Execration’s tough stand in the WePlay AniMajor wild card phase has ended, Friday.
They had an impressive opening day that saw them force draws against ONE Esports Singapore Major champion Invictus Gaming, AS Monaco Gambit, and Chinese powerhouse Vici Gaming. This time, the team once again secured a tie against Team Secret before bowing out of the competition through a sweep from Team Nigma.
The all-Filipino squad ended with a 0-4-1 win-draw-loss slate. They finish the wild card stage in fifth behind Team Secret, which also ended its campaign with the same numbers.
Nikko “Nikko” Bilocura’s Mars starred in Execration’s dominant Game One victory over Team Secret. The former Smart Omega offlaner made life for Michał “Nisha” Jankowski’s Invoker, constantly hunting him throughout the match. He eventually finished with five kills and 20 assists against just one death.
Execration, however, could not contain Lasse “MATUMBAMAN” Urpalainen’s Monkey King in Game Two as Team Secret forced a draw.
Come their final assignment, the Southeast Asia third placer bowed out against Team Nigma in a lopsided fashion, 2-0. Veteran support Maroun “GH” Merhej’s Winter Wyvern proved to be the difference in Game One. Meanwhile, legendary midlaner Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi’s Invoker capped off the sweep.
The team composed of former The International 7 champions placed second in the wild card phase. it eventually moved on to the group stage along with top squad Vici Gaming.
The Chinese squad finished with a 2-3-0 standing, while Team Nigma ended with two wins, two draws, and a loss.
Execration will have to go through the Southeast Asia regional qualifiers on June 30 to qualify for TI10 slated on August 15 at Stockholm, Sweden.
