Fresh off a rousing comeback win in the lower bracket finals, RSG Philippines looked phenomenal in the grand finals as they conquered Echo 3-1 to seize the MPL Invitational 2023 title on Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia.
It was a sweet revenge win for RSG, who were eliminated by Echo in the lower bracket semi-finals of the MPL Philippines Season 12 playoffs last month.
After splitting the first two games, RSG treaded accurately during the 13th-minute Lord dance in Game 3, as Eman “EMANN” Sangco (Bruno) gunned down a triple kill that touched off a 4-1 exchange, enabling the Raiders to pull off a one-way base turret push in the midlane.
Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo took the game MVP citation and finished with an almost perfect 1-1-7 KDA, leading the way during several initiations that proved crucial in bringing RSG to championship point.
With momentum on their side, RSG pounced on Echo early in Game 4, establishing a massive 8-1 kill lead by the 6th minute with a 6k net worth advantage, followed by a Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto (Martis) triple kill off the 8th-minute turtle fight.
RSG did not look back from there as they snowballed their way to the title with a runaway 17-3 kill score during the 11-minute win.
Demonkite, who joined the team for the MPLI campaign after playing in the MPL Malaysia for RSG MY, nabbed the Finals MVP award.
Earlier in the day, RSG had to survive a tough three-game series against reigning IESF world champions AP.Bren by mounting a dramatic fightback late in the decider to reach the title match.
It was another dominant showing for the Philippine representatives as the Filipinos secured the top three spots in the final tournament standings.
