RP Counterstrike team makes it to semis

The Philippines’ Counterstrike team, Horsemen of the Apocalypse (HoA), defeated a strong Finland team, 18-12, to top Group C of the Counterstrike tournament at the World Cyber Games in Singapore.

This is the first time that a Filipino team was able to move past the first round of eliminations since the Philippines started sending competitors to the WCG four years ago.

Composed of Justin Chan, Marc Agbisit, Kris Romillo, Paolo Nancho and Kenichi Enda, HoA next faced the top-ranked mouseports of Germany, a favorite to win this year’s championship.

HoA also defeated Thailand’s hesheit, 20-10, to top Group C with a 2-0 record.

The Philippines fielded nine gamers who competed in Counterstrike, Warcraft, Starcraft, and Need for Speed Under-ground 2.

In earlier matches, Philippine Warcraft runner-up Arby Jao lost to Georgios Sefertzis of Greece. Starcraft bet Byron Bongon suffered an upset in the hands of Germany’s Christian Schaefer.

About 700 gamers from 67 countries saw action in the WCG, dubbed as the world’s largest PC and video game festival. The gamers competed for international honors and prizes worth more than $435,000.

Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s minister for community development, youth and sports and second minister of trade and industry, and Jong-Yong Yun, WCG Committee co-chairman and vice chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, officially opened the 2005 World Cyber Games, praising organizers for choosing a host city that "serves as the ideal hub for new ideas and innovation."

"The World Cyber Games is the biggest e-sports event on Earth. I am honored to be part of this gaming festival. Hosting the WCG will go some way in helping us achieve our vision of developing Singapore as a hub for the games industry," said Balakrishnan.

Amid a colorful backdrop of dance performances and the parade of nations, Jong-Yong addressed the crowd.

"The WCG is gaining international recognition as the premier gaming and cultural event in the world," he said. "The World Cyber Games has grown to be the world’s most popular festival for digital entertainment. Youths from across the globe use online games to connect with each other and form friendships and communities that defy borders."

Throughout the week, spectators attended several side events at the tournament such as a hip-hop dance competition, toy collectibles’ display, exhibits and a games developer conference.