Sibol National Team Clinches Gold and Silver Medals at IESF World Esports Championships
In an outstanding display of skill and determination, the Sibol national team from the Philippines emerged as the biggest winners among 111 countries at the IESF World Esports Championships held in Iasi, Romania. The team secured a gold medal in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event and a silver medal in Tekken.
The Sibol team’s victory in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event marked the country’s first-ever gold medal in the world esports stage. The team, which previously won gold in the Southeast Asian Games, defeated perennial powerhouse Indonesia 3-1 in the grand finals. The achievement was a proud moment for the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), which expressed its elation over the Sibol team’s success.
Responding to the victory, PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo said, “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. 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.”
The Sibol team consisted of members from AP Bren Esports, including Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel, Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson, David “FlapTzy” Canon, Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo, Stephen “Super Marco” Requitano, and Jan “XBOCT” Amande. The team dominated their way to the grand finals without dropping a single game. Their undefeated run in the group stage with a 3-0 record paved the way for their triumph against the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the Mobile Legends victory, Alexandre “AK” Laverez secured a silver medal in the Tekken event for the Sibol team. Laverez reached the grand finals after defeating representatives from Colombia, Norway, and South Korea. Although he faced a 2-5 loss against Pakistani Atif “Atif” Ijaz in the final showdown, his performance was commendable.
While Sibol took the spotlight in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Tekken, they also participated in Dota 2 and PUBG Mobile. However, the team fell short of reaching the podium in these events. The Dota 2 team, aiming to reproduce last year’s silver medal finish, settled for a disappointing 9th-12th place this year. The PUBG Mobile team, on the other hand, ended their campaign in the ninth place.
The success of the Sibol team at the IESF World Esports Championships not only brought honor to the Philippines but also showcased the immense talent and potential of Filipino gamers on the international stage. With their exceptional performance, they have set a new benchmark for future esports endeavors in the country.
