Each Philippine team’s storyline ahead of CODM Garena Masters Season 2 Playoffs
The Garena Masters Season 2 has officially entered its climax and teams are now riding the high of the playoffs atmosphere. Filipino teams have proven to be the best out of all regions by having five of the eight teams in the playoffs.
Led by defending champions Blacklist Ultimate, along with Smart Omega, Mamba LowKings, C8 United, and Tyrant Esports, this is already one of the best showings the Filipino scene has ever seen.
Here are the storylines for the remaining Filipino teams as they move through and continue their journey to claim this season’s Garena Masters championship.
Blacklist Ultimate’s quest for a 6th straight title
Screenshot from Garena CODM’s YouTube live stream
Blacklist Ultimate has seen and won it all. They won in the Philippines, dominated Southeast Asia, and conquered the world. The team has won five straight championships, dating back to August last year.
Since winning the World Championship, Blacklist’s quest for their sixth title now looks to be their most challenging yet. Teams such as Tyrant Esports, Mamba LowKings, and C8 United have been steadily improving over the last couple of months. Along with perennial contenders ALMGHTY of Singapore as well as the dangerous Smart Omega, Blacklist should expect these teams to put up a tough fight.
Now, all but one question lingers: can they continue their dominance and keep their perch at the top?
Can Smart Omega rediscover its old winning ways?
Screenshot from Garena CODM’s YouTube live stream
Former NRX Jeremiah and ‘kings of Garena’ Smart Omega had to go through one of the hardest phases of their era when OG player Benjamin “CRUSH” Trinidad left the team last two months ago.
Since then, the team has moved on and they might have just found the right formula and the perfect player for their vaunted lineup. To fill the void CRUSH left, they added Ronan “Rage” Eleria, and boy did it pay dividends.
The former kings of the Philippines have been looking like their old, dominant selves recently and they are peaking at the right time. They have never looked good like this version for so long now and this might be their best chance for success at the highest stage. Despite their rocky shift over the past year, their journey has brought them to this point: a shot at glory and a chance to sit at the very top of the CODM pro scene.
Will Mamba LowKings improve on their third-place finish in Garena Masters S1?
Screenshot from Garena CODM’s YouTube live stream
After finishing 3rd place in Garena Masters Season 1, Mamba LowKings have used that momentum to improve every facet of their game. They kept their core together while building on the momentum and are now considered one of the top contenders in the Philippines. With the way they’ve been playing recently, it’s hard not to see them surpassing their finish in the last Garena Masters. However, the LowKings have to overcome tormentors Blacklist Ultimate as well as a rampaging Smart Omega team to secure their goal in this tournament.
C8 United proving themselves on the biggest stage
Screenshot from Garena CODM’s YouTube live stream
Like Mamba LowKings, C8 United qualified and entered last season’s playoffs aiming for a podium finish. However, their journey was cut short after facing powerhouse team ALMGHTY of Singapore who sent them to the lower bracket. Sister team C8 Legacy officially ended their season by booting out of the competition.
C8 United tempered expectations and showed their improved gameplay this Garena Masters Season 2 and ended up qualifying for the playoffs. They were the only C8 team who made it through the next round as Legacy, Stealth, and Jeux all fell down in groups. This time, it’s C8 United’s time to shine, and they are surely capable of doing so.
Can Tyrant Esports establish themselves once again as one of PH’s best?
Screenshot from Garena CODM’s YouTube live stream
Two years after winning their last major title, Tyrant Esports ended their championship drought by winning the Garena Youth Challengers just last month. After a series of heartbreaks and shortcomings, the team is now back in the fold and right within the mix of the best Philippine CODM teams. However, it remains to be seen if Tyrant can sustain their recent success and establish themselves as contenders. Winning the Garena Masters is certainly a feat and could vault them straight to the top.
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Watch all of these storylines unfold as the Garena Masters Season 2 Playoffs play out this weekend, May 28th-29th starting at 3 pm. All games can be watched live on Garena CODM’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel respectively.
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