Photo courtesy of Fnatic ONIC Philippines Facebook Page

Fnatic ONIC Philippines captured the MPL Philippines Season 14 title – and the franchise’s first – after defeating Aurora MLBB in a thrilling best-of-seven series at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati, last Sunday, October 20.

Despite building an early 3-1 lead, ONIC had to fend off a spirited comeback from Aurora, sealing the championship with a clutch victory in the decisive Game 7. 

Gold laner Duane ‘Kelra’ Pillas, who earned Finals MVP honors, reflected on his emotions after he won his first MPL-PH glory.

“Akala ko hindi para sa ’kin yung championship,” he said. “Pagkapanalo na pagkapanalo namin, naiyak talaga ako. Hindi pala totoo yung sumpa.” 

Aurora started strong in Game 1, taking an 11-6 kill lead in the first 10 minutes. However, ONIC kept their composure, stealing the Lord at the 17-minute mark and securing four kills to shift momentum. King “K1NGKONG” Perez led the team’s charge with seven kills and four assists to give ONIC the first win of the series. 

Game 2 was tightly contested, with both teams trading kills early. Aurora took control by securing the Lord, but a late mistake allowed ONIC to turn the tide, winning the final Lord fight and closing out the match in 21 minutes. Borris James ‘Brusko’ Parro and Kelra delivered key performances to put ONIC ahead 2-0. 

Aurora responded in Game 3, breaking through ONIC’s defense after 17 minutes, thanks to Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto’s Ling and Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Edith. But ONIC bounced back in Game 4 with a dominant 17-5 win in just 15 minutes, led by Kelra on Harith and Jan Kirk “Kirk” Gutierrez on Phoveus, putting them one win away from the title at 3-1. 

With their backs against the wall, Aurora staged a remarkable comeback. In Game 5, despite trailing in kills, Aurora secured a crucial Lord fight with Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo’s flawless performance on Cecilion, tallying 13 kills and four assists. Demonkite’s strong showing on Alpha in Game 6 helped Aurora level the series and force a Game 7. 

In the winner-takes-all final game, ONIC pushed into Aurora’s base at the 16-minute mark, but Aurora captured the Lord and launched a potential game-winning siege. However, ONIC’s defense held firm, and a pivotal play by Kirk’s Edith eliminated Yue’s Yve just as Edward’s Gatotkaca failed to initiate properly.

Super Marco’s Vexana and Kelra’s Beatrix then led the counterattack, wiping out Aurora’s lineup and closing the game in 21 minutes to secure the championship. 

With this victory, both ONIC and Aurora will advance to the M6 World Championship in Kuala Lumpur from November 21 to December 15, where they will compete against 23 of the world’s best teams for the world title.

Article by Marvin Dave Bustillo