By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
The stage is set for the M6 World Championship, with top teams from around the globe competing for the prestigious title following Thursday’s live draw.
Recently-crowned MPL Philippines champions Fnatic ONIC Philippines will face off against MPL Indonesia champions Team Liquid Indonesia in the opening round of the Swiss Stage.
Fresh from their thrilling 4-3 victory over Aurora in the MPL PH Season 14 grand finals on October 20, FNOP secured their first-ever local championship title.
Meanwhile, Team Liquid Indonesia also emerged victorious in a full best-of-seven series against RRQ Hoshi, winning 4-3 on October 27, where Filipino import Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera claimed his second MPL title and James “Jeymz” Gloria earned his first.
Elsewhere in the bracket, Aurora will go head-to-head with Myanmar’s Falcon Esports.
The Swiss Stage comprises five rounds, with each of the first eight teams needing three wins—each in a best-of-one format—to advance to the Knockout Stage. The remaining eight teams that fail to meet the required victories will be eliminated.
Filipino imports will also take center stage, with John “Innocent” Bana, Mark “Kramm” Rusiana, and head coach Michael “Arcadia” Bocado of Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants set to compete against S2G Esports (China). Meanwhile, Kenneth “Nets” Barro’s Team Vamos will face Twisted Minds (MENA).
Jaymark “Hadess” Lazaro and Jankurt “KurtTzy” Matira of NIP Flash (Singapore) are up against CFU Gaming (Cambodia), while Ziameth-Jei “ZIA” Caluya’s Blood Thirsty Kings (North America) await the winner of the M6 Wild Card round.
Additionally, Kenneth “Saxa” Fedelin and Damasco “Tracey” Danielle’s Keep Best Gaming (China) will face RRQ Hoshi (Indonesia), and Team Spirit (CIS) is set to clash with Maycam Evolve (Argentina).
In the Wild Card round, teams vying for the final Swiss Stage slot include Kiel “Kielvj” Cruzem’s DFYG (China), Legion Esports (China), Nightmare Esports (Laos), Insilio (CIS), ULFHEDNAR (China), RRQ Akira (Brazil), Geekay Esports (MENA), and The MongolZ (Mongolia).
The M6 World Championship kicks off on November 21 and concludes on December 15.
The Wildcard, Swiss Stage, and Knockout Stage will be held at the IOI Grand Exhibition & Convention Center, while the semi-finals and grand finals will take place at Malaysia’s Axiata Arena.
