Philippines Retains Lead Versus Malaysia in Hearthstone SEA Grand Finals Bid
With only two days left in the polls, only the Philippines (PH) and Malaysia (MY) are left in the running for the honor of hosting the Hearthstone World Championships Southeast Asian region grand finals. Polls close on July 8, 2015 at 11:59 PM Philippine Standard Time.
After a month-long voting process, both countries edged out regional neighbors in Singapore and Thailand. Players from all over the world — not just those coming from Philippine and Malaysian territories — may cast their vote. The winning country will see the grand finals event held in their capital city.
Players and fans alike may cast their votes by talking about Hearthstone and posting their votes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by using the #hearthsea hashtag.
An Early Lead for the Philippines
On July 1, only PH and MY were left in contention.
The first update was given last July 3 when the Philippines led by 16%, acquiring 58% of the total votes versus the 42% of Malaysia.
As of July 5 at 8:00 PM, the official Hearthstone Facebook page announced that the Malaysia was leading by 6% against the Philippines with 53% and 47% respectively for the prospective countries.
As of this writing, the latest update has the Philippines back in pole position after a slight set-back over the weekend.
Currently, the Philippines is leading in votes at 56% against Malaysia’s 44%.
A Strong Community Presence
The brunt of the campaign for the Philippine has come from a local Facebook community dedicated to Hearthstone.
Facebook group Hearthstone Philippines Facebook Community mounted a zealous campaign to help the country climb back in the race.
With two days left to vote, sealing the win and to triumph over the rival prospective host country is now the main objective.
The Hearthstone World Championships
As of the latest update by Blizzard, out of 40 qualified players for the Hearthstone World Championships regional qualifiers, 12 of them are Filipinos.
Also something to mention is that 4 out of the top 10 leading players in the scoreboard come from the Philippines; players Chalk, ozzywcg, zadkiel and Waningmoon occupy the 5th to 8th spots respectively.
Their spots are secured from relentless competing in different Blizzard-sanctioned tournaments to earn the minimum score of 2 points and up. Top 8 point-earners would secure a bye in the first round.
The regional qualifier winner will receive $10,000 along with the opportunity to compete and represent the country and region for a $100,000 Grand Prize at the Hearthstone World Championships.
Other representatives from the Philippines include: Genji, Tope, Mecha, Hymnrael, Flitz, Coldsnap, Adik and Staz.
If you want the Philippines to hold the first ever high-profile Hearthstone event in the region, cast your votes! Remember that the polls close on July 8, 2015.
You may cast your votes here.
You may vote once a day.
You may also show your support by adding the hashtag #hearthPH on your Facebook and Twitter posts. *Note that this not count as votes.* — by Ivan Espineda
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