The pressure for SIBOL is definitely on the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang men's team, as they aim to retain the Philippine dominance in the Southeast Asian Games.
Nothing but gold. No pressure.
There are three teams for SIBOL heading to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. But the onus is definitely on the men's team for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) to deliver the Philippines' fourth straight gold medal in the event.
"We want to get gold. Historically, mahirap siya. But we are still confident due to our sustained excellence. Alam naman natin our athletes are world class," Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) executive director Marlon Marcelo told reporters during the SEA Games sendoff.
SIBOL MLBB MEN'S TEAM
The Philippines is the undoubted team to beat in the tournament, with Filipinos winning the M-Series five times in a row. In the Southeast Asian Games, the country has won the gold three straight times or since the esport was introduced in the multi-sporting event.
While Indonesia remains a close rival for the Philippines, Marcelo warns the team should be wary of Cambodia.
"Cambodia, lason natin 'yun," Marcelo said. "But of course, I have full confidence with our coaching staff."
The group stage will start December 13, with ten countries divided into two groups of five. They will compete in a single round robin in a best-of-two.
The top three will advance to the knockout stage starting December 15. This will be a single elimination format via best-of-five. The Grand Final will be a best-of-seven.
The team is primarily the core of Team Liquid PH, who won MPL Philippines Season 16. Most of them have M-Series championship experience, having won M4 as part of ECHO.
But undoubtedly, the star of the show would be Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno, a two-time M-Series winner who also lead Team Philippines to SEA Games gold in 2019.
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Coach | PHI.Cruz | Rodel Burdios
- Roam | PHI.Dela Cruz | Jaypee
- Jungler | | PHI.Nepomuceno | Karl Gabriel | KarlTzy
- Mid | PHI.Pabico | Alston | Sanji
- Exp | PHI.Vinuya | Sanford
- Gold | PHI.Soriano | Kiel Calvin | Oheb
- Roam | PHI.Roma | John Carlo | Caloy (Twisted Minds PH)
SIBOL MLBB WOMEN'S TEAM
The women's team for MLBB is familiar with the SEA Games scene, having competed in the 2023 edition but lost to Indonesia in the gold medal match.
"We came from a disheartening loss. We got silver, we want to get gold as well," Marcelo said.
The team, previously competing under the banner of Smart Omega Empress, plays in pro competitions as Natus Vincere PH.
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Coach | PHI.Macarambon | Salman
- Exp | PHI.Diagon | Gwyneth | Ayanami
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Jungler | PHI.Alpuerto | Kaye Maerylle | Keishi
- Roam | PHI.Vivero | Mery Christine | Meraaay
- Mid | PHI.Amores | Rica Fatima | Amoree
- Gold | PHI.Perez | Sheen | Shinoa
- Gold | PHI.Cordova | Clarisse Nicole | Cla (TLPH)
SIBOL AOV TEAM
Meanwhile, the Arena of Valor team has the hardest road among all Philippine esports teams in the 33rd SEA Games.
In the two editions when AOV was played in the regional competition, Thailand reigned supreme and the Philippines did not make the podium.
"It's a bit of a wild card because Thailand is known to be very good. We're always hoping for the best. Sana suportahan niyo kami," Marcelo said.
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PHI.Ejercito | Jovani
- PHI.Marino | John Fernand
- PHI.Odtuhan | Argie
- PHI.Gonzaga | Michael Carlo
- PHI.Cabaguing | Harold
(With reports from Luisa Morales/One Sports Digital)
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.