Filipino Dota 2 squad Ivory at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A young Pinoy Dota 2 team is eager to leave its mark on the professional scene.

Though their squad is only three months old, Ivory believes it could eventually take down stronger teams in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region through hard work and sacrifice, as asserted by offlaner Glenard "Rupido" Rugay.

At the same time, they know that they need to multiply their efforts by grinding through in practices and tournaments.

They are now the last Pinoy Dota 2 team in the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as Execration—the favorite to rule this tiff—failed to advance to the semifinals.

Ivory players see this golden opportunity to prove their worth. But first, they have to triumph in the Malaysian tourney by tech giant Acer.

"Yes, naniwala kami na matatalo namin sila [stronger teams in SEA region] eventually through sheer practice and hard work, kasi hindi naman sila Diyos na 'di natatalo," Rupido said in an interview with Philippine media in Kuala Lumpur.

"Naniniwala kami sa extra effort. Libre lang naman gawin, siyempre para makasabay kami. Since sila rin nag-e-extra effort — siyempre, kami rin, dapat mas higitan namin 'yung ginagawa nila," Rupido also said.

Support players Carl Edric "Dric" Ricrafrente and Jomari "Grimz" Anis also shared their unwavering confidence, saying that they could rule the Malaysian tilt.

Blocking their way to the Predator Shield are Myth Avenue Gaming, joined by Filipino players Mark Anthony "Bob" Urbina and James "Erice" Guerra, Mongolian squad 123 Gaming, and Team Helios of Indonesia.

"Very grateful kami kasi nagbunga din 'yung mga practice namin—paggising ng umaga, practice all the way.  So, prepared talaga kami going this and nagbunga nga din yung expect namin na result. So, very confident naman kami na pumasok sa semis," said Dric.

"Very confident kami na magcha-champion kami dito sa Predator League," said Grimz. "Kasi preparado kami then 'yung mga practice namin, going smooth, smooth naman."

Asked which team they see the "best threat" to them, the players answered 123 Gaming.

"Nakikita kong hadlang sa kabilang bracket is 'yung 123 Gaming. 'Yun 'yung team na makakatapat namin sa finals kung manalo kami sa semifinals," said mid-laner Argle "Ken" Llesis.