A lot can change in a year. Since the curtains closed on last year’s Philippine FaB Nationals, the local scene has grown in ways that felt impossible back then. What was once a niche card game with dedicated veterans has now become a thriving battlefield of new faces and sharpened skills. Tournaments have grown, metas have shifted, and as we head into the 2025 Philippine Nationals, one thing’s for sure – Flesh and Blood is the card game that rewards mastery above all else.
And this weekend, the country’s best will once again take their seats at the table to fight for the crown.
The Zen Era: Recapping the Philippine FaB Nationals 2024
If there was one name that defined last year’s Nationals, it was Zen. Three of the Top 8 finalists brought the Mystic Ninja to the top tables, including both players in the finals. The deck has no glaring weakness, is relatively easy to use, and has an insane damage output that made it a perfect pick for the tournament.
All three Zen pilots were members of Team Unbox, who showed the country what it looked like to take a new hero and push it to its absolute limits. But they weren’t alone. Kayo made his presence felt with two Brute pilots charging into Top 8, while the last three slots were filled by a balanced spread of Prism, Riptide, and the wildcard Decimator Axe Boltyn.
New Challengers!
Fast forward to 2025, and Zen is now gone, ascending to Living Legend status despite balance updates meant to check his dominance post-Nationals. His absence has opened the door for others to shine, especially aggressive decks like Cindra and Slippy, both of which have defined the current meta with their speed and pressure.
Kayo, once a close second to Zen’s dominance, has struggled to keep up with the format’s pace but remains viable in the hands of a skilled pilot. Meanwhile, Prism, Riptide, and Boltyn are still on the fringes of the meta but all have solid matchups against the expected Cindra surge, especially if the meta narrows too much.
And then there’s the huge question of the new High Seas Heroes. Gravy Bones has proven himself to be a real contender by winning a number of last week’s big tournaments around the world, and this weekend might be the day that Puffin and Marlynn make themselves known as well!
So, where are last year’s Top 8 players now? Let’s check in.
Where Are They Now: Nationals 2024 Top 8
Justin Cu (Champion)
The reigning National Champ has done everything but slow down. Right after winning the crown, Justin took 2nd at Calling: Manila, cementing his name as one of the region’s best. This year’s Road to Nationals season? He won half of all local RTNs, with multiple heroes. He’s still the guy to beat.
Nath Bea (2nd Place)
Nath didn’t fade into the shadows. Instead, he took on the challenge of mastering multiple heroes this RTN season. He’s kept his gameplay sharp and is constantly refining his matchup knowledge, which is looking to work to his favor with the many viable Heroes in the current metagame.
Tomii Eusebio (Top 4)
Locked into Ninja since day one, Tomii has been one of Cindra’s most consistent pilots locally this year. While others bounced between decks, he stayed committed—refining, adjusting, and preparing for this weekend’s moment.
Jet Malabed (Top 8)
Jet shocked everyone last year by placing Top 8 with almost no prep. This year, he’s taking no chances. Between Modern MTG weekends, he’s been putting in serious work drafting High Seas. His deck of choice remains a mystery, though.
JB Dela Cruz (Top 4)
The best-performing Kayo last year, JB picked the Brute on a whim, and still made Top 4. This year? He was seen piloting Florian at a few RTNs, but with Florian’s nerfs, JB might be back on another last-minute pick.
Earl Ang (Top 8)
Earl’s love for Prism and Verdance hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s played both across various RTNs, and with how the meta’s shaped up, he’s probably happy to see his favorites landing in strong positions going into Nationals.
Marlon Ilagan (Top 8)
The country’s premier Riptide player has been quieter this year, focusing on family and business. Still, he’s made time for drafts and the occasional local event. Whether he brings Riptide again or shocks everyone with High Seas’ new Ranger, Marlynn, don’t count him out!
Paul Arugay (Top 8)
Nobody saw Decimator Axe Boltyn coming last year. Paul’s build slowly worked its way into the Top 8 on guts and grind. This year, while that build might not be as effective, Raydn Boltyn sits in a good spot in today’s meta as a flexible midrange option in a format full of extremes.
This Year Is Looking Even Bigger
Last year’s Philippine FaB Nationals had their share of wild moments. But this year? The field is wider, the stakes are higher, and the community is even more alive. We’ve got new heroes, a wide-open meta, an incredible Limited format that rewards skillful drafting in High Seas, and a room full of players who’ve been leveling up all year.
The 2025 Philippine FaB Nationals is set to be the most exciting one yet!
The Flesh and Blood Philippine Nationals 2025 will be held this July 4-6 at the Batasan Center in Pasig, Manila. Even if you’re not qualified for the main event, there’ll be side events—including a World Championship Qualifier—and on-site stores for all your TCG needs. See you there!
Read More:
Flesh and Blood TCG’s Battle Hardened Returns to Manila This September – VRSUS
Flesh And Blood Is The Best Trading Card Game That You Should Try Right Now – VRSUS
How to Use GEM Packs to Boost Armory Attendance – VRSUS
Why You Should Try Playing Hobbies Competitively in 2025 – VRSUS
