E-Gilas ready to defend the throne at Fiba Esports Open

Looking to retain the Southeast Asian title, E-Gilas Pilipinas will showcase a nearly intact lineup for the FIBA ​​Esports Open II scheduled for November 14-15.

Rial “Rial” Polog Jr., Custer “Aguila” Galas, Aljon “Shintarou” Cruzin, Philippe “IzzoIV” Herrero IV, Clark “Clark” Banzon and Rocky “Rak” Braña will once again wear their virtual national jerseys in NBA 2K- tournament online based on expanding from 17 pioneer countries to 38 nations.

Facing stronger opposition this time around, the team selected eight-time Veterans League 2K champion Arnie “El Chapo” Sison.

The Philippines will face Indonesia and Oceania champion Australia, who is now in brackets at the Southeast Asia conference.

“We are very excited again to represent our NBA 2K national esports team, especially as the number of participating national teams is increasing. We hope there will be more competition, so we rehearse twice, ”said Polog, a two-time NBA 2K Asia champion.

The Filipinos will begin their title retention campaign against the Indonesians at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday before facing the Australians at 8 pm and 9:20 pm.

E-Gilas will fight Indonesia and Australia again on Sunday at 6:30 pm. and 7:30 pm, respectively. The two best teams will meet in the grand final at 8:30 pm

The PH side, protected by the core of local powerhouse Playbook Laus Esports, emerged victorious in the inaugural edition after sweeping Indonesia in five games.

The team is coming off a second-place finish against South Korea in NBA 2K20: The Pacific Pro-Am Tournament last September.

Livestream will be available on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Facebook page and on the FIBA ​​Esports social media channels.