Liyab to compete in PCS 2021 Spring Split with all-Filipino lineup

Bannered by an all-Filipino roster, Liyab Esports is set to compete in the League of Legends Pacific Championship Series (PCS) 2021 Spring Split next month. 

Liyab opted to field in a full Filipino lineup led by holdovers Kyle "Dawn" Somera (attack damage carry-ADC), Ren "Kanji" Motomitsu (midlaner) and Edrian "DoeDoii" Brancia (jungler) following a forgettable campaign last season. 

The renowned local esports organization picked up Jay "Speltz" Tabarangao (toplaner) and Jan "Cresho" Hortizuela (support) in replacement of Korean players Kim "Rex" Tae-yon and Kim "Mocha" Tae-gyeom. Serving as substitute is Jhon Mike "Xylian" Tungo. 

Speltz and Cresho came from Panic Time which Liyab handed a 3-0 beating in the grand finals of the Spring promotion tournament. 

Liyab dropped to the promotion tilt twice in the 2020 season after finishing at the ninth place out of 10 teams in both the Spring and Summer Splits. 

Coming into the new season with a revamped roster, the PH representatives will have their hands full against  Hong Kong's PSG Talon Esports and Hong Kong Attitude, Taiwan's Machi Esports, Alpha Esports, Beyond Gaming and Taipei J Team, Malaysia's Berjaya Dragons and Singapore's Impunity Esports. 

"These teams have proven their dedication to achieving success in the league, with players that are performing at the highest level of play in the region. Fans can expect some heart-stopping matches this season as teams face old rivals and battle against some new faces," said Chris Tran, head of esports for Riot Games Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. 

The PCS 2021 will kick off on February 19 with the Spring Split having a best-of-one regular season followed by a double elimination playoffs. Games will be broadcasted in English, Mandarin and Thai. 

Machi and PSG Talon, champion and runner-up in the 2020 Summer Split, respectively, represented the region in the LoL World Championship 2020 held in Shanghai, China. 

Talon landed on the 12th place while Machi wound up 13th among 22 teams in the latest Worlds won by Damwon Gaming of South Korea.