Team Stallions shows overseas mettle at CrossFire EWC

MANILA, Philippines — Team Stallions’ all-Filipino Crossfire roster defied expectations as they finished fourth in the CrossFire event at the Esports World Cup (EWC).

The Cebu-based team caught the eye of Saudi Arabia’s Team Stallion during the 2025 Asian Champions League, and when the roster secured their spot in EWC during the Philippine Masters, the team’s acquisition began.

“We’ve had our eye on the team ever since their standout performance at the 2025 Asian Champions League, where they defeated China’s KINGZERO-esports, 2-0. That victory showed us the potential and competitive spirit these young players bring to the table. When they secured their EWC spot during the Crossfire Philippine Masters playoffs, we reached out to their coach to begin formal discussions. Our talks were extensive, focusing on their long-term future and how Stallions could provide the right platform for their growth. It quickly became clear that our vision aligned, and that’s when we decided to move forward,” said Taghreed Alrifaie, PR head of Team Stallions.

The team — composed of Ken "kLb" Belgida, Christopher "Kano" Robinson, Jaylord "LOYY" Pasulot, Ar "Jjhae" Bacus, Kent "kLp" Pegarro, with substitute Randolf “Dolfx” Marquez and coach Francis “Tankz” Catangay — initially played under the banner of UBECmaniacGT, which had qualified to the 2024 CrossFire Stars and had taken joint third to fourth place during the 2025 Asian Champions League.

“Heading into the EWC, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. Our expectations were never just about the result. We knew the competition would be tough, but that only motivated us more. For us, it was about playing with heart, pushing our limits, and showing that we can stand on equal ground with the best teams in the world,” recalled Alrifaie.

Among the toughest tests Team Stallions faced was its match against China’s BaiSha Gaming, then the reigning Asian Champions League titlist that’s known for its precision and coordination.

“They’re a highly skilled and well coordinated team, and they forced us to bring out our very best. That match tested our gameplay and our mentality, but it also showed the strength of our resilience and the trust we have in one another.” added Alrifaie.

The experience offered valuable lessons for Team Stallions, especially in terms of growth and adaptability. But the support from Filipino fans played a vital role in lifting the squad’s spirits.

“The support from Filipino fans had a significant impact on our performance. Knowing they believed in us made us push harder and reminded us that we weren’t just playing for ourselves, but for everyone who stood behind us,” said Alrifaie.

Looking ahead, Alrifaie emphasized the importance of nurturing the local CrossFire scene.

She added, “The Philippine CrossFire community has tremendous talent and passion, but like any growing esports scene, it faces challenges. I believe the biggest need is structured development, nurturing new players, creating more competitive opportunities, and building stronger support systems. Stallions is committed to supporting this growth and helping the community reach its full potential.”

With EWC behind them, Team Stallions is already preparing for their next challenge: the CrossFire Regional Finals, wherein the top two teams will earn a spot in the CrossFire Stars 2025 happening in Chengdu, China in December.

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