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TNT sweeps Ginebra to win inaugural PBA Esports Bakbakan crown


Similar to the recently-concluded 2023 PBA Governors' Cup, TNT prevailed once again over Barangay Ginebra, only this time the two squads were battling in a different arena.

This as the Tropang Giga reigned supreme in the first-ever PBA Esports Bakbakan after sweeping the Gin Kings, 3-0, in a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) clash on Monday night at the Circuit Makati Event Hall.

Aaren “TNT.Sindel” Palermo shone the brightest for the Tropang Giga, claiming the Finals MVP plum after anchoring their three straight victories with his Karrie and Beatrix.

“Shoutout po sa tatay ko. Shoutout sa pamilya ko. At shoutout sa mga kakampi ko, kung hindi dahil sakanila, hindi namin ito makukuha at hindi ako magiging MVP,” said Sindel.

("Shoutout to my father. Shoutout to my family. And shoutout to my teammates, if not for them, we wouldn't be able to win this and I couldn't have become MVP.")

Sindel unleashed seven kills and four assists while recording one death as the Tropang Giga clawed back from a 9-16 (kills), 3-6 (towers), and 6K-gold deficits in Game 1 to draw first blood.

They then took full control of the game from then on with Sindel's masterful use of Beatrix showing the way.

TNT.KingJastro (Jason Robante) with his Fredrinn, the Edith of TNT.Emperorzxc (Nathanael Teodoro), Kaja of TNT.Regi (Reginald Agustin) and Kagura of TNT.4na4na (Bryan Bollas) also provided solid coverage as the Tropang Giga claimed the P750,000 grand prize.

Ginebra, led by one of the country’s prominent esports figure in Setsuna “Akosi Dogie” Ignacio (GSM.Layla Only), Aaron Raphael Pascual (GSM.Uzic), Anton Jose Cabrillas (GSM.Shaibel), Lance Aaron Misa (GSM.Lansu), and Gellert Pangilinan (GSM.Briskzzz) took home P250,000 as the runners-up.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News

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