LOOK: Fnatic ONIC Philippines rules the M6 World Championship. Photo from MLBB Esports/Facebook

MLBB IS STILL PH's STRONGHOLD

Fnatic ONIC Philippines' triumphant run in the M6 World Championship is easily the highlight of the country's esports scene in 2024.

Thanks to gold laner Duane "Kelra" Pillas and the rest of ONIC, the Philippines' reign in the M-series was sustained—and they did it in a dominant fashion.

It marked the first time a team swept the whole tournament which was joined by the best teams from around the globe—a feat not even done by previous world titlists.

Among those who rose to stardom are Kelra's teammates, bannered by King Cyric "K1NGKONG" Perez, who was dubbed as the "King of the Jungle" for his brilliance in the jungle role.

READ: M6: Kelra's Layla makes waves as Fnatic ONIC PH books spot to Knockout Stages

Frince "Super Frince" Ramirez, Kirk "Kirk" Gutierrez, and Borris James "Brusko" Parro are also stars in their own right, exuding confidence in their craft to lift the country once more on the MLBB world stage.

On Saturday, December 28, the team held a thanksgiving party joined by its backbone of success—members of their respective families, support circles, fanbases, you name it.

READ: MLBB: For Kelra, he's not yet the 'Gold Standard': 'Kapag nanalo pa kami next year'

Obviously, being the best in the world meant they were also the best in the local scene.

ONIC is also the MPL Season 14 champion after beating Aurora Gaming in a grueling best-of-seven series, averting meltdown in a thrilling matchup that saw the "Northern Lights comeback from a 3-1 deficit, only to fall short in their comeback attempt.

READ: Fnatic ONIC PH denies Aurora comeback to win MPL-PH title

Not to be overshadowed, Aurora put up a gallant stand in both M6 and MPL, which could be considered an overachievement being a newly formed team just this year—although veterans consisted this team.

Elevate players celebrate their win in the Call of Duty Mobile World Championship. Photo courtesy: Elevate

WE HAVE WORLD CHAMPS IN CODM

The Super Family isn't the only world champion team from the Philippines in esports this year.

That title also belongs to Elevate, an esports organization competing in the title Call of Duty Mobile.

READ: Pinoy squad Elevate crowned Call of Duty: Mobile world champs

Juan Karlo "kLö" Morales, Vince "Luffy" Laganse, Patrick "Peejay" Sagudo, Justin " Susanoo" Cecilio, John Kenneth "KenDy" Pimentel, and captain John "Yop1" Manalang were also triumphant in the 2024 CODM World Championship held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

They defeated China's Qing Jiu Club, dominating in the Summit, Firing Range, Raid, and Hacienda in the Grand Finals to send their counterparts packing.

Screengrab from MESA TV/YouTube

A GLIMPSE OF HOPE IN DOTA 2

Carlo "Kuku" Palad and the rest of Talon Esports made their presence felt in the esports scene, garnering the Pinoy squad's first LAN trophy just before the year ended.

Talon ruled Mongolian tourney MESA Invitational 2024 after turning back Ukrainian esports organization NAVI Junior, 2-0, in the final round.

READ: Dota 2: Talon taps services of Natsumi for MESA Invitational

But that feat came by powering through hard work and perseverance, as Kuku and fellow Pinoy on the team, John Anthony "Natsumi" Vargas, had to earn their spots in the Philippines-based squad. Previously, both were only stand-ins in the team.

READ: Dota 2: Kuku celebrates Talon's qualification to Fissure Playground Belgrade

This year also marked TNC's comeback to the pro scene, although its former heroes such as Kuku aren't on the team now. Still, the Phoenix's dreams of claiming the Aegis is still alive and well. Who knows, the miracle of The International 2016 could repeat itself.

Blacklist Rivalry at the Asia Pacific Predator League. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/file

NOT WITHOUT A SAD STORY

The local esports community — although some saw it coming — was shaken as Blacklist International disbanded its Dota 2 team to "reassess our future in the scene."

Named the "Redeem Team," hopes were high for Abed "Abed" Yusop, Polo "Raven" Fausto, Kim "Gabbi" Santos, Timothy "TIMS" Randrup, and Carlo "Carlo" Manalo as they were expected to lift the Philippine flag once more in the popular esports title.

But as the team underperformed, unable to secure title as amass the lion's share of the prize pools of the contests they were in, the inevitable fate eventually punched its way.

READ: Dota 2: After Blacklist Rivalry's disbandment, Abed joins Aurora

Abed joined Aurora, Tims is now part of Boom Esports, and some still coming through, making their presence felt by streaming and joining qualifiers with other teams.

READ: Dota 2: Abed, Aurora exit BB Dacha after crumbling vs Team Spirit

Although not to be overshadowed, Blacklist Rivalry was able to participate in the Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, which is a feat on its own.

They even overpowered powerhouses such as China's LGD Gaming and Russian squad Virtus Pro with 2-0 victories.

READ: Esports World Cup: Blacklist books group stage spot after dominating Virtus Pro, LGD

Alexandre "AK" Laverez during the Tekken World Tour 2024 Global Finals group stage in Tokyo, Japan on December 5, 2024. Screenshot from Bandai Namco Esports

AK LIFTS PH FLAG IN TEKKEN

Tekken star Alexandre "AK" Laverez finished fourth in the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) of the Tekken World Tour Finals in Tokyo, Japan held this year.

It was still a remarkable finish for AK despite missing the podium, as he ranked fourth among 576 contestants.

READ: Tekken World Tour Global Finals: AK goes deep in LCQ, loses in semifinals

OUTLOOK FOR 2025

Nothing beats the pride of fighting for the country.

This time, all eyes will be on SIBOL, the national esports contingent, as it aims to assert dominance in the Southeast Asian Games during the fourth quarter of the year.

The titles in contention so far in the esports category are Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Free Fire, Arena of Valor, and FC Online.

Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), the national governing body for esports in the country, led by Executive Director Marlon Marcelo, is expected to back SIBOL in its quest for glory in the biennial sporting meet.

READ: Mobile Legends to banner esports in 33rd SEA Games

But in the foreseeable future, we'll be seeing Execration, joined by Denz "Abat" Anedez, Charles "lewis" Santos, Justine Ryan "Tino" Grimaldo, Mark Jubert "Shanks" Redira, and Bryle "cml" Alvizo compete in the Dota 2 category in the Asia Pacific Predator League in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia early in the year.

Team Secret's Jessie Cristy "JessieVash" Cuyco, Jeremy "Jremy" Cabrera, Adrian "invy" Reyes, James "2GE" Goopio, and Brheyanne "Wild0reoo" Reyes will also battle in the Valorant division.

Fnatic ONIC PH players already expressed their desire to make it back-to-back world titles, but not without a gallant stand from fellow Philippine teams such as ex-world champion itself Falcons AP.Bren, MPL S14 runners-up Aurora, among others.