October 18, 2008, GMT + 8. Pasay City, Philippines

Tensions rise as LevelUp! Live 2008 opening ceremonies were held this morning, October 18, 2008. The World Trade Center located at the heart of Pasay City in the Philippines was packed with countless spectators eager to watch another online tournament history in the making. Ragnarok Online World Championships 2008 (RWC) is one of the main highlights of this two-day gaming event. Teams from around the globe, champions in their home countries, vie for the glory of being the world champions in this year's tournament. After much formalities during the opening ceremonies, LevelUp! Philippines's gameboss Ben Colayco and Ragnarok Online's representative Yoon Seok Kang officially announce the RWC open. Matchups were announced early on in the event's show. There were six matches scheduled for this day, to determine who will take the top slots for tomorrow's semi-finals and final rounds.

Today's matches were decided by scoring the most in a best-of-three rounds. Being the country to host this year's RWC, Team Philippines was slated first to pit against Team Germany, followed by a match between Team Brazil and Team Thailand. Team USA versus Team Russia was the last of the first batch of matchups for the day.

Team Philippines garnered a 2-0 victory against Team Germany in their matchup. The loss of Team Germany's Professor and stripping skills of Team Philippine's Stalker paved the way for Team Philippines to wipe out the rest of the group in both rounds.

In the second matchup, Team Thailand took the lead in the first round, slowly dealing with Brazil's champions, but were unable to wipe the Brazilians out, ending the 5-minute time limit. The second round proved to be a short match between the two, with Thailand wiping out Brazil and emerging victorious once again.

The third matchup proved to be more interesting than the first two, a battle between Team Russia and Team USA. The first round was a battle of wits and stamina for the two teams. With two deaths on both sides late into round 1, it was anybody's win. Tables suddenly turned when Russia took out USA's Professor. Russia cornered USA and continued their barrage until time ran out, giving Russia their first victory in the match. Team USA came back fiercely against Russia on round two in yet another round of stamina and wits. This time, USA's members stood intact whilst two of Russia's best came down, tying the score at 1-1. In sheer unpredictability, Team USA wiped out Russia in less that two minutes of the third round, giving the win of this matchup to Team USA.

The second half of matchups were between Team France versus Team China, Team Japan versus Team Philippines, and Team Thailand versus Team Taiwan.

Team France, on their very first RWC, easily turned the tides against China in a wipeout first round. However, Team China took the advantage and wiped out France in Round 2. Having tied, the third match began but with problems afoot. After a couple of decisions from the GMs, the third round was completely reset with all 7 players per team present. Despite the long delays, Team France got hold of their strategy and wiped China out, giving the French team the win on this matchup.

In the fifth matchup, a quarterfinal round for Team Japan and Team Philippines, the crown goes wild as they cheer for both teams, expectant of a great bout. Team Philippines gains the upper hand almost two minutes into the first round, wiping Team Japan out. The Japanese weren't able to settle the score as Team Philippines made quick work of the round in another wipeout. Philippines won the matchup 2-0.

Sixth matchup did not fail the spectators and fans as well, as Team Thailand and Team Taiwan both showed great skills during their battles. The Thailand representatives were able to dominate and win the first round, taking advantage over Taiwan's slow push. Taiwan couldn't hold off the aggressive Thailand and was completely sweeped in less than two minutes. Thailand's dominance gives them the win 2-0 over Taiwan.

Tomorrow's matchup will be a show of aggression, wit, stamina and dominance as well. Korea is expected to go against USA, France against Indonesia, and Philippines against Thailand in the race to reach the championship. Which country will emerge victorious this year?

Coverage for RWC to be continued tomorrow. Watch out for it!

For recorded videos of today's matches, you may visit LevelUp! Games's Youtube Channel or go directly to their playlist.

For other news, you may visit www.levelupgames.ph