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The Philippines is back on the international League of Legends stage.
The online qualifiers for League of Legends at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 have concluded and Team Philippines joins the 32 heading to Riyadh later this year. It’s been over a decade since the Philippines appeared in an international League of Legends tournament. Now they’re making their return in a big way.
Team Philippines advanced to the ENC 2026 main event following a strong campaign in the Southeast Asia/Oceania regional qualifiers. After an early setback in the upper bracket, the team mounted a resilient lower bracket run. They took down Guam, Australia, and Singapore to claim one of the region’s two available qualification slots for Riyadh.
Representing the Philippines are Top Laner Reven “Relhia” Aloi, Jungler Joshua “Devoured” Esucharo, Mid Laner Cherv “Agrona” Dorado, Bot Laner Kyle “Dawn” Somera, and Support Jan “Cresho” Hortizuela. Their qualification marks a key milestone for Philippine League of Legends as they take on some of the best esports athletes later this November.
“From the very beginning, we identified League of Legends as a title where the Philippines had untapped potential and deserved greater attention,” said Team Philippines’ Coach Ralph “Leathergoods” Llabres to ENC 2026 media. “We built a team that blended veteran experience with emerging talent, and instead of looking too far ahead, we focused on taking the journey one game at a time.”
“Qualifying for the ENC is both a surprise and a blessing. It validates the hard work of our athletes, coaches, and support staff, while showing that when given the right opportunities, Filipino talent can compete with the best. More importantly, this achievement helps strengthen the Philippines’ position as one of the rising esports powerhouses in the world. This is not the finish line, it is another step forward in proving what Filipinos are capable of achieving on the international stage.”
Banner image from the League of Legends Wiki.
Frequently Asked Questions
After an early upper bracket loss, Team Philippines won a lower bracket run past Guam, Australia, and Singapore to claim one of the SEA/OCE region’s two qualification slots for Riyadh.
Top Laner Reven “Relhia” Aloi, Jungler Joshua “Devoured” Esucharo, Mid Laner Cherv “Agrona” Dorado, Bot Laner Kyle “Dawn” Somera, and Support Jan “Cresho” Hortizuela, coached by Ralph “Leathergoods” Llabres.
An international, country-based esports tournament featuring League of Legends. Thirty-two qualifying nations, including the Philippines, will compete in the main event in Riyadh later this year.
Over a decade ago — this ENC 2026 qualification marks the country’s first international League of Legends appearance in more than ten years.
Coach Ralph “Leathergoods” Llabres called it validation for the team’s hard work and a step forward for Philippine esports, not a finish line.
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