MANILA, Philippines — The competition is heating up in League of Legends: Wild Rift as Wild Rounds: Pilipinas Open enters its crucial Split 2 stage, with the playoffs and a much-anticipated Creator Showmatch set to take place on September 20.
Following an action-packed Split 1, Wild Rift Philippines has raised the stakes for Split 2, bringing together 36 teams competing for 16 spots in the group stage and a chance to move closer to the Road to SMASH 2026 in South Korea this November.
The tournament has already delivered plenty of standout performances, intense rivalries and the return of a familiar name to the competitive scene.
Split 1 produces dominant performances
The first split featured 74 teams competing across six weeks, with several squads quickly establishing themselves as teams to watch.
Gensokyo and IIXWR swept their respective groups, while Peekaboo and Cubao Korea also completed dominant runs without dropping a match.
Individual players also made their mark throughout Split 1.
Kuro was one of the standout performers for Peekaboo, finishing the split with a 12.2 KDA and 72% kill participation. Cubao Korea’s manila alinam helped anchor the team’s strong run from the top lane, posting a 3.13 KDA and 38% kill participation.
For IIXWR, Karma controlled the jungle with a 4.45 KDA and 65% kill participation, playing a key role in the team’s undefeated campaign.
Split 2 raises the stakes
Split 2 began its Group Stage on August 8, with 36 teams entering the competition. Returning contenders include Cubao Korea, Gensokyo, IIXWR and Bonus Round.
Several of the tournament’s strongest teams quickly picked up where they left off.
Gensokyo currently leads Group A with a 3-0 record and seven points, followed by Elder Dragon at 2-1 with six points. In Group B, IIXWR has continued its dominant form with a perfect 3-0 record and nine points, ahead of Tempo at 2-1.
Bonus Round sits atop Group C after going 3-0 for eight points, while UA1 Esports follows with a 2-1 record and six points.
One of the biggest storylines of Split 2, however, has been the return of Rebengga to competitive play.
The former League of Legends PC professional, who previously played for Manila Eagles, Team Red and Hey Gaming, has returned to the competitive scene as a jungler for Elder Dragon. Rebengga also has previous Wild Rift coaching experience, having worked with Bren Esports in 2021 and Fennel in 2023.
Together with Faemon, Yamada, Svante Flynt and HachM, Rebengga has helped Elder Dragon secure a 2-1 record in Group A and remain firmly in contention for the playoffs.
After the August 9 matches were postponed because of bad weather, Group Stage action is scheduled to continue through August 30. The Qualifying Rounds will follow on September 10-11, before the Split 2 Playoffs take place from September 18-20.
Creators take over the Rift
The competitive action will have a different twist on September 20, when Wild Rounds: Pilipinas Open hosts its Creator Showmatch.
The exhibition match will bring together some of the Philippines’ well-known gaming creators and personalities for a battle that combines competitive gameplay with entertainment.
One team will feature Shanghigh, Vannybear, Mirmooo, Christian Bautista and RauxTV, while Kitz, Kioko, Suzzysaur, Eisendhart and TitoSpicy will make up the opposing side.
The Creator Showmatch is scheduled to take place on the same day as the Road to SMASH Finals, giving fans another reason to tune in as the Philippine Wild Rift community heads toward one of the year’s biggest international competitions.
With the Split 2 playoffs approaching and the country’s top creators preparing to step onto the Rift, Wild Rounds: Pilipinas Open is entering its most important stretch yet.
For match schedules, results and tournament updates, follow Wild Rift Philippines on its official Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.
Related stories:
Infinix Ph is the Official Smartphone of the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Pro League S11
The biggest Mobile Legends Bang Bang tournaments in the Philippines will return this August 29
AGON PRO AG275QXL by AOC is world’s first official League of Legends gaming monitor
Game on with Globe Telecom Go50 with GoPLAY10 as League of Legends: Wild Rift goes mobile!
