MANILA, Philippines – The official NBA 2K17 tournament has found its Philippine champ: Custer Galas.

Galas defeated runner-up Anthony de Jesus in a best-of-3 finals series held on the main stage of the eSports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) 2016, Sunday, October 30.

The series went the full length with Galas drawing first blood and De Jesus tying it in the second game. Galas’ San Antonio Spurs then pulled away in the do-or-die match, defeating De Jesus’ Golden State Warriors.

In winning one of the biggest 2K17 tourneys in the country, Galas will be representing the Philippines in the regional Asia tournament to be held in Taiwan in 2017. Aside from a ticket to Taiwan, he also got to take home a PS4 bundled with NBA 2K17.

What’s amazing about Galas is that before his victory, he didn’t even have his own console to practice on.

“Nakikilaro lang ako sa kaibigan ko. Mga 3 to 4 times a week kami nakakalaro, minsan for bonding lang and hindi necessarily for practice,” the champion said.

(I play at my friend’s place. We play 3 to 4 times a week, sometimes for bonding and not necessarily for practice.)

“Do you win against your friends often?” we asked.

He answered in the affirmative as he let out a laugh: “Ha ha! Madalas, oo.” (Ha ha! Often, yes.)

Galas also admitted being surprised by his victory: “Baguhan pa lang ako eh. Ito ‘yung first major tournament ko talaga. ‘Yung mga sinasalihan ko dati, maliit lang talaga.”

(I’m a newbie. This is my first major tournament. The ones I used to join were really small.) 

With Sony awarding him a PS4, Galas will now have the chance to practice on his own console to improve his chances of advancing far in the regionals.

The first leg of the Philippine NBA 2K17 tournament was held on October 15 and 16 at SM Southmall. The concluding leg was held at ESGS on October 29 and 30. – Rappler.com