The six teams that will join directly invited squads Team Secret and Fennel Adversity have been determined following the conclusion of the Wild Rift Champions SEA Philippines qualifier on Sunday, Feb. 13.
The Philippine Pro Gaming League (PPGL) officially announced the qualified teams on Monday, Feb. 14, with AXS, the lone unbeaten team during the Swiss Round qualifiers, leading the pack.
Joining AXS were Sibol representatives LF Adoption, RRQ Philippines, Cerebrum, Sunsparks and Grindsky Esports. Only Giga and Rejoice were the teams that failed to advance to the WCS group stage.
AXS, LF Adoption, RRQ and Cerebrum were the first four teams to reach the regular season after beating their respective opponents in the upper bracket of the Phase 2 qualifiers. AXS and Cerebrum both swept Sunsparks and Rejoice in the first round, 3-0. LFA scored a 3-1 victory over Giga while RRQ outlasted Grindsky, 3-2.
The four losing teams then battled for the last two spots in the group stage in the lower bracket. Sunsparks dominated Rejoice, 3-0, while Grindsky frustrated Giga, 3-2 to catch the last bus to the group stage.
Group stage action starts on Feb. 25 until Mar. 27 while the playoffs where the lion’s share of the $160,000 are at stake will kick off on April 1.