This is the last chance for the Philippines to claim a spot in the prestigious Dota 2 tournament.
The pressure is on for Southeast Asia as The International 2024: SEA Closed Qualifiers are about to take place. Twelve teams will be fighting for the last two spots to Copenhagen, Denmark, and with Filipino teams comprising a third of the competition, there’s a lot of expectations that we’ll make it in.
Blacklist Rivalry
Starting with Blacklist, they have a lot to prove going into this qualifier. Many saw them as something like a super team after taking the Asia Pacific Predator League early this year. The inclusion of internationally proven players like Abed Yusop and Jaunel Arcilla certainly added to this perception.
However, they were rather quiet since that initial victory. They were unable to secure a spot to any of this year’s major tournaments, leading people to wonder just how good this ‘super team’ is. On the plus side, Blacklist were able to secure a spot to the Riyadh Masters at the Esports World Cup. Now they’re aiming to take the SEA Closed Qualifiers to prove that they’re a real international threat.
Execration
One of the OG Dota 2 teams in the Philippines continue their struggles this year. Just like Blacklist, they were unable to make it to any majors this year. They’ve entered a slew of qualifiers and tier three tournaments but just haven’t been able to get a major win. Maybe their luck will turn around if they manage to make it to this year’s The International.
TNC Predator
Just like the phoenix of their iconic logo, TNC is back into the Dota 2 scene after a long hiatus. Composed of some new and some old faces, the team is looking to reignite the flame that put the Philippines on the map in the first place.
They’ll have their work cut out for them as they’re going to be starting in the lower bracket. It’s going to be a long road for TNC but if they even have a bit of the prowess that made them win the 2019 Chengdu Major, then they can take it all the way.
MANTA Esports
Finally there’s MANTA Esports, relative newcomers to the Philippine Dota 2 scene. They’ve been joining many local and regional tournaments since their inception and have had fairly decent results. Now they’re making a play for the big stage so we’ll see if these local boys got what it takes to make it to The International.
You can catch The International 2024: SEA Closed Qualifiers live on June 19 at their official YouTube and Twitch channels.
Banner photo from Dota 2 The International.
Related Stories:
Pinoys Take the Dota 2 and Valorant Crowns in the 2024 Asia Pacific Predator League
Esports World Cup Secured: AK and Blacklist International are Heading to Riyadh
The International 2024 Has Been Announced, Where Do We Go From Here?