TNC Predator is back with an all-Filipino roster.
The Filipino powerhouse team revealed its acquisition of former Smart Omega players Marvin "Boomy" Rushton (also known as Boombacs) and Jun "Bok" Kanehara (Bokerino) on Friday night, March 5.
"We want to welcome Marvin "Boomy" Rushton and Jun "Bok" Kanehara as our new Position 5 and Position 3 players, respectively. We are excited what Boomy and Bok (have) to share with our team in terms of game strategy and playstyle," the team said in a statement posted on its official social media pages.
TNC made its move almost a day after ex-captain and hard support Kim "Febby" Yong Min said on his latest Youtube video that the organization would go for an all-Filipino lineup again.
The announcement also came just an hour after Omega released Bok and Boomy, who is set to reunite with his former Clutch Gamers teammates Kim "Gabbi" Santos and Armel Paul "Armel" Tabios.
"Now that our roster is yet again complete, we are ready to claim our rightful spot in SEA competitive scene. Are you excited for our revitalized all-Pinoy roster?"
TNC last bannered an all-Filipino lineup back in The International 2019 when offlaner Carlo "Kuku" Palad and captain-hard support Nico "eyyou" Barcelon were still with the team.
Following its failed bid to qualify for the Singapore Major, TNC released South Korean support Febby and Australian offlaner Damien "kpii" Chok last Wednesday.
Febby and Kpii were having connection issues throughout the Dota Pro Circuit-Southeast Asia Upper Division season as they were playing from their respective homes and could not join the bootcamp due to pandemic-related travel restrictions.
With the acquisition of Boomy and Bok, TNC is eyeing to come back stronger in the next DPC season and eventually enter the second Major prior to the million-dollar TI.
Boomy and Bok helped the Smart-backed squad climb to the Upper Division after finishing with a 5-2 record in the Lower Division to nab one of the two promotion spots.
Together with Bryle "cml" Alvizo, Mc Nicholson "Mac" Villanueva and now-Neon Esports carry John Anthony "Natsumi-"Vargas, the two veterans played for Adroit Esports which represented the national esports team Sibol in the 2019 SEA Games.
They won the gold medal with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Thailand led by Nuengnara "23savege" Teeramahanon and Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong.