CODM Philippines National Championship Preview #2: Question each team is facing ahead of PNC

This article is part of a 3-part series preview for the upcoming 3rd CODM Philippines National Championship starting August 23.

With the PNC just around the corner, here are each team’s points of concern to address all tournament long.

Group A

AGL ANIMOSITY

Can they clear doubts directed towards them?

As one of the surprise teams coming into the PNC, there were instances when people doubted this team on their path to the top 16. Some say their run is a fluke, but considering the circumstances of the way the tournament has played out so far, they undoubtedly earned their slot in the top 16. Nobody saw and expected this team to make it this deep except for themselves, so they will carry this burden on their shoulders as the PNC plays on.

ULTIMATE ABYSS

Can they provide instant results for their new organization?

Just a few weeks ago during the round of 64 and 32, this team was rocking a different organization and team name in DKC Esports and RFA, respectively. They managed to reach the top 16 but due to some unforeseen and unmentioned circumstances, the team had to leave the clan.

A few days later, they were picked up by Team Ultimate and thus came forth Ultimate Abyss. Now under the management of Matt Gloria and Co., these girl gamers are raring to bring home some good results during their tenure at the PNC and prove that they really deserve to be where they are now.

PDR BEES

Can they prove they can hang with the best of the best in the scene?

Known as one of the best girl teams in the country right now, PDR Bees has won multiple championships in the local esports scene in the women’s division. The girls are determined to change the stigma of male teams being naturally better than female teams and that they’ll be as competitive as possible throughout the duration of the tournament. Now, since boy teams are naturally perceived to be the best in the game, their next step is to provide some quality gameplay against one of the best teams in the Philippines right now to solidify their status as a contender.

FANTASMA – TEAM PHANTASMA

Can they dominate their group and establish themselves as a legitimate contender to win it all?

Considering how they dismantled their opposition in the round of 64 and 32, it should be safe to say that FTSM comes into the PNC as the clear-cut favorite of Group A. The former EMP and NRX Unknown players who notably beat NRX Jeremiah in a series did so with the help of returning slayer Jerico “iPao” Gurtiza. Barring any unfortunate circumstances, the PPGL 2020 runners-up are expected to win. The only concern left now is the matter and degree of how they do it.

Group B

TYRANT DESTRA

Can they replicate their success in their new organization?

Much like Ultimate Abyss, Destra also carried another organization’s banner a few weeks ago in the name of NDD. The team left the clan due to undisclosed reasons, and now for the top 16 of the PNC, they found a new home in Tyrant Esports and became Tyrant Destra.

With this newfound partnership, they aim to replicate their achievements in NDD where they challenged multiple top teams for minor tournament honors. They might have just found the right place for them to showcase their skills under one of the best esports organizations in the country’s mobile scene.

CKG Elevate

Can they get back to their old ways?

The one thing to look closely into this team will be their team composure and coordination, as well as being able to make up for the lost time. Unknown to many who has not been following rosters and player movement for a while, they actually disbanded for a period of time due to the departure of team captain Don “Teflon” Laserna and slayer Clarence “Chiraq” Coronado.

Both left for an opportunity to play with Aimbot Esports in a major tournament (Ways of War). However, due to some confidential reasons, the two left after winning the said tournament. They then reached an agreement of reuniting with their former teammates, citing reasons of “missing the bond” and “succeeding hits different with people you’re closest to.”

Now that the band’s back together, they’re in for another ride with the goal of winning the PNC.

PDR Esports

Can they capitalize on their second chance and finish against teams?

Although being considered as a top team in the country with a lot of achievements on their belt (most notably the top 4 finish in the last PNC), PDR Esports has been notorious for breaking down on some winnable games in different tournaments. Even now, had not for the ruling issued by Garena (CODM Admins in Southeast Asia) towards VVV ’10 regarding their age eligibilities, they would not even be here at this stage. It required a rematch for them to be able to be back again, and with their second chance this time, they hope to maximize every bit of it to come out of Group B.

C8 ESPORTS

Can they continue to thrive without a coach?

