Road to MPLI 2023: Will this be the year for PH teams to finally win the elusive title?

After Bren Esports’ triumph in the M2 World Championship, Filipinos have since won the M World Series two more times.

They’ve also won MSC as many times and defended the gold medal twice to become three-time victors of the Southeast Asian Games MLBB tournament (SEAG MLBB).

Amidst global supremacy, however, one tournament remains unconquered by the Filipinos — the ONE Esports’ MPL Invitational.

We take a closer look at the teams participating from the powerhouse region, how their playstyle will fare in this year’s MPLI stage, and why this may very well be the year that a PH team will snag the coveted title.

PH teams in MPLI 2023: Titlists across the board

The Philippines holds the distinction as the only MPL region in MPLI 2023 to field teams that have tasted international glory across the board.

All but one of the four organizations that will represent the country in Jakarta have won the M World Series title.

AP. Bren

AP. Bren’s brilliant run this 2023 only seems to grow even brighter in the closing months of the year.

After helping the Philippines clinch gold in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG), and IESF 2023 WEC shortly after, the team completed their redemption arc in MPL PH, reclaiming the trophy after six long seasons.

The team’s incredibly deep hero pool and solid early game setups helped them topple the resurging Blacklist International in an intense grand final, 3-1, en route to becoming the strongest team in the region, and arguably, the world.

Heavy favorites this MPLI 2023, will AP Bren be able to ride their momentum and become the first Filipino team to take home the elusive title?

Blacklist International

The originators of the glorious Ultimate Bonding Experience (UBE) strategy are back on the international stage, this time, with a new cast.

After iconic MLBB duo Jonmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario decided to skip MPL PH Season 12, many doubted the ability of this version of Blacklist International to secure a playoff berth.

But the team soon proved everyone wrong as they not only finished the regular season with flying colors but also punched a ticket to the grand finals and M5. Even though they could not win the MPL PH crown, the squad’s simulated macro playstyle is still as sharp as before.

This MPLI 2023, expect Blacklist to show the same solid identity and meta-shifting drafts they used to dissect their opponents to become one of the best teams in the world.

ECHO

Although the current meta did not favor their high-risk pick-off playstyle, the Orcas were quick to show why they are the defending world champions in the MPL PH Season 12 regular season.

They opted for veteran Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz to replace Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera in the starting lineup, but one that resulted in them finishing the regular season as the number one seed.

Unfortunately, ECHO would ultimately succumb to their archrivals Blacklist International in the lower bracket final. But it didn’t diminish their confidence, as the reigning MPL PH Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno mentioned after the loss, “We’re not done yet here. In fact, we are more eager now.”

RSG Philippines

2022 was the last time RSG Philippines won an international title. Well-coached and systematic, the Raiders remained a consistent top four team after winning MPL PH back in Season 9.

Most recently, they showed their discipline and toughness against the mighty ECHO in the MPL PH Season 12 playoffs. Even though they fell short in the series, Coach Brian “Panda” Lim’s team was able to show that they can hang with the best in the world.

RSG PH fans can bet on their solid roamer in Dylan “Light” Catipon, and consistent EXP laner Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo to lead the Raider formation as they try to renew their winning ways this MPLI 2023.

Follow ONE Esports on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for MLBB esports news, guides, and updates.

READ MORE: MPLI 2023: Schedule, results, format, teams, where to watch