Xipto Esports and InterActive Philippines show their grit by reaching the semifinals.
The Asia Pacific Predator League concluded in New Delhi, India. What began with 24 VALORANT and Dota 2 teams from 14 territories across the Asia-Pacific region culminated in only the best of the best being crowned with the Predator Shield.
On Day 1 of the tournament, the rising Vietnamese squad Fancy United outdueled fan-favorite BOOM Esports to the surprise of many, lifting the trophy and a $65,000 cut of the prize pool. Young gun Hoàng “Twilight” Minh Dũng was an unstoppable force for the Vietnamese, racking up an impressive 40 kills throughout their series against BOOM Esports. Twilight’s performance earned him the tournament MVP award and a nifty $10,000 cash prize.
In Dota 2, Myth Avenue Gaming defended their Predator Shield against in-form REKONIX, who had earlier on Day 2 bested the Philippine squad InterActive Philippines. The series went all the way as the two squads proved equal in skill and mettle. The deciding Game 3 was a 41-minute brawl that showcased Myth Avenue Gaming’s dominance, allowing them to take home the Predator Shield anew and $65,000. Myth Avenue Gaming racked up 44 kills in the deciding game, with offlaner ‘egxrdemxn’ showing everyone why he deserved to be the MVP and take home $10,000.
Philippine grit in full display
Philippine teams came out swinging throughout the LAN in South Asia. Xipto Esports, led by former Team Secret stalwart Emmanuel ‘Emman’ Morales, was key to the VALORANT team’s run, carrying the flag all the way to a Top 4 finish. Meanwhile, in Dota 2, InterActive Philippines turned in some surprise performances despite being a late call-up.
Xipto Esports outperformed APAC Predator League Philippine Champions Oasis Gaming in the tournament. Oasis Gaming fizzled out after a 1-2 record in the Group Stage, while Xipto Esports topped their tough Group C assignment. Xipto Esports lost to BOOM Esports in the semifinals, who featured international VALORANT superstar and former VCT Masters winner Nikita ‘d3ffo’ Sudakov. While they couldn’t lift the Predator Shield this time, Xipto Esports showed everyone a glimpse of their untapped potential.
Indonesia’s REKONIX was InterActive Philippines’ (IAP) obstacle to reaching the grand finals. REKONIX was the team that sent IAP to the Lower Brackets, so IAP didn’t need any extra motivation to send the Indonesians packing in New Delhi. The match was a tightly contested affair that went all the way to three games. In the Winner-Take-All Game 3, a Slardar and Anti-Mage draft misfired for IAP, and REKONIX secured their Grand Finals slot.
At the conclusion of the tournament, it was officially announced that APAC Predator League 2027 will be held in Vietnam.
For more information and updates about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PredatorGamingPhilippines) or visit the official website www.predator-league.com.
