Top 10 Underdog Filipino Players Who Shocked the Esports World

The Philippines has consistently produced talented esports players who have defied expectations on the international stage. While established stars often dominate headlines, underdog Filipino players—rising from smaller teams, lower rankings, or limited exposure—have made remarkable impacts.

The Filipino esports scene has produced remarkable talent, with many players rising from grassroots beginnings to achieve global recognition. Here are 10 Underdog Filipino Players who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the esports w

1. Djardel “DJ” Mampusti

• Dota 2
• Background: Began in local computer shops in Marikina City with limited resources.
• Strengths: Exceptional game sense, clutch playmaking, leadership as Fnatic’s captain.

Led Fnatic to a stunning performance at the Manila Major with game-saving Black Holes, earning over $798,597.
Djardel “DJ” Mampusti stands among the most inspiring Underdog Filipino Players in Dota 2. Rising from local cafes with minimal resources, he used his exceptional game sense, clutch playmaking, and leadership to guide Fnatic to international prominence, proving that talent can shine through adversity.

2. Abed Yusop

• Dota 2
• Background: Started as a young prodigy competing in small-scale Filipino tournaments.
• Strengths: Unmatched mechanical skill, first player to hit 10k MMR twice.

Shocked the NA Dota 2 scene with Digital Chaos and Fnatic, earning $366,842 from 31 tournaments.
Abed Yusop stands out as a creative Underdog Filipino Players in Dota 2. Rising from small-scale tournaments as a young prodigy, he leveraged his unmatched mechanical skill to dominate the NA region, demonstrating that raw talent can overcome regional barriers.

3. Jayvee “JV” Salinas

• PUBG Mobile
• Background: Began in lesser-known squads with limited exposure.
• Strengths: Sharpshooting, tactical calls, composure in chaotic situations.

Led his underdog team to unexpected victories in regional tournaments.
Jayvee “JV” Salinas is a perfect example of how Underdog Filipino Players can dominate in PUBG Mobile. Rising from lesser-known squads with limited exposure, he used his sharpshooting, tactical calls, and composure to secure victories against higher-ranked teams, showing that determination can lead to international recognition.

4. Alexandre “AK” Laverez

• Tekken 7
• Background: Started playing Tekken at age 6 in local arcades with minimal competitive exposure.
• Strengths: Lightning-fast reflexes, deep game knowledge, adaptability.

Secured 3rd at the 2013 King of Iron Fist Global Championship and won Combo Breaker 2024 against top players like Rangchu.
Alexandre “AK” Laverez stands as a standout Underdog Filipino Players in Tekken 7. Rising from local arcades with minimal exposure, he employed his lightning-fast reflexes and adaptability to stun the fighting game community with global podium finishes.

5. Kuku Palad

• Dota 2
• Background: Emerged from small-scale Filipino Dota 2 teams with limited resources.
• Strengths: Aggressive playstyle, signature Huskar mastery, charismatic leadership.

Led TNC Predator to a 7-8th finish at The International 2016, upsetting European giants like OG, earning $673,764.
Kuku Palad is a dynamic Underdog Filipino Players in Dota 2. Rising from small-scale teams with limited resources, he used his aggressive playstyle and leadership to challenge top teams, proving that charisma and skill can disrupt the global stage.

6. Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna

• MLBB
• Background: Started in grassroots MLBB teams with little recognition.
• Strengths: Strategic shot-calling, team synergy, leadership for Blacklist International.

Guided Blacklist to three MPL PH titles and the M3 World Championship, inspiring the global MLBB scene.
Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna stands as an inspiring Underdog Filipino Players in Mobile Legends. Rising from grassroots teams with little recognition, he leveraged his strategic shot-calling to lead Blacklist to world championship glory, showcasing the power of inclusivity and skill.

7. Jake “Xmithie” Puchero

• League of Legends
• Background: Moved to the U.S. at 16, grinding ranked games with minimal competitive support.
• Strengths: Versatile jungling, calm decision-making, team-oriented play.

Won 2015 and 2016 NA LCS titles with CLG and Team Liquid, earning $260,170.
Jake “Xmithie” Puchero is a resilient Underdog Filipino Players in League of Legends. Rising from ranked games in the U.S. with minimal support, he used his versatile jungling and calm decision-making to secure NA LCS titles, defying expectations as an immigrant athlete.

8. Nico “eyyou” Barcelon

• Dota 2
• Background: Began in local Dota 2 tournaments with little spotlight.
• Strengths: Versatile support play, analytical mind, clutch performances.

Contributed to TNC Predator’s 7-8th finish at The International 2016, earning $488,334.

Nico “eyyou” Barcelon stands as a thoughtful Underdog Filipino Players in Dota 2. Rising from local tournaments with little spotlight, he employed his versatile support play and analytical mind to shine in high-stakes international matches.

9. Renz “RyzePH” Villanueva

• League of Legends
• Background: Rose from solo queue to competitive Wild Rift roster.
• Strengths: Split-pushing, map control, objective timing.

Helped his team achieve deep tournament runs against top-tier squads.

Renz “RyzePH” Villanueva stands among the most creative Underdog Filipino Players in Wild Rift. Rising from solo queue to a competitive roster, he used split-pushing strategies, precise map control, and objective timing to help his team overcome top-tier squads. His innovative gameplay proved that underdog players could challenge established teams with clever tactics and strategic ingenuity.

10. Marc “Raven” Fausto

• Dota 2
• Background: Started playing Warcraft 3 Dota at age 11 in small internet cafes.
• Strengths: Exceptional carry play, mechanical skill, consistency under pressure.

Won two WESG titles with TNC Predator, earning $576,393 and outplaying top-tier teams.

Marc “Raven” Fausto is a determined Underdog Filipino Players in Dota 2. Rising from small internet cafes, he leveraged his exceptional carry play and consistency to secure WESG titles, shocking the esports world with his relentless skill.

These players, through their grit and talent, have not only brought pride to the Philippines but also inspired a new generation of esports athletes to dream big.

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