The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 16, 2024
The curtain fell on the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines, concluding with the coronation of new champions in DOTA 2 and VALORANT esports and electrifying performances from some of the Philippines’ most talented artists. Acer, the driving force behind the event, showcased the best of esports and Filipino entertainment, making it a roaring success.
The two-day event witnessed sold-out arenas and a global online audience tuning in via the Predator social media channels. Out of the 26 competing teams in DOTA 2 and VALORANT, Blacklist Rivalry and Team Secret emerged triumphant, claiming the prestigious Predator Shield in their respective categories.
Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Operations, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The success of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 is indicative of the strength of the region’s growing esports community and the Predator brand devices’ ability to support intense gaming sessions when playing the most popular titles.”
In an intense battle, Blacklist Rivalry emerged victorious over Filipino counterparts Execration in the DOTA 2 grand finals. Abed “Abed” Yusop’s stellar performance, averaging 8.5 kills and 14 assists, spearheaded Blacklist Rivalry to success. The team successfully shut down Execration’s star player, Mark “Bob” Urbino, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat for Execration for the second consecutive year in the Predator League grand finals.
As the DOTA 2 champions, Blacklist Rivalry takes home a cash prize of USD$65,000, with Execration receiving $20,000. China’s Team Aster and Mongolia’s IHC Esports, securing third and fourth places, respectively, will also receive USD$7,500 each for their impressive showing.
Team Secret, the favorites entering the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024, surpassed all expectations, dominating the final against the Japanese side FAV gaming. Adrian “invy” Reyes stood out as the brightest spot for Team Secret, leading them to their first LAN trophy and Predator Shield since the inception of their VALORANT team.
Team Secret claims the USD$65,000 prize pool, while FAV Gaming secures USD$20,000 for their performance. Third and fourth-placed BOOM Esports from Indonesia and Team Flash from Vietnam will also receive USD$7,500 each.
Exceptional players Polo “Raven” Fausto in DOTA 2 and Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera in VALORANT received the Intel MVP Award for their outstanding performances. Both players not only take home an extra USD$10,000 but also the Intel MVP Award Trophy.
Beyond esports, the audience enjoyed performances from Philippines’ brightest stars, including Acer ambassadors SB19 and Sarah Geronimo. Meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys added a personal touch, making the event an unforgettable experience.
Felip and Ylona Garcia opened the event on Day 1, followed by Urbandub, Al James, and a special appearance by TV personality Donny Pangilinan. Day 2 featured performances from Josh Cullen, Sandwich, Spongecola, Pablo, and KZ Tandingan, who sang the Predator anthem, “It Lies Within.”
Looking ahead, Malaysia has been revealed as the host for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025. Qualifiers are set to begin in late 2024, with the grand finals scheduled for early 2025, promising another thrilling chapter in the region’s esports journey.
