Qualify First? Akashi does it with Team Nemesis!
JUNE 16 – Team Nemesis is the first to claim its ticket from SEA to the upcoming The International 2025 after racing against Flipster Talon in a heart-stopping 2-1 series.
This marks a monumental achievement—not only for SEA, but also as the first all-Pinoy team at TI since TNC Predator in 2019, reigniting Philippine Dota pride.
Qualifier Run: Team Nemesis’ Game by Game Breakdown
- Bo3 frame lead: Team Nemesis consistently held momentum, taking down BOOM Esports 2–1 on June 14 and Execration 2–0 on June 15.
- Grand final showdown against Talon: The series opened with Nemesis securing Map 1. Talon responded sharply in Map 2. Nemesis took the decisive third, culminating in the thrilling clinch.
Flipster Talon Revives Name in Scene: Dominates Nigma Galaxy, Gaimin Gladiators in Dreamleague 26
Next Stage: TI 2025 in Hamburg
Team Nemesis will now prepare for the marquee TI event scheduled this fall in Hamburg, Germany. They’ll join seven other regional winners, plus direct invitations, for what Valve promises to be the most stacked and competitive TI yet.
Formed just this March, Nemesis’ Dota 2 team is a fresh contender built around an all-Filipino roster. At the helm is seasoned veteran offlaner Marc Polo Luis “Raven” Fausto, one of the region’s most respected names. Joining him are rising star Eljohn “Akashi” Andales in the carry role, mid lane specialist Mc Nicholson “Mac” Villanueva, position 4 support John “Jing” Duyan, and position 5 support James Erice “Erice” Guerra — a lineup blending experience with youthful fire.
This qualification for Nemesis, especially for Akashi, is an ironic win after the latter’s playful banter with Filipino Dota’s “godfather” Carlo “Kuku” Palad with Kuku tilting Akashi in a tournament, all-chatting “qualify first” following Akashi’s “kick me” remark.
Akashi is Flipster Talon’s former carry player, and was then replaced by Natsumi, eventually replaced by 23savage who’s been playing well with Flipster Talon after their recent high placements in tournaments.
Flipster Talon is now in the lower bracket, and is waiting for the winner in the Execration versus BOOM Esports match. Up for grabs will be the final ticket to The International for the SEA region.
