Things are about to get real hot for the Philippine league with these changes.
Season 14 of the MPL Philippines is right around the corner and it’s coming in with some big changes. With new systems, new events, and a new team, this is looking to be the most exciting MPL season yet.
Aurora Gaming Joins the Fray
Let’s start with the elephant in the room, Aurora Gaming making their debut in MPL Philippines season 14. With Minana EVOS dropping out of the league, the Serbia-based organization is filling in the slot with a hard-hitting starting roster.
Some have even called the roster “Blacklist 2.0” as many of their alumni have found their way there. Former Blacklist International standouts such as Edward Dapadap, Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo, Renejay Barcase, and even their former coaching staff of Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani and Dexter “Dex Star” Alaba, are now calling their Aurora their home.
Considering that both Aurora and Blacklist are facing each other in the opening weekend of the MPL, it’s going to be a debut match that fans will surely remember.
New Scoring System Raises the Stakes
Every match is more important than ever in season 14 thanks to the new scoring system. Now it’s clearcut; 2-0 and 2-1 awards you one point, 0-2 and 1-2 gives you nothing. Victory is the only thing that matters, which means that teams need to bring their A-game every week if they want to finish strong in the regular season.
Speaking of playoffs, a significant change has been made for the lower bracket finals – they are now a best-of-seven. As only the top two teams get to represent their region in the M Series, the lower bracket finals have always been a critical moment for the playoffs. Now that it’s a best-of-seven, we can be sure that only the most deserving move on to the world championships.
And most interesting of all is the MPL’s new global open transfer system. This allows teams to initiate player transfers between teams from not just their own region, but from every team within the MPL ecosystem. Transfers can happen in the middle of the season, so it remains to be seen how teams utilize this.
Bringing the Community Closer Together
Last but not least are the community efforts that the MPL Philippines is implementing in season 14. In cooperation with Smart, the MPL Smart Battle Trips are back. Cities, schools, and even workplaces once again have the opportunity to catch the MPL action live at the Green Sun Hotel, Makati. Together with the MLBB Community Heroes and Student Leaders, students will also go through workshops to better educate them about esports and the gaming industry.
Then there is the MPL Infinx FANSiklaban, where fans can show their ultimate support for their team. How? By participating in a mini-league that will culminate in their very own playoffs.
Exciting times are ahead and it’s all starting this Friday, August 16.
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.