From left to right - Rv.Lex, Rv.Proph, Friend, Manager - edmund, Rv.Jay, Rv.dannybux  
top left to right - Rv.Baw, Rv.Bin, Rv.Rushstylex

After long bouts along tight corridors and intense open skirmishes, the headsets flew off and one team leaped in jubilation as the other looked on in dismay. The Philip Bell Cup 2011, this year’s most hotly anticipated regional Counter Strike tournament, which was held in the International Convention Centre, Brunei Darussalam, was ready to crown this season’s winners and the team that was on everyone’s lips was Team RV.

Founded in 2005, Team RV has been no stranger to high profile CS tournaments as team manager Edmund Ang confidently asserts, “Since the formation of Team RV, we have been dominant until this present day in all local tournaments that we have participated in.”  As such, the team recent success at the Philip Bell Cup should come as no big surprise to those who follow the regional eSports CS1.6 scene. 

However, with the tournament pitting the finest teams across 4 countries; Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, against its local pool, Team RV did have to work for their medals.  “Team Hybrid is one of the top teams from Malaysia and the idea of coming up against them naturally made us tense,” Edmund respectfully recalls, “they were really good opponents but we knew that we had the game after we won a particular eco round and the momentum shifted to our side.”

The professional CS1.6 team from Brunei was founded in 2005 and boast 7 masterful CS veterans within their ranks, namely; Alex, Awang, Daniel, Hwa, Jay, Melvin and Robin.  Like in any team game, Edmund strongly believes a good mix of excellent teamwork and well-rehearsed set pieces is what ultimately wins you the games.  Alluding to the match against Team Hybrid, Edmund explains, “Our secret tactic, codenamed “Pigeon”, actually won us that game.” 

While the team manager’s mantra of teamwork resonates well in his team‘s play style, word on the ground was that Robin was the gamer to watch for that day.  His most commendable theatrics being him assuming the role of the “tank” in the finals, which took his opponents by surprise.

With the Philip Bell Cup in the bag, plans are now afoot for the team to compete in international tournaments.  “We want to represent our country and bring back some glory!” But as the passionate team manager humbly concedes, “we are still looking for more sponsors before we can actually do so.”

The lineup for the BCG Tournament.

Left to right - Rv.Baw, Rv.Bin, Rv.Rushstylex, Rv.Jay

To Edmund, Team RV is more than just a gaming clan; it’s a closely knitted family. “All of the players including management treat everyone as if they are "family", and this makes our bonds stronger.” And it is this particular affable chemistry which gels the team together that Edmund finds the most warming and unique attribute about his gaming group.

“A special thanks to Mr. Jonson Lim of Timetech computers for being our major sponsor for providing the team with Steelseries gaming equipment to overcome our challenges.” Acknowledges Edmund, “and thanks to all the organizers of the consumer fair for hosting the Brunei cyber games!  Especially the Team RV fans who supported us during the tournament.”

The Philip Bell Cup 2011 took place over four days, beginning on the 26th of May lasting until the 29th.  Held at the International Convention Centre in Brunei Darusslam, the competition featured 32 teams with four top teams from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.  Congratulations again to Team RV for winning the Philip Bell Cup 2011!