It has been a gruelling week for the
77-strong training pool for Sibol, the Philippine team that will
represent the country in the esports medaled events of the 30th SEA
Games. Invited athletes and those who got past the online qualifiers
had the chance to play together during the past few days and during
the Sibol National Pool Combine event, all the while the respective
coaches and managers of the six esports titles evaluated their pool
for the coveted final roster slots.
From this pool, only 27 athletes have
made the team. Seven members are needed for each of the team-based
games: Dota2, Arena of Valor, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Two
members each will make up the rest of the games: StarCraft 2,
Hearthstone, and Tekken 7.
These are the 27 athletes that comprise
Sibol:
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Kenneth Jiane 'Kenji' Villa
Karl Gabriel 'KarlTzy' Nepomuceno
Carlito 'Ribo' Ribo
Jeniel 'Haze' Bata-anon
Angelo Kyle 'Pheww' Arcangel
Allan Sancio 'Lusty' Castromayor
Jason Rafael 'Jay' Torculas
Dota 2
Mc Nicholson 'Mc' Villanueva
John Anthony 'Natsumi' Vargas
Jun 'Bok' Kanehara
Marvin Salvador 'Boomy' Rushton
Bryle Jacob 'CML' Alvizo
Van Jerico 'Van' Manalaysay
James Erice 'Erice' Guerra
Arena of Valor
Kevin Kio 'Gambit' Dizon
Jeremiah '1717' Camarillo
Jevan Lorenzo 'Bents' Delos Santos
Lawrence Anthony 'Rubixx' Gatmaitan
Miguel Klarenz 'Miggie' Banaag
Bradie Ryan 'Yats' Velasquez
Kyle Jepherson 'Vindiicated' Padlan
StarCraft II
Justin 'NuksPH' Santos
Caviar 'Enderr' Acampado
Hearthstone
Dustin 'WaningMoon' Mangulabnan
Jacinta 'Jia' Dee
Tekken 7
Andreij Hosea 'Doujin' Albar
Alexandre Gabrielle 'AK' Laverez
The road to the 30th SEA Games has been
a long and challenging one, but for us Filipinos, it’s been a long
time coming. Our esports beginnings have developed a strong
foundation in our athletes, who all showcase, skill, passion, and
competition. From here, the Sibol team will be tested and trained by
their coaches, in an effort to mold them all into solid individuals
and teams with their eyes on one thing: SEA Games gold. The
catchphrase ‘Lakad Matatag’ embodies the Sibol athletes,
entering the battlefield with pride and confidence.
They are not without support however,
as the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Esports Union (PSEU) has
teamed up with the country’s biggest network, Smart, as the
official presenter for Sibol. The communications network provider is
no stranger to gaming and esports, offering products and services to
the Filipino gamer, as well as an open supporter of events that cater
to the gaming market.
“Esports in the SEA Games is not just
about making history; it is about building the foundation for all our
young Filipinos who aspire to represent our country on a world stage.
The athletes of Sibol are not just pioneers, they are our country’s
pride. We at Smart wholly support our athletes in their SEA Games
journey,” Alfredo S. Panlilio, President of Smart Communications,
Inc., said in a comment.
Razer, the official esports partner for
the Games, is also present to help in Sibol’s training and
preparation. The PSEU, with recommendations from the coaches and
managers, will be crafting programs for the athletes in their
respective games, including sending them to tournaments within
Southeast Asia in hopes to gain more knowledge against their peers
and prepare appropriately.
“We have taken a very big step in
history. Not only are we having esports as part of the SEA Games, we
have formed the team that will carry our nation to greatness. I wish
for these athletes to always remain proud and committed to the goal
of carrying the nation to SEA Games gold,” said PSEU co-Chairman
Jane J. Basas.
Local TV and cable channels have also
pledged support in the Sibol effort. TV5 and Cignal are no strangers
to this rapidly-growing industry, as they have been airing the
biggest esports tournaments on free TV and high definition cable. As
the official broadcasters for the 30th SEA Games, expect TV5, Cignal,
and their various channels to bring the action into your homes.
For more
information about Sibol, head over to the Sibol Esports Facebook page
(FB.com/SIBOLesports).
Additional updates on the team and more information can be found on
the official website SIBOLesports.ph
and on the other social media pages (Twitter, Instagram)
@SIBOLesports.
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