The SIBOL national team aims to showcase its readiness in the International Esports Sports Federation (IESF) 2025.
Last week, the SIBOL national team announced its roster, with Execration players as the representatives for DOTA 2, Omega Empress as the women’s team for ML:BB and a stacked ML:BB men’s team roster composed of MPL superstars
Members of the team are head coach Robert Alexis “FLCN Trebor” Sanchez, assistant coach Vincent Joseph “FLCN Pandora” Unigo, Marco Stephen “FLCN SuperMarco” Requitiano, Angelo Kyle “FLCN Pheww” Arcangel, David Charles “FLCN Flaptzy” Canon, Michael Angelo “FLCN Kyletzy“ Sayson, Rowgien Stimpson “FLCN Owgwen” Unigo, Grant Duane “ONIC Kelra” Pillas and Sanford “TL Sanford” Vinuya.
A turnover ceremony was held after the first match of Week 8 for MPL PH last Sunday to symbolize the passing of the baton to this year’s SIBOL delegation.
Joining the players and coaches in the ceremony were SIBOL General Manager Jab Escutin, PESO Executive Director SIBOL 2024 and RRQ Coach Jian “Pauloxpert” Munsayac, and Moonton Games Philippine esports Business Development and Partnerships lead Lee Viloria.
In a press conference held after the ceremony, Viloria shared their expectations for the SIBOL national team.
“We would like to share our excitement about this lineup, that our core team will be sending to IESF, especially the men’s team because they are active players of (the) MPL,” Viloria said.
“We have seen how these young men have matured as sportsmen. To our PH representatives, please know that the nation is with you, with full pride and excitement as you represent to carry our flag on the world stage.”
“Inaabangan ng mundo, maraming nanonood sa inyo at dumadami pa ang gustong makakita ng laro ng mga Pilipino, so ‘Laban Pilipinas’,” she added.
SIBOL Combine
Meanwhile, Escutin talked about the three-day SIBOL MLBB Men’s National Team Combine that begun last April 28.
“The purpose of the SIBOL Combine is getting to a point where we get all of the peak athletes that want to represent the Philippines. I would say that this is the most stacked roster that we had for a Combine,” said Escutin.
“Siguro, the only thing which is good for the combine this time, which is also the hardest thing about the combine this time is making sure that we select the right team because they are all the best in their roles that we have. That’s why we are very excited to represent the Philippines and show what the Filipino esports athlete is made of.”
Escutin also highlighted another reason for the Combine, which is to give exposure as well for budding players outside the professional competitive scene.
“One of the purposes of the combine is to make sure that the amateur teams get into environments where professionals are included. I think it sends a really good message to the amateur teams, that they have something to look forward to,” Escutin added.
“Overall, towards the end of the combine, everybody had a good time. I really feel that this is one of the most successful Combines that we did.”
