Polaris Esports defeat Execration 2-1 to win APAC Predator League 2022
Frontrunners Polaris Esports claimed the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022 Grand Finals crown after completing a 2-1 reverse sweep against Execration in an all-Filipino final.
In a competition plagued by questionable position 4 picks, Execration drew first blood in the series after taking advantage of Polaris’ support Leshrac. The lower bracket kings kept their composure and early-game lead to reach tournament point off the back of Mark Anthony “Bob” Urbina’s Razor and Jinn Marrey “Palos” Lamatao’s carry Pudge.
“Naglaro lang kami normally na nagscascale kami at di nag force ng fight na di namin kailangan (we played normally knowing our team composition scaled well and avoided unnecessary team fights),” shared Mark Jubert “Shanks” Redira in the post-game interview. Discipline was an integral part of Execration’s admirable run that saw them win five straight best-of-ones to reach the final. “Puro comfort heroes ginamit namin kasi best-of-one lahat (we chose comfort heroes because we were playing best-of-ones).
“First few games hindi ganoon ka linis dahil sa pressure ng laro pero sa next few games naging okay na (our first few games weren’t that clean because of the pressure but we felt better as the games went on).”
Polaris seemingly learned from their failed experiment and gave Leshrac to Mc Nicholson “Lelouch-” Villanueva in the second game. The Philippine qualifier winners took game 2 after 30 minutes to force a deciding game 3.
The 2022 Predator League was poised to finish with an hour-long finale when Polaris drafted Medusa against Execration’s Naga Siren. Eyebrows were raised when Polaris picked Broodmother in the first phase but Marvin Salvador “Xavius” Rushton provided insight in their post-game interview.
“Para samin Brood is a strong hero na wala masyadong counters, kahit ma counter siya marami pa din ang ways na magamit padin (for us Broodmother is a strong hero without a lot of counters, even if she does get countered there are still plenty of ways to utilize her).”
Contrary to fan expectations, Polaris completed their series comeback just after the 25-minute mark due to their overwhelming advantage. The Cebu-based squad won all three lanes to help John Anthony “Natsumi” Vargas’ Medusa snowball into an unstoppable force straight out of the laning phase. Equally as important as the team’s damage output was durability, with Nico “eyyou” Barcelon emphasizing the importance of The International 11’s standout item: Wraith Pact.
“Na adjust pagkuha ng team items dati sa support ngayon na adjust siya sa position 3 para mas maaga makuha ang timings…sobrang malakas yung teamfight agad (previously team items were bought by supports, now teams have adjusted to having the position 3 get them to reach timings earlier…teamfight capability immediately increases).”
With this win, Polaris is set to take home $75,000 USD while runners-up Execration bank $30,000 USD. Meanwhile, third-placers GrindSky Esports secure $15,000 USD.
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