The 2024 NBA 2K League (2KL) APAC Invitational, presented by Cignal, held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, had no shortage of intense competition with Team NO WAY OUT defending their title and emerging as back-to-back champions. The Australia and New Zealand-based team swept the Laus Group Esports (LGE) Eagles in the best-of-three finals series, securing the championship and taking home the USD 5,000 prize.
The two-day event featured four teams comprising 20 of the top NBA 2K players from across the Asia-Pacific region: Team NO WAY OUT, Team Lock Up (Australia/New Zealand), LGE Eagles, and LGE Agila (Philippines).
“Together with Cignal, we’re thrilled to have staged this year’s APAC Invitational for the second consecutive year in the Philippines. The incredible atmosphere, support from the NBA 2K community, and high-level gameplay made this event unforgettable,” said Ade Mangun, NBA 2K League Head of Branded Content.
The tournament began on November 16 with a pair of semifinal series. LGE Eagles swept Team Lock Up, with Lynard Clark “PHI_ZavalCB” Banzon dominating both games. Meanwhile, defending champions Team NO WAY OUT faced a tough battle against LGE Agila but prevailed in an intense Game 3, where Dylan “Jxhnno-” Johnson secured the series with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
In the finals, Team NO WAY OUT maintained their dominance, defeating LGE Eagles in two tightly contested games (52-44, 52-50). Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings, the team’s point guard, was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performance, including clutch plays that staved off the Eagles’ late-game comeback efforts.
Solomona “Monuhh” Faitaua-Nanai, team captain of NO WAY OUT, made waves in last year’s NBA 2K APAC Invitational as one of the most passionate competitors in the venue. Speaking on the 2-peat win, he says: “Feels good to be back-to-back APAC Invitational champions. Playing in front of a big crowd is an honor, and events like this make it special.”
Here are the final results for the games:
The Invitational wasn’t just about competition. Attendees enjoyed basketball-themed activities, including interactive skill booths, gaming kiosks for NBA 2K25, and exclusive merchandise at the NBA Store Philippines booth.
A 3v3 celebrity show match, featuring local professional players and content creators, provided a star-studded presence to the event. Prominent industry names like Isaac Go, Margaux Nonato, Gabe Norwood, Vince Velasco, Francis “UncleKevin2K” Maguliman, Jared Dillinger, Gabe Norwood, and Joe Devance participated. Team Tyler, led by Tyler Tio, Renzo Subido, and Patrick Sarmiento, defeated Team Diego (Diego Dario, Aaron Black, and Patrick “HOOPJUNKIE” Edrozo) in the finals, 21-16.
For those who weren’t able to tune in live to the 2024 NBA 2K League APAC Invitational, you can watch the replay Cignal’s Pilipinas Live app, available on the App Store and Google Play.