From Kingslayers to Kings.
RSG PH, after a dismal stint in the previous season, bagged the MPL Philippines Season Nine championship after taking down the gutsy Omega Esports, 4-1, in the grand finals at the SMX Convention Center, Monday.
Aside from the title itself, the Raiders also made history – becoming the first foreign organization to win a title in the MPL Philippines.
RSG PH head coach Brian “Panda” Lim also became the second head coach to win two titles in the league after Blacklist International’s Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza.
The team bagged a total of $35,000USD (P1,833,300) from the $150,000USD prize pool.
Dylan “Light” Catipon’s early exploits on Franco, as well as the well-timed Dawning Lights coming from Arvie “Aqua” Calderon’s Xavier, steered RSG PH to a 22-8 Game One win in 18 minutes and 35 seconds.
RSG PH flexed its muscles right at the get-go, putting down the gold lane to aid Eman “EMANN” Sangco’s Brody against the Lunox of Duane “Kelra” Pillas.
Over at the top side, Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo’s Esmeralda dominated Renz “Renzio” Cadua’s Dyroth in the laning phase despite the obvious disadvantage which buffed RSG PH’s early game.
Nathzz finished with five kills and 12 assists without a single death while Aqua, whose perfect usage of his ultimate crippled Omega Esports in team fights, had a game-high 13 assists along with six kills and a death.
Omega Esports, a team known for flashy plays and big team fights, took quite an interesting turn in the second match of the series. The SMART-backed squad took a quick, 2-0 in 13 minutes and 37 seconds.
RSG PH decided to turn on Kelra in Game Three, locking down his Clint en route to a 15-7 win in 18 minutes and 10 seconds to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Nathzz once again starred in the win with a 4-2-4 KDA line.
Omega Esports showed more fight in Game Four, but RSG PH, led by Eman “EMANN” Sangco’s Clint, proved to be too much. The latter took a 13-8 win in 18 minutes and 36 seconds with EMANN delivering six kills and five assists against a death.
A win away from the title, RSG PH took Game Five to seal the series shut.
Omega Esports did not go home empty handed as they banked $20,000USD (P1,047,600).
Both teams are set to represent the Philippines in the 2022 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
