After a tough 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, only 27 athletes have made the final team.
Seven members are needed for each of the team-based games: Dota2, Arena of Valor, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang while two members each will make up the rest of the games: StarCraft 2, Hearthstone, and Tekken 7.
These are the 27 athletes that will comprise Sibol:
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s team of 7 is comprised of Kenneth Jiane ‘Kenji’ Villa, Karl Gabriel ‘KarlTzy’ Nepomuceno, Carlito ‘Ribo’ Ribo, Jeniel ‘Haze’ Bata-anon, Angelo Kyle ‘Pheww’ Arcangel, Allan Sancio ‘Lusty’ Castromayor and Jason Rafael ‘Jay’ Torculas.
For Dota 2 we have Mc Nicholson ‘Mc’ Villanueva, John Anthony ‘Natsumi’ Vargas, Jun ‘Bok’ Kanehara, Marvin Salvador ‘Boomy’ Rushton, Bryle Jacob ‘CML’ Alvizo, Van Jerico ‘Van’ Manalaysay and James Erice ‘Erice’ Guerra.
Arena of Valor will be led by Kevin Kio ‘Gambit’ Dizon, Jeremiah ‘1717’ Camarillo, Jevan Lorenzo ‘Bents’ Delos Santos, Lawrence Anthony ‘Rubixx’ Gatmaitan, Miguel Klarenz ‘Miggie’ Banaag, Bradie Ryan ‘Yats’ Velasquez and Kyle Jepherson ‘Vindiicated’ Padlan.
StarCraft II’s duo will have Justin ‘NuksPH’ Santos and Caviar ‘Enderr’ Acampado.
Hearthstone: Dustin ‘WaningMoon’ Mangulabnan and Jacinta ‘Jia’ Dee.
Tekken 7: Andreij Hosea ‘Doujin’ Albar and Alexandre Gabrielle ‘AK’ Laverez
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.
The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Esports Union (PSEU) has teamed up with the country’s biggest mobile network, Smart, as the official presenter for Sibol. Razer, the official esports partner for the Games, is also present to help in Sibol’s training and preparation while the official broadcasters for the 30th SEA Games are TV5 and CIGNAL.
“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.