Filipino DOTA2 team Ivory made a statement at the APAC Predator League 2025, reaching the semifinals in a breakout performance that thrilled fans and showcased the potential of the country’s emerging esports talent. Despite forming just three months ago, the team impressed both viewers and analysts with their aggressive style and team chemistry.
The players credited their success to confidence, national pride, and tireless hard work. From the very beginning, they focused on building synergy and learning from every match. As a result, they quickly climbed through the ranks.
Veteran coach John “Teehee” Abanto, known for his leadership roles with TNC Pro Team, Smart Omega, and XERXIA, took charge of Ivory’s development. He guided them through the group stage, where they topped their bracket. Ivory defeated India’s Whoops! and Malaysia’s Sentry Symphony Esports in back-to-back matches. These victories secured their spot in the playoffs and built vital momentum.
Throughout the tournament, Ivory played with confidence and composure. They consistently outdrafted opponents and executed with precision. Edric “Dric~” Ricafuente expressed pride in their progress, saying, “In three months, we’ve achieved so much. We came in with no expectations, and we showed we could compete with anyone.”
Meanwhile, teammate Glenard “Rupido” Rugay offered insight into their preparation. “We studied our opponents in advance. Because we scrimmed or faced most of them before, we knew how they played. That gave us an edge and boosted our confidence,” he said.
Despite their strong run, Ivory eventually fell to Malaysia’s Myth Avenue Gaming in the semifinals. The team struggled to maintain their early-game control, and Myth Avenue punished their mistakes with ruthless efficiency. Nevertheless, Ivory fought hard until the final moments.
Myth Avenue advanced to the grand finals and eventually captured the Predator Shield with a clean 2-0 sweep over Team Helios. The result highlighted the depth of competition in Southeast Asia’s DOTA2 scene.
After the loss, Dric~ reflected on what went wrong. “We could have gone further if we played better,” he admitted. “There were avoidable mistakes, and we’ll learn from them.”
Ivory, however, refuses to slow down. The team immediately returned to practice, preparing for upcoming events, including the prestigious ESL DreamLeague. Their rapid growth and fearless playstyle continue to attract attention, both locally and internationally.
Coach Teehee summed up their mindset moving forward: “We’re proud of what we achieved, but we want more. This journey has just begun.”
With momentum on their side and experience under their belt, Ivory now eyes the global stage—ready to prove that Filipino DOTA2 is once again a force to be reckoned with.
