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| Pacific.Macta fans cheering on their favorite team during the second day of Crossfire Stars 2017 National Finals held at TNC High Grounds Cafe last October 15, 2017. (Image Source: GMA News Online) |
While many Filipino gamers delight themselves with the thrills and
spills of the recently concluded DOTA 2 All Star Weekend, some have considered enjoying
a more thrilling competition at the Crossfire Stars 2017 National Finals. Among
everything that has happened in the two-day tournament, one story has caught
even my own eyes that should have a happy ending in my mind.
Sixteen teams from different parts of the Philippines have taken their
own skills and expertise and put them to the test against each other at the TNC
High Grounds where only one shall be hailed as the country's best Crossfire
team and will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Crossfire World
Championships 2017 which will be held in China on December. Although
Pacific.Macta earned the distinction of that honor, the surprise story of the
entire tourney was Butuan City's own ArmorLOKO.
The newcomers from a Mindanaoan city shocked Crossfire fans and gaming
enthusiasts alike when they beat last year's national champion Pacific.Wara, Cebu's MATTJESS and even pro gaming team Execration.Reborn all
indulged in valiant battles within the loser's bracket that have captured the hearts of spectators and eventually
left them in awe. Despite their long journey being cut short, it is without
question that ArmorLOKO has made a mark in the tournament as the first
provincial team to make it to the grand finals since its inception in 2013.
In my mind, this underdog story cut short may have the potential to
become one of the sleeper hits in the Philippine e-sports scene so far throughout
the year but who knows? Maybe there is a more surprising story in my mind
coming from upcoming local and international e-sports tournaments. Regardless,
what I've learned is one that any gaming addict can expect. Anyway, I wish
Pacific.Macta the best of luck in the Crossfire World Championships and
hopefully it would bring home some bacon for the pride and glory of the
Philippine e-sports community.
