Sibol wins Dota2 title for 2nd SEA Games gold

The Philippine national esports team Sibol won its second gold medal in the esports tournaments of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Monday at FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The team composed of James Guerra, Van Jerico Manalaysay, John Anthony Vargas, Bryle Alvizo, and Marvin Rushton claimed the gold as they prevailed against Thailand in the Dota2 best-of-five finals series, 3-2.

Philippines and Thailand face off for the fifth and final round after the latter forced a decider. Winner will take home the gold medal for esports #dota2 #30thSEAGames @gmanews_sports @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/t7SFV8sPyF

— Bernadette Reyes (@bernadettereyes) December 9, 2019

The Philippines drew first blood in the series, but Thailand refused to give up in the second game, forcing a virtual best-of-three. The Filipino Dota players pulled off a come-from-behind victory in the third game, but Thailand forced a game five, which the Philippines eventually won.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

This is the country's second medal from esports tournaments. Sibol won gold in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament on Sunday.

ATM: Crowd cheers for Philippines' Sibol as the players make a late run in the last game of the gold medal match of esports #dota2 #30thSEAGAMES @gmanews_sports @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/RCaHXRX9rO

— Bernadette Reyes (@bernadettereyes) December 9, 2019

Sibol still has a chance to bag another gold medal as Cav Acampado will play in the gold medal match tomorrow against Singapore for the StarCraft II tournament. Tekken games will cap off the esports tournament. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JST, GMA News