The roar inside SM North EDSA Annex was nothing short of electrifying as Dota 2 fans from across Metro Manila gathered to witness the biggest national showdown of the season—the Predator League Philippines 2026 Finals. With only three APAC Finals slots and a PHP 500,000 prize pool on the line, four teams stepped into the arena: Execration, Team Nemesis, Interactive Philippines, and the eventual breakout champions—Kukuys.
After an intense night of back-and-forth clashes, momentum swings, clutch performances, and bold drafts, the underdog squad Kukuys completed a stunning reverse sweep to dethrone the defending champions Execration, securing their place at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2026 Grand Finals in India.
Kukuys vs. Execration: A Grand Final for the Ages
The Grand Final highlighted a classic battle between legacy and ambition. On one side stood Execration, bringing back powerhouse talents Justine “Tino” Grimaldo and Bryle “cml” Alvizo—players who powered their championship run in 2024. On the other side: a star-studded yet newly formed roster led by the legendary Carlo “Kuku” Palad, Armel Tabios, and veteran position-4 specialist Djardel “DJ” Mampusti.
Execration came in hot, taking control of the early series:
- Game 1: Mark “Bob” Urbina dominated with a monstrous 12-0-16 Slardar, setting the tone for Execration.
- Game 2: A strong laning phase and macro advantage kept Execration in command, surviving even a risky fountain dive from Jinn “Palos” Lamatao.
But Kukuys refused to go quietly.
With their backs against the wall, substitute carry Charles “lewis” Santos delivered an incredible Ursa performance in a grueling 45-minute marathon, supported by DJ’s MVP-level Hoodwink plays that reignited their championship hopes.
And then came the drafts—peak Kuku brilliance.
In Games 4 and 5, Kuku unleashed two unexpected carry choices: Batrider and Bristleback. Execration struggled to adapt, and with flawless execution, Kukuys completed the reverse sweep 3–2, snatching the Predator Shield as the crowd erupted in celebration.
Battle for Third: Nemesis Secure the Final Slot
Earlier in the day, Team Nemesis and Interactive Philippines fought for the last remaining ticket to India.
Nemesis leaned heavily on the veteran presence of Marc Polo “Raven” Fausto, whose international experience proved decisive. Averaging 10 kills and 12 assists throughout the series, Raven powered his team through the young but determined roster of Interactive Philippines.
Although hard support player James “Erice” Guerra led his squad with grit and potential, Nemesis’ discipline and mechanical prowess ultimately overwhelmed them—booking Nemesis the final PH slot at the APAC Finals.
Philippines Sends a Power Trio to India
With the competition wrapped, the Philippines will be sending Kukuys, Execration, and Team Nemesis to represent the country at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2026 Grand Finals in India. There, they will battle the region’s best teams, including winners from the VALORANT Philippine Finals.
Fans can expect high-level SEA Dota, bold strategies, and unmatched Pinoy grit on the international stage early next year.
Follow the Predator League Journey
For updates on match schedules, team announcements, and more Predator League 2026 news, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook or visit the official website.
