A FIVE-MAN Philippine team finished their campaign at a computer game tournament as millionaires as they return to the country with half a million US dollars, or more than P23.8 million.
The squad, called TNC, composed of players Marco Polo Fausto, Carlo Palad, Samson Solomon Hidalgo, Jimmy Ho, and Nico Barcelon finished eighth in The International 6 (TI6), the world’s biggest Defense of the Ancients (Dota) competition at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington.
But TNC had earlier beaten other groups from around the world, including China’s Vici Gaming Reborn and Team OG, considered a “powerhouse” before bowing out of the competition.
The Philippine team broke the record of another local team, Mineski, which finished in the 9th-12th bracket back in 2011. This marks the highest-ever finish for a Filipino team in The International, one of the biggest competition in e-sports.
Six other teams are vying for last of the three spots, earlier secured by Chinese team Wings Gaming and North American team Evil Geniuses, to secure an $8.9-million prize which is expected to grow as the money pool grows with continuing sales from Dota 2 virtual content.
The finals will take place on August 14, Manila time.