ECHO Proud became the first team to qualify for the 2023 World Cyber Games at BEXCO, Busan in South Korea.
The reigning MDL Philippines champion spoiled the return of Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno and Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales to the sister squad ECHO Loud, defeating them 2-0 and dominating the entire series.
In Game 1, Jankurt “KurtTzy” Matira on Pharsa emerged as the best player, while Justine “Zaida” Palma’s Bane starred in Game 2 to complete the sweep of the defending MPL Philippines champion.
After handing the world champions an upset loss, ECHO Proud proceeded to a 2-1 victory over MDL Indonesia squad EVOS Icon.
Jhonville “Outplayed” Villar’s Joy led the way in Game 1, but Muhammad “Cr1te” Effandy’s Valentina led the Indonesian squad in Game 2 to even the series.
EVOS Icon had the chance to complete a comeback in Game 3 until James “Jeymz” Gloria’s Edith took down three EVOS Icon members at the 14th minute before Jaypee “Jaypeeeeee” Dela Cruz’s Kaja secured a crucial Lord to seal the win.
Jeymz ended up with six kills and seven assists against six deaths, while the former MPL PH MVP had 15 assists in the 25-21 Game 3 win after 17 minutes.
ECHO Loud now sits at the grand finals, while ECHO Proud will take on ONIC Overload in the lower bracket semifinals on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (Philippine time). (Jan Marcus Montevirgen)
