Cover-Credits:
In a groundbreaking move for the Philippines esports scene, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has ventured into the world of Dota 2 with the establishment of PBA Esports Bakbakan: Dota 2. Backed by multibillion-dollar conglomerates and developed in partnership with Dark League Studios, this league claims to redefine competitive gaming in the country.
With a prize pool of ₱250,000 ($4.49K USD), twelve teams will be eying for the lion’s share of this prize pool. While over 100 Dota 2 teams signed up and participated in the qualifiers, it was only twelve that made it into the league.
PBA Esports Bakbakan’s Dota 2 Expansion
The PBA Esports Bakbakan league, which initially featured Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG: Battlegrounds in its earlier tournaments, has announced its expansion to include popular PC game, Dota 2. This strategic decision not only broadens the scope of the league but also positions it as a major player in the thriving international esports community.
The official Facebook page of PBA Esports made the announcement, revealing the twelve teams set to represent the PBA franchise in the upcoming Dota 2 tournament. Each team, mirroring their basketball counterparts, has adopted unique monikers, adding a touch of flair to the esports landscape.
The post read, “The teams that will represent the PBA franchise teams in the PBA Esports Bakbakan: DOTA 2 have been announced! Watch and support their next matches towards the championship together! WALK STRONGLY!”
The list of teams, according to a Redditor, playing in the new Philippine league are reportedly the following:
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters - SHARKS
NorthPort Batang Pier - ALAGAD NI BALONG
TNT Tropang GIGA D - ROAR SEED
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots - TAMS FX
Converge FiberXers - 747 DOTA
NLEX Road Warriors - TEAM G
San Miguel Beermen - RAGTAG
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - TEAM BISLOG
Terrafirma Dyip Basketball - NOIR
Meralco Bolts MIDNIGHT - LAMBINGAN
Blackwater Bossing - SHOWBOX
Barangay Ginebra Kings - MANTA ESPORTS
PBA Esports Bakbakan has a ₱250,000 (Philippine peso) prize pool and will be split among the top three teams. While the winner gets ₱150,000, the first runner-up and the second runner-up will take home ₱70,000 and ₱30,000, respectively.
In a statement posted on the PBA Esports Facebook page, fans were encouraged to "WALK STRONGLY" and support their favorite teams as they embark on the Dota 2 championship journey.
Converge FiberX, one of the league's key sponsors, expressed solidarity with the teams, stating, "Converge FiberX is with you, united, and supporting you in this match! Stay tuned to PBA Esports, PBA, and Dark League Studios to stay updated!"
