The Cavalry reigns supreme in one of the most intense playoff runs in MPL history.
Like a surging wave, Team Liquid PH’s advance was undeniable as they were crowned MPL PH S15 champions after a grueling bout with ONIC Philippines. The regular season top seed and reigning world champions’ fight went the full distance, with Team Liquid taking it 4-3.
Day one of the playoffs would be an omen of how fierce the competition would be, as both the day’s matches went the full five games. Both ONIC and Team Falcons PH would advance over Twisted Minds PH and TNC Pro Team after a hard-fought series. Twisted Minds and TNC were both the lowest-seeded teams in the playoffs, and the fact that they were able to go toe-to-toe with the tournament favorites shows that you can’t count anyone out in the MPL.
The grind didn’t stop there, however, as day two also featured a full set of five games. It was a first in MPL PH history as 20 games were played in just two days. Every team was determined to become the MPL PH S15 champions, but it would be ONIC and Team Liquid meeting each other at the upper bracket final.
It was much quicker day by day, three as it was a 3-0 sweep on both sides of the bracket. ONIC and Team Falcons shocked Team Liquid and Aurora Gaming with a sudden burst of dominance. But, the Cavalry recovered quickly as they crushed Team Falcons 4-2 in the lower bracket finals.
Using that momentum, Team Liquid ensured that they wouldn’t get swept aside by ONIC again in the grand finals. The two traded blow-for-blow, both playing on a knife’s edge and making it hard for either to take an advantage. But in the end, Team Liquid’s veterancy came out on top, making them the MPL PH S15 champions.
A Star-Studded Team
With this victory, Team Liquid earns their second MPL trophy, but this isn’t the second or even the third time for some of the members. For Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Kiel “Oheb” Q.Soriano, and Jaypee Dela Cruz, this is their fourth MPL title.
Along with their championship, Oheb was crowned the Regular Season MVP, Mid Laner Alston “Sanji” Pabico was crowned the Finals MVP, and Team Liquid’s coaching staff was recognized as Coaching Staff of the Season. Truly a championship-calibre team if there ever was one.
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.