All-Filipino team Nemesis crash out of TI 2025 as Southeast Asia suffers first elimination

Southeast Asia’s hopes at The International 2025 took an early blow as all-Filipino squad Team Nemesis bowed out of the tournament, becoming the first team eliminated after a 0-3 defeat to BOOM Esports in the Swiss-format Group Stage on Saturday, 6 September.

Nemesis only managed two game victories across four match losses, falling short against some of the world’s strongest contenders before meeting their regional rivals in a do-or-die Round 4 clash. 

With both Southeast Asian representatives holding 0-3 records, the showdown guaranteed heartbreak for the region.

Nemesis had entered the competition with high spirits, fresh from their triumph over BOOM in the regional qualifier. 

But in Mexico City, the story was different. BOOM turned the tables when it mattered most, dominating both games of the elimination series to keep their tournament hopes alive while sending their countrymen home.

Team Nemesis are officially the first team eliminated at The International 2025 – did you get your predictions right?#Dota2 #TheInternational2025 #TI14 pic.twitter.com/fgOuS4wzcC

— GosuGamers Dota 2 (@GosuGamers) September 5, 2025

Veteran offlaner Anucha “Jabz” Jirawong set the tone in Game 1 with a commanding Axe performance that shut down Eljohn “Akashi” Andales’ Ursa pick, handing Nemesis no breathing room in a 29-minute rout. BOOM’s Filipino core shone in Game 2, with Jaunuel “Jaunuel” Arcilla’s Mirana and Armel Paul “Armel” Tabios’ Void Spirit orchestrating a lopsided 27-9 victory.

It was a bitter ending for Nemesis, who had fought valiantly in earlier rounds, pushing Team Falcons and Yakutou Brothers to three-game series before fading against North America’s Wildcard and South America’s HEROIC. 

Their exit underscores Southeast Asia’s ongoing struggle to break through on Dota 2’s biggest stage.

While Nemesis’ run is over, BOOM still faces a perilous path forward. With a 1-3 record, they must survive another elimination series in Round 5 to reach the next stage and keep the region’s hopes alive.

For now, though, Southeast Asia is left to reckon with an early casualty—one that highlights just how punishing the road to the Aegis of Champions can be.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

Follow our Facebook page today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.