FIBA E-Sports Open: E-Gilas out to prove that they are Asia's best

Later tonight, the Philippines will open their campaign in the FIBA E-Sports Open against Indonesia in a five-game series in a battle to stake its claim as the best team in Southeast Asia.

With seventeen teams in tow for the inaugural edition, there will be no trophies involved as it was just an exhibition tilt, but for E-Gilas Pilipinas, it is still all about national pride as they were loaded up to the research.

As Nite Alparas calling the shots, leading the E-Gilas to glory will be the dynamic duo of reigning NBA 2K Asian champion Rial Polog and Clark Banzon, who were the two finalists in the 2019 edition which was won by the former in a double overtime thriller in Trinoma.

For Polog, it's a dream come true to suit up for the flag, after his title-winning performance got him recognized by the NBA 2K League despite being left undrafted last year.

"It's a surreal feeling. Para sakin, hindi ko lang sila teammates. They are all brothers for me," he said, adding that the familiarity with each other and their opponent will be their key to get the win they need.

Overall, E-Gilas will bank on their winning tradition as they are holding the Asian crown for four straight times, with two-time winner Polog joined alongside 2K17 king Custer Galas and 2K18 titlist Izzo Herrero.

Completing the starters is Aljon "Shintarou" Cruzin, with DJ Timajo (Alt) and Rocky Brana (Rak) the reserves.

Izzo could not contain his excitement as they can now show their game in front of a global audience.

"This is a new thing, kasi it's a staircase to a greater audience. So yung pressure sa amin mabigat," said the skipper of E-Gilas.

Photo by the SBP