Team NO WAY OUT Secures Second Consecutive Championship at the 2024 NBA 2K League APAC Invitational Presented by Cignal
Team NO WAY OUT Secures Second Consecutive Championship at the 2024 NBA 2K League APAC Invitational Presented by Cignal
PASAY – The 2024 NBA 2K League (2KL) APAC Invitational presented by Cignal, the fourth iteration of the league’s Asia-Pacific invitational event, was held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Running from Saturday, November 16 to Sunday, November 17, the event concluded with Team NO WAY OUT outlasting LGE Eagles in the best-of-three finals series, sweeping the Eagles to clinch their second consecutive title at this prestigious regional tournament. The Australia and New Zealand-based team, consisting of team captain Solomona “Monuhh” Faitaua-Nanai, Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings, Dylan “DLaey” Lay, Dylan “Jxhnno-” Johnson, and Aiden “GoldenDunk” Fleming, was awarded USD 5,000 and the opportunity to compete in the next edition of the APAC Invitational.
A Showcase of Elite Competition
This year’s APAC Invitational tournament showcased four teams comprising 20 of the top NBA 2K players from the region. Representing the Philippines were Laus Group Esports (LGE) Eagles and LGE Agila, while Team NO WAY OUT and Team Lock Up hailed from Australia and New Zealand.
The tournament kicked off with the semi-finals on November 16, featuring a pair of best-of-three series. In the first semi-final, LGE Eagles went head-to-head with Team Lock Up, securing their place in the finals by sweeping their opponents with scores of 60-45 and 63-53. Lynard Clark “PHI_ZavalCB” Banzon was a standout player, dominating both games for the Philippine team.
The second semi-final saw defending champions Team NO WAY OUT face off against LGE Agila in a tightly contested matchup. The series went down to the wire, with Team NO WAY OUT narrowly edging out LGE Agila 2-1 (59-67, 52-45, 53-50). The highlight of Game 3 was a dramatic three-pointer at the buzzer by Dylan “Jxhnno-” Johnson, securing the series win for Team NO WAY OUT.
The Grand Finals
In the finals, Team NO WAY OUT demonstrated their dominance by sweeping the LGE Eagles (52-44, 52-50). Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings, the team’s point guard, was named Player of the Series for leading his team in scoring in both games and holding off a late-game comeback from the Eagles. This victory solidified Team NO WAY OUT’s status as a powerhouse in the NBA 2K competitive scene, earning them their second consecutive APAC Invitational title.
Celebrity Showmatch and Fan Activities
The two-day event wasn’t just about high-stakes competition; it also featured a 3v3 celebrity showmatch that brought together current and former professional players, sports personalities, and NBA 2K content creators. Notable participants included Isaac Go, Margaux Nonato, Gabe Norwood, Vince Velasco, and Francis “UncleKevin2K” Maguliman, as well as basketball podcast hosts Jared Dillinger, Gabe Norwood, and Joe Devance. The celebrity tournament culminated in a final between Team Tyler (Tyler Tio, Renzo Subido, and Patrick Sarmiento) and Team Diego (Diego Dario, Aaron Black, and Patrick “HOOPJUNKIE” Edrozo), with Team Tyler emerging victorious with a score of 21-16.
Interactive Fan Experiences
Beyond the competitive matches, the 2024 NBA 2K League APAC Invitational offered a variety of basketball-themed activities. Fans engaged in interactive booths that tested their on-court skills, such as shooting, passing, and vertical jump. There were opportunities to capture memories at the official NBA 2K League photobooth and a 360-degree camera station, play NBA 2K25 at gaming kiosks, and purchase the latest hyperlocal collection at the NBA Store Philippines booth.
The 2024 NBA 2K League APAC Invitational presented by Cignal was a resounding success, showcasing elite competition and engaging fan experiences. Team NO WAY OUT’s victory cemented their legacy in the NBA 2K competitive scene, securing their second consecutive championship. With exciting matches, celebrity showmatches, and interactive activities, the event was a true celebration of the growing esports community in the Asia-Pacific region. Fans and participants alike left the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall with unforgettable memories and a heightened passion for NBA 2K esports. As the event concludes, anticipation builds for the next edition of the APAC Invitational, promising even more thrilling moments and competitive excellence.
Fans can watch the replay of the NBA 2K League APAC Invitational on Cignal’s over-the-top streaming service Pilipinas Live, which is available on App Store and Google Play. For more information on the NBA 2K League, visit 2kleague.nba.com and follow @NBA2KLeague on Facebook, X, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube. For all the latest NBA news and updates, fans in the Philippines can visit www.nba.com, download the NBA App, and follow the NBA on Facebook, TikTok and X.
