Get ready for the showdown of the year, as the much-awaited Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 in the Philippines kicks off on December 2! The stage is set for an epic clash, featuring powerhouse challengers, determined underdogs ready to defy expectations, and dark horses primed for unexpected victories.
Join us as we delve into our top picks for this year’s thrilling grand battle!
The Challengers
- Onic Esports (Indonesia)
- AP Bren (Philippines)
- Blacklist International (Philippines)
Leading the pack of the challengers is the Indonesian powerhouse, Onic Esports, displaying unparalleled consistency throughout the 2023 season. With an impressive three-peat in MPL ID and a decisive victory in MSC 2023, the Yellow Porcupine army is poised for an all-out assault to clinch the remaining major title of the season, seeking redemption after falling short in M4 earlier this year.
With a rock-solid teamwork and impeccable discipline, the team has stumped MLBB pundits, emerging as a prime candidate to clinch the M5 championship in the Philippines. The trio of Nicky “Kiboy” Fernando, Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol, and Gilang “Sanz” are expected to continue their stellar performance.
However, Onic Esports won’t have it easy as there is stiff competition from Filipino powerhouses AP Bren and Blacklist International. Like Onic, the former also pocketed two major victories this season in IESF 2023 and MPL PH S12, gaining serious attention from Onic’s coaching team since then. Under the guidance of M2 winner, head coach Francis “Ducky” Glindro, young talents like Michael “KyleTzy” Sayson and David “FlapTzy” Canon have risen to the occasion, setting the stage for a potential historic double win for the Hive.
Furthermore, while Blacklist may seem less formidable with its current lineup, it is by no means a team to underestimate. Despite the notable absence of key players, Johnmar “OHMYV33NUS” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Rosario, this season, the Filipino Agent has showcased a formidable winning mentality. And this was evident in their strategic prowess, where they outsmarted Echo to secure a spot in the grand finals of MPL PH S12.
Empowered by the comeback of veterans Kiel “Oheb” Soriano and Salic “Hadji” Imam, Blacklist is fueled by a determination to etch its name in history. The team aims to become the first to secure the M Series title for the second time, mirroring the aspirations of AP Bren.
The Dark Horses
- Geek Fam (Indonesia)
- HomeBois (Malaysia)
- Lilgun (Mongolia)
In a season rife with unexpected twists, Geek Fam has emerged as one of the most noteworthy stories in MPL ID. The team’s meteoric growth saw them secure a coveted spot in the grand finals of MPL ID S12 and eventually clinching a ticket to the highly anticipated M5 tournament. The outstanding contributions from the Filipino dynamic duo, Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy and Mark “Markyyy” Capacio, alongside the burgeoning talent of Mohammad “Cadeera” Pambudi, has catapulted the team into the upper echelons, now recognized as a formidable force even among the heavyweights of the league.
On the other side, HomeBois, the surprise winner from MPL Malaysia Season 12, has consistently demonstrated tactical prowess under the coaching team which comprised of Khairul “Pabz” Sharif and Firmansyah “Antagonist” Pratama. Meanwhile, Lilgun, gaining acclaim for their outstanding performance in the Wild Card stage, aims to continue their momentum and surprise viewers in the group stage with the talents of Amarmurun “Forbid” Mandah and Enkhbat “Aizn” Munkharaa.
The Underdogs
- TheOhioBrothers (USA)
- Team Flash (Singapore)
- Burmese Ghouls (Myanmar)
The North American has been widely known for surprising adversaries with distinctive strategies and a unique mindset, a tradition expected to persist with TheOhioBrothers emerging as the new standard-bearers for the region. Leading the charge are the dynamic duo of Vo “SuperShark” Trung and Jang “Hoon” Seong-hun, formerly representing The Valley, who did well at M4 in Jakarta.
In SEA, Singapore’s Team Flash, fresh from their surprising victory in the MPL SG S6 Grand Finals, boasts the inclusion of loanee Jaymark “Jannaqt” Lazaro (Geek Fam) and Bellamy “Lolsie” Yeov (RSG SG). Under coach Eugene “Kayzeepi” Kong, they are expected to defy expectations and challenge their opponents with a diverse range of strategies.
Lastly, the return of Burmese Ghouls to M5 has been eagerly awaited, especially by MLBB pundits. Despite retaining only Nyi “May Be” Thaw from their golden era, their aggressive gameplay in regional competitions suggests they have the potential to recreate the magic of M2 and surprise spectators once again.
