Team Philippines secured a spot in the Dota 2 competition of the 2026 Esports Nations Cup after defeating a stacked Thailand squad in the upper bracket final of the Southeast Asia and Oceania Qualifier on Wednesday night.
The Dota 2 team joins the country’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and VALORANT squads, which earned direct berths, as well as the League of Legends team, which also topped its qualifier, in representing the Philippines at the tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this November.
Mark “Shanks” Redira delivered a standout performance in the winner-take-all Game 3, making crucial plays on Rubick to lead the Philippines to a dominant 36-13 victory in nearly 42 minutes and secure the country’s place in the Esports Nations Cup.
The Filipinos opened the series by claiming Game 1 behind Eljohn “Akashi” Andales’ Terrorblade, who carried the team to a 47-minute win. Thailand, however, responded emphatically in Game 2 with a lopsided 21-3 victory in just 32 minutes, forcing a decisive third game.
Before overcoming Thailand, led by Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahananon, Team Philippines defeated Myanmar, 2-1, in the upper bracket semifinals to move within one win of qualification.
The Philippine squad is composed of Shanks, Akashi, Mc “Mac” Villanueva, Glenard “Rupido” Rugay, and Bryle “cml” Alvizo.
Also part of the national team are Abed “Abed” Yusop and Polo “Raven” Fausto, who were unavailable for the qualifiers due to commitments with their respective club teams.
