The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 9 is all set with the theme Lakas ng Pinas to showcase Filipino esports athletes’ strengths in the game.
With fresh faces to join the teams and new rules to be implemented, there are a lot of moments not to be missed this season. Here are nine reasons to watch the games starting February 18th:
1. Spotlight on veterans
Seasoned contenders and SEA Games gold medalists Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel, Kenneth Jiane “Kenji” Villa, Jeniel “YellyHaze” Bata-Anon, and MSC 2021 champion Billy Jazha “Z4pnu” Alfonso have made their mark and took home championship titles under their wing. Being the only players who have been active since the start of the very first league, all eyes are on how they will call the shots to win.
2. The next breakout rookie
The ninth season will be packed with rookies in an attempt to take home the crown. Who will follow Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto’s footsteps? Will some newcomers make a name for themselves on their debut season like Kiel Calvin “Oheb” Soriano or David Charles “Flap” Canon?
3. The new power duo
Throughout the eight seasons, many tandems have made impressive performances. But with iconic partners Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario sitting out of the games, who will be the new power duo?
4. Bren Esports’ possible resurgence
Bren Esports may have struggled during the last season, but they still have the capability to return to their former glory given their outstanding achievements. But with Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno’s departure from the team, will they still make a huge impact? What strategy are they following this time?
5. It’s the season with exciting comebacks
New faces are filling in the shoes of some of the legacy players. Check out how Smart Omega’s Duane “Kelra” Pillas and Kiel VJ “Kielvj” Hernandez, and Bren Esports’ Karl “KarlTzy” Gabriel Nepomuceno and David Charles “FlapTzy” Canon will make a successful comeback this season.
6. New team rosters
In a bid to take home the title, all teams decided to tweak their rosters except for ONIC PH. Among the changes are former TNC Pro’s Dylan “Light” Catipon joining RSG Philippines and Jeff Lenjesson “S4gitnu” Subang returning to Nexplay EVOS with other rookies. Which team created the right mix to win?
7. ECHOing loud and proud this time
MPL legend Ashley Marco “Killuash” Cruz comes back in a bid to take home the national title. The pro player will be joined with with rising stars Frediemar “3MarTzy” Serafico, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, and Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera. Will they make their fans proud with their gameplay?
8. A strong finish for ONIC PH
ONIC-PH made it to the top at the M3 World Championships, but fell short of their biggest rival at the finals. This season, will the team make an epic comeback? What surprises can be expected from them considering they kept their core intact?
9. A possible three-peat for Blacklist International
Blacklist International’s victory at the recent Sibol qualifiers event solidified the team’s legacy. However, with V33Wise’s absence, will they achieve a historic three-peat win this season? Or will they struggle to work on the team’s chemistry with new faces joining? What new kind of UBE strategy will they implement to cement their reputation?
The ninth season of the MPL-PH has a lot more than nine extraordinary moments and reasons to look forward to; from the league’s incredibly competitive format to the thrilling team strategies – who will clinch the S9 title?