SIBOL, the Philippines’ esports national team, emerged as the overall champions among 111 countries in the IESF World Championship 2023 after securing significant victories in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Tekken 7 events of the tournament.
The Philippine ML:BB squad, led by AP Bren Esports, successfully dethroned Indonesia with a 4-1 victory in the grand finals. The roster included two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel, Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson, David “FlapTzy” Canon, Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo, Stephen “Super Marco” Requitano, and Jan “XBOCT” Amande. Francis “Duckey” Glindro and Vrendon “Vren” Pesebre served as the team’s coaches.
Meanwhile, Filipino Tekken 7 superstar Alexandre “AK” Laverez settled for a silver finish after losing to Pakistan’s Atif “Atif Butt” Ijaz, 5-2, in the grand finals. AK was coached by Martin “Mawts” Veerayah.
(c) SIBOL
“Our Sibol team and its esports program are a testament that our Filipino athletes can achieve world-class recognition and become the best in the world,” said Philippine Esports Organization Executive Director Marlon Marcelo.
“Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring gamers, especially from the Philippines and Southeast Asia. This victory is a reminder that with passion and commitment, anything is possible in the world of esports,” he added.
On the other hand, SIBOL’s Dota 2 squad finished 9th-12th after placing third in the group phase, while the PUBG Mobile squad ended up in 11th place.
Eljohn “Akashi” Andales, Mc “Mac” Villanueva, Jun “Bok” Kanehara, Marvin “Boomy” Rushton, Bryle “cml” Alvizo, and coach Josef “JL” Brazal composed the Dota 2 squad. John Rocello, Abdul Barode, Ans Rago, Reimon Casido, Charles Lobusta, and Ronald Ginez rounded out the PUBGM team.
