The Philippines has been a hotbed for world-class Dota 2 talents for the longest time.
And so building an all-star squad containing the Philippines’ cream of the crop has been the Philippine Esports Organization’s dream, ever since assuming its position as esports’ national governing body.
However, at a press conference held moments before the PESO Thanksgiving Gala, newly-installed Executive Director Marlon Marcelo said that gathering the top Dota 2 Filipino talents in one room is easier said than done due to their respective commitments to their mother clubs.
“Definitely they want [to represent the country],” said Marcelo when asked if they received feelers from the Dota 2 stars.
“The pros want. But then again, the clubs nga ‘di ba? And it’s not like they’ve joined a bad contract, hindi lang nila alam na pwede palang i-insert yung [national team clause].”
T1’s Carlo “Kuku” Palad, Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte, and Karl “Karl” Jayme; Fnatic’s Djardel “DJ” Mampusti, Armel “Armel” Tabios, and Polo “Raven” Fausto; BOOM Esports’ Timothy “Tims” Randrup and Erin “Yopaj” Ferrer, and Evil Geniuses’ Abed “Abed” Yusop, are just some of the best Dota 2 players that the Philippines has ever produced.
But for them to actually suit up for the national team, Marcelo said that aside from securing their respective clubs’ approval, these players must also undergo the SIBOL combine just like everyone else.
“An all-star team of a Filipino for Asian Games is the dream, but of course, they have to go to the combine because ano yan eh, the process is still fair, right?” said the veteran shoutcaster.
“If you want to serve the national team, kahit ikaw pa ang pinakamagaling… Even if you’re a ‘Stephen Curry’ or a ‘LeBron’, you still have to line up and join the tryouts. It’s the same. It’s the same for everyone,” he added.
The shout caster-turned-executive is hoping that the dream line-up would come to fruition in the near future.
“But of course hopefully magawan ng paraan. Kung wala naman sa DPC season kasi yan. Hopefully the clubs, or the teams would agree. Because at the end of the day, the contract is there eh.”
