On Sunday, Alston “Sanji” Pabico clinched his third MPL Philippines title — and he did it in style, also earning the Finals MVP honors.
Sanji proudly embraced the recognition, becoming the only midlaner in recent memory to win the prestigious award.
“Sobrang laking achievement ‘to para sa’kin kasi as a mage user, wala akong nakitang nag-MVP na mage—puro jungle, gold lane, at EXP. Proud na proud ako sa sarili ko na nakamit ko ‘to,” shared Sanji in an exclusive interview.
Back in Season 8, Blacklist International’s Salik “Hadji” Imam won the same award. However, he rotated between midlane and roaming duties alongside then-skipper Jonmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna.
In the Season 15 grand finals, Sanji showcased remarkable versatility, using five unique heroes across the seven-game series. He averaged 2.4 kills and 6.9 assists while limiting his deaths to just 2.4 per game.
His most outstanding performance came in Game 4, where he earned game MVP honors with his Selena pick, helping Team Liquid Philippines even the series at 2-2.
The 19-year-old midlaner further impressed fans in Game 5 with a brilliant Diversion play using Lou Yi, which helped put his team at match point.
“Nalabas ko ‘yung mga hero na ‘di ko pa nalalabas,” Sanji said of his grand finals hero pool.
He expressed gratitude to his teammates for trusting his midlane instincts, even with hero picks they had never used before in the MPL.
“Thankful ako na nagtiwala sa’kin ‘yung mga teammates ko—lalo na ‘yung Selena, kasi first time ko siya ginamit sa MPL, tapos sa finals pa. Kaya tuwang-tuwa ako. Para siyang Gusion sa M4,” Sanji shared, recalling Team Liquid’s surprise Selena pick in Game 4.
“Pina-first pick din sa’kin ‘yung Lou Yi na matagal ko nang hinihiling. Gustong-gusto ko talaga makuha ‘yung Lou Yi pag do-or-die game na,” he added.
Team Liquid prioritized Lou Yi in the pivotal Game 7, setting the tone for a dominant championship-clinching performance.
With Sanji commanding the midlane, Team Liquid Philippines now stands as one of the top contenders as the country aims to reclaim the elusive MSC title it last won in 2022.
