Team Liquid Philippines etched its name in local esports history after holding off Team Falcons PH, 4-2, in the grand finals of the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 17 on Sunday at the San Juan Arena. The victory marked the first-ever three-peat for the league, as the championship was secured by the Cavalry behind a composed performance in a back-and-forth series.
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If the team had failed to maintain their composure during the grueling matches, a drastically different outcome would have been expected. However, an undefeated playoff run was established by Team Liquid, sweeping Smart Omega, 3-0, before besting ONIC Philippines, 3-1, in the upper bracket finals. This dominant showing resulted to a guaranteed spot in the championship round and a highly coveted ticket to the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Paris, where their Mid-Season Cup (MSC) title would be defended.
Team Falcons, meanwhile, took the longer route in the lower bracket. After absorbing a 0-3 sweep at the hands of ONIC Philippines, a 3-1 victory over Smart Omega was mounted by the Falcons, an outcome that allowed them to avenge their earlier loss with a 4-2 win against ONIC Philippines to book the final slot, secure a rematch against Team Liquid and solidify their standing.
Overcoming struggles and cementing a legacy In the grand finals, Team Liquid looked poised for a dominant finish early, racing to a 2-0 series lead despite facing diverse opponent drafts and utilizing new esports equipments on the main stage. But Team Falcons responded with two straight wins of their own to force a 2-2 deadlock and swing the momentum in their favor from Game 1 to 4. A crowd of fans were seen on the edge of their seats as the match intensified.
With the series hanging in the balance, Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya took control in Game 5, delivering an 8-0-2 performance on Paquito to power Team Liquid to a dominant 13-2 win in just 10min to move to match point.
Team Falcons put up a fight in Game 6, but rookie gold laner Dave “Teddy” Viaña stepped up in the closing moments to cope up with the immense pressure. Viaña dazzled on specific marksmen, e.g., the hero Claude, helping secure a five-man wipeout against Falcons to crack open the base. In the ensuing team fight during the Lord clash, key pick-offs were secured by the rookie, which prompted the squad to push through the base to seal the series and the championship.
It was the first title for Viaña, while Vinuya and midlaner Alston “Sanji” Pabico claimed their fifth championships. Veterans Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, meanwhile, secured their sixth titles to extend their record as the winningest players of the league.
For the organization, it was the fourth trophy, capping off a season that began with doubts surrounding its roster after struggling to lock in a gold laner. Head Mitch Liwanag expressed her profound gratitude for the dedication of the roster.
"Nandyan naman lagi yung struggles but as long as I have my four loyal players, they also reassure me na kaya nila. And, blessing in disguise, everything happens for a reason. Teddy came. Maraming struggles nangyari at that time, problema. But these players and coaches — call me a glazer — they're so good, so hardworking. Double effort," the head of esports stated, adding that the players truly value their chemistry and friendship.
Both Team Falcons PH and Team Liquid Philippines would represent the country in the mid-season tournament, set to be held in Paris as part of the global event in July.
By drawing over 600 international grapplers from 31 countries, the upcoming 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships highlights the Philippines' growing influence in sports tourism, with government officials coordinating a massive logistical effort to ensure the event delivers both world-class competition and a significant boost to the local economy.
