoy showcased skillful gameplay with a triple kill to conclude the series.

Team Secret walked away with the Asia Pacific Predator League trophy and a substantial US$65,000 prize, while Fav Gaming settled for the runner-up purse of US$20,000.

A successful Roshan fight, combined with a mid-push and backdoor play by game MVP Kim ‘Gabbi’ Santos, propelled Blacklist to victory in just 37 minutes in Game 2.

With this triumph, Blacklist earned the coveted title and the top prize of $65,000, leaving Execration with the runner-up purse of $20,000.

Timothy ‘Tims’ Randrup played a pivotal role for Blacklist in cracking the strong high ground defense of Execration during the first game, which concluded 36-16 in 42 minutes.

The tournament’s electrifying atmosphere was heightened by performances from local Filipino bands ‘Sandwich’ and Spongecola.

Blacklist Rivalry’s impressive undefeated run from a 4-0 group stage to a decisive victory over the Mongolian team IHC eSports added to their reputation.

On the other hand, Execration faced their only defeat in the tournament against Blacklist during the group stage but bounced back with a 3-1 record, defeating the Chinese team Aster in the semifinals.

Twenty-six teams from Asia and Pacific countries participated in the two-day affair that offered a total cash pot of US $200,000. — Randy Caluag