Execration pulled off a surprise right in its Dota Pro Circuit (DPC)-Southeast Asia upper division debut as it trampled on early favorite TNC Predator, 2-0, on Saturday night.
Emerging offlaner Glenard Lei "Rupido" Rugay's Mars went to work in Game 1 while midlaner Argle Ken "Ken" Llesis' Batrider got things going for Execration in Game 2.
It was a statement win for the boys of veteran coach Kimuel "Kim0" Rodis, sending out a message that they are not pushovers despite having to go through the qualifiers to enter the upper division.
Execration joined fellow Filipino team Neon Esports, Fnatic and Vietnam's 496 Gaming in the win column of the eight-team division that stakes three slots to the first Major of the season.
Rupido continued to prove that he's a master on Mars as came through with well-positioned Arena of Blood plays that enabled Yuri Dave "Yowe" Pacaña's Medusa to unleash huge damage in team fights.
With his solid Mars gameplay, Rupido finished with a splendid 14-3-22 kill-death-assist record while Yowe came up with a 14-3-15 tally.
Ken's Batrider led Execration's charge in Game 2 with his clutch Flaming Lasso catches and Flamebreak pushbacks.
Ken combined forces with Don Carlo "BDz" Manalo's Earth Spirit and Rupido's Dark Seer to wipe out TNC in a 34th minute clash where the latter got the initial advantage after bursting down Yowe's Medusa.
The 17-year-old midlaner Ken wound up with a 8-2-19 record even as Rupido remained stellar with his 13-3-16 slate and BDz rolled to a 6-5-23 tally.
Execration will seek to continue its winning ways against Fnatic while TNC will try to recover versus Vice Esports on January 27.