Another Pinoy squad makes it to the inaugural nations-based tournament.
Pinoys prove once again why they excel in MOBAs as Team Philippines successfully qualifies for Dota 2 at ENC 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later this year. This follows Team Philippines’ League of Legends squad’s own successful qualification, putting the Philippines back into the international League of Legends competitive stage.
Execration’s Eljhon “Akashi” Andales, Mark “Shanks” Redira, and Bryle “cml” Alvizo make up the Team Philippines core. Mc “Mac” Villanueva from Ivory and Glenard “Rupido” Rugay from Yangon Galacticos round out the team’s starting five. Virtus.pro’s Abed Yusop and OG’s Polo “Raven” Fausto are also providing support in the team’s sub roster.
The ENC 2026 Southeast Asia and Oceania Qualifier was a straightforward best-of-three, double elimination bracket. No grand finals necessary as only the top two teams will make it to the main stage.
Team Philippines had a head start among the five participating nations. Together with Thailand, they started in the upper bracket semifinals due to recent player performance. It would also be the Philippines and Thailand who move on into ENC 2026 to represent SEA and Oceania.
For the players in Team Philippines, this isn’t the first time they’re playing on the international stage. But this is a rare opportunity for them to represent the country rather than an organization and they’re ready to make the most of it.
“It’s a huge honor to represent the Philippines at the Esports Nations Cup,” said Shanks to ENC 2026 media. “Having the opportunity to wear our country’s colors and compete on the international stage is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Banner image from Esports World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
ENC 2026 is the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, a nations-based tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Team Philippines’ Dota 2 qualification follows its League of Legends squad’s own qualification, marking the second Filipino esports team to reach the event’s main stage.
The core lineup features Execration’s Eljhon “Akashi” Andales, Mark “Shanks” Redira, and Bryle “cml” Alvizo, joined by Mc “Mac” Villanueva of Ivory and Glenard “Rupido” Rugay of Yangon Galacticos. Virtus.pro’s Abed Yusop and OG’s Polo “Raven” Fausto round out the sub roster.
Team Philippines advanced through the ENC 2026 Southeast Asia and Oceania Qualifier, a best-of-three double-elimination bracket among five nations. The team started in the upper bracket semifinals due to recent player performance and finished among the top two qualifying nations.
Thailand joined the Philippines in advancing to ENC 2026’s main stage from the Southeast Asia and Oceania Qualifier. Both nations began the bracket in the upper bracket semifinals, reflecting recent player performance, and no grand finals were required since only the top two teams advanced.
ENC 2026 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later this year. It is the inaugural edition of the Esports Nations Cup, with Team Philippines’ Dota 2 and League of Legends squads both having secured qualification to represent the country there.
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