MPL Philippines: The Evolution of a Nation’s Esports Pride

When Mobile Legends Became More Than a Game

Back in 2016, when Mobile Legends: Bang Bang first hit Philippine smartphones, nobody could’ve predicted how massive it would become. What started as a fun pastime for barkadas turned into a full-blown competitive scene. Suddenly, ML wasn’t just for fun — it was a career path, a community, and for some, a dream come true.

By 2018, this passion needed a bigger stage — and thus, the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines, or MPL-PH, was born.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore how MPL-PH grew into the biggest esports league in the country, shaping a new generation of Filipino legends.

Season 1 (2018): Humble Beginnings

The very first MPL-PH season launched in 2018. Back then, it was a new and risky concept — could Mobile Legends be more than just a "larong pambarkada"?

Eight teams battled it out for a modest prize pool of $20,000. The competition was raw, the gameplay was unpolished, but the heart was real.

Aether Main made history as the first MPL-PH champion, with OhMyV33nus, Ribo, and YellyHaze showing early glimpses of greatness.

Seasons 2–4: Building Rivalries and Icons

As MPL matured, so did the rivalries. By Season 2, teams like Cignal Ultra, Digital Devils, and Bren Esports were becoming household names in the MLBB community.

This era saw:

• The rise of Ribo, the “veteran king” of PH MLBB.

• The arrival of execration and their fiery, aggressive playstyle.

• The beginning of Bren Esports’ dynasty, powered by rising stars like Karltzy.

Fans began following their favorite players across seasons. Streaming platforms exploded. Suddenly, MLBB players weren’t just gamers — they were celebrities.

Season 5–6: The Birth of Modern Esports in MLBB

By the time Season 5 rolled in, MPL-PH was no longer a side attraction — it was a main event. Tournaments were broadcasted with professional commentary, cinematic intros, and nationwide online coverage.

This was when Blacklist International entered the picture. Formed in Season 5, the team initially struggled but built a roster that would change the game’s history forever.

Meanwhile, Bren Esports continued to dominate, culminating in their M2 World Championship victory in 2021. Karltzy, Flaptzy, and Coach Duckey became legends overnight.

Season 7–8: The Blacklist Era Begins

If there’s one word to describe MPL-PH Seasons 7 and 8, it’s Blacklist.

Led by OhMyV33nus, Wise, and Edward, Blacklist introduced the “UBE Strategy” (Ultimate Bonding Experience) — a team-focused, objective-heavy gameplay style that was both effective and beautiful to watch.

They won back-to-back MPL titles and went on to win M3 World Championship in late 2021, bringing the PH pride back to back on the world stage.

OhMyV33nus also made headlines as the first openly LGBTQ+ pro MLBB icon, inspiring countless fans and breaking barriers in esports.

Franchise Era: MPL Gets a Makeover (Season 8 Onwards)

In Season 8, MPL-PH shifted to a franchise-based model. This meant that only official, permanent teams could compete in the league — creating stability and ensuring long-term investment from orgs.

Franchise teams included:

• Blacklist International

• ECHO Philippines

• Bren Esports

• ONIC PH

• Nexplay EVOS (now Minana)

• Omega