MANILA, Philippines – A fury of run-and-gun antics in the popular FPS game VALORANT prevailed in SM North EDSA Cyberzone on November 12, 2023, as the Predator League 2024 Philippine Finals reached an explosive conclusion.
Before they could chase their dreams, Oasis Gaming had to claw their way against their heated rivals, NAOS Esports in the semifinals, which saw the former overcome a 1-0 deficit to eliminate them in a reverse 2-1 sweep.
But the intensity did not end there as ZOL Esports likewise grinded their way in a three-game slugfest against Valhalla in the semifinals, only for the former to survive.
With Oasis and ZOL going head-to-head in the finale, it was time for them to make their mark, but in the end, the Oasis squadron breezed past their foes in a commanding 2-0 sweep.
During the battle in Split, ZOL was making their last stand as they went head-to-head against Oasis when the former was on the offensive. However, things changed when Oasis took the attacker’s role as they commanded the rest of the match, which even saw Xavier “xavi8k” Juan’s heroic Round 16 defensive masterpiece.
Oasis had a fiery start in Ascent, only for ZOL to slowly inch their way. But in the final few rounds, the former composed themselves and made key pickoffs when entering the bomb sites. With their calculated plays, it was Oasis Gaming who prevailed.
It was no surprise that xavi8k garnered the Intel MVP award from the community, as he made clutch plays in both games. Winning the prestigious award meant bringing home a Predator Helios Neo 16 and Php10,000.
With their victory, Oasis obtained a ticket to the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on January 13 -14, 2024. However, they are not alone in the quest to go guns blazing against the elites. Despite losing the Philippine finals, ZOL will represent the Philippines as well.
Together, they will try to bring pride to the country alongside the Filipino-led Team Secret, one of the most renowned teams in the VCT Pacific League.
Besides the championship and a slot at the APAC Predator League Grand Finals, Oasis walked away with Php250,000, while ZOL bagged Php100,000. Despite falling short, NAOS Esports and Valhalla received Php55,000 each for their heroic performance.
Oasis Gaming reached the promised land, and their tale was highlighted by the casting calls from Michaella “Mochii” Gonzales, Brian “Guiang” Guiang, and Chris “Ramone” De Ocampo. But they were not the only ones who brought life to the festivities as dynamic duo Allyza Taylor and Justin “Vill” Villaserin introduced a lot of thrills to the community.
With the appearances of Predator ambassadors, namely Kang Dupet, KuyaNic, MaggieKarp, AmaraTV, and Een Mercado, the Philippine finals offered a high degree of excitement, further amplified by Urbandub’s performance.