Contrary to the other teams in the competition and in a team in general, C8 esports went through the previous rounds without a coach, which is virtually a staple in a team at this level of play. It didn’t seem to matter then, as their players (a combination of ALK El Fuego and VGX main team members) got together with good chemistry and shared their skills and knowledge of the game. Now as the tournament goes on, it will be interesting to see how the team will react and face the situation they’re in.

Group C

Team Creamy

Can they redeem themselves at the game’s highest level?

For a team with players all coming in from different clans, Team Creamy was formed with one goal in mind: to win the PH Championships. From what was once a dream for players like Nel “Risky” Buemio and Edrian “Epoks” Garcia (former Ignis Ardens), John Paolo “Hatdog” Trinidad and Alexander “22pixels” Placencia (former NRX Gaming), Kemuel “Kushing” Miranda and Gary Lawrence “Tahong” Gan (clanless and Team Creamy pioneer) to play in a Major tournament in their previous teams, they now have a chance to prove themselves and aim for the top.

RTL ESPORTS

Can they continue their incredible run?

Right after they survived arguably the hardest possible opponents in the Round of 64 and 32 in CKG Anarchy (reigning Philippines National Champions) and NRX No Mercy, RTL Esports faces another stiff challenge as they are slotted in the Group of Death. Aside from their rivals in Ultimate E-Pro, they will also face Team Creamy and Velocity Esports, both quality teams who also beat quality opponents in the previous rounds. It will be interesting to see if RTL can keep this up and sustain its momentum all the way to the top 4.

ULTIMATE E-PRO

Can they separate themselves from the pack?

Similar to RTL’s situation, Ultimate E-Pro is also one of the teams vying for a spot in the top 4 via the Group of Death. In the face of such uncertainty, the team would have to show up and give their very best to come out on top. It’s up to JaBen, F1ex, and Co. to prove that they are up for the task.

VELOCITY ESPORTS

Can they make a name for themselves?

Coming into the top 16, the road had not been easy for Velocity Esports. They have faced two NRX teams and successfully defeated them leading them into this situation. The team itself stated that they have not expected to make it this far, but assured to give their very best since they’re in this stage of the competition. Their motivation is key through and through if they want to proceed to the next round.

Group D

DVK REXUS ALT

Can they prove themselves on the biggest stage of the pro scene?

Noted as the team of leaderboard players, DVK Rexus ALT are out to prove that they can not only conquer the leaderboards but also in major tournaments. Although they’ve won a number of manyor tournaments, it seems like there’s something missing, and winning the PNC might just be that “something”. They’d have to climb the highest mountain in order to do so though, as they are grouped with the favorites of the tournament in Smart Omega.

SIGRA X AIM

Can they find success with the new lineup?

Due to some issues with age eligibilities, the team had to scrap and rebuild roster just days before the top 16. Luckily, they found the perfect players in Jose Rey “ATLAS” Delfin and Vince Richard “VINCE” Peralta from Sigra. They then secured an agreement with the players’ current clan, Aimbot Esports, for them to play with their core lineup. It will be interesting to see how this newly formed team will fare against the country’s best teams.

SMART OMEGA

Can they win it all?

With the early exit of defending Philippine National Champions CKG Anarchy and 1st Runners-up VVV Esports, 1st CODM National Champions Smart Omega now remains as the only team with major finals experience. This makes them the to beat and the clear favorites to win it all.

Anything less than a championship would be a disappointment considering the chip on their shoulder that they’re carrying. Teams will be hard pressed on going after them right from the get go in order to take them down.

TOKYO OSAKA

Can they surprise anyone?

Just like AGL Animosity, nobody expected this team to make it this deep into the tournament. But then, here they are on Group D as one of the top 16 teams in the Philippines. Though admitting being unprepared for this opportunity, expect Tokyo Osaka to to try and ignite hope as they traverse this uncharted territory for themselves.

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The CODM Philippines Championship 2021 which has a prize pool of PHP 990,000, starts today at 7:00 P.M. It will first feature the teams from Group A battling it out for their group’s supremacy. Watch the teams battle it out live on Garena Call of Duty: Mobile’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

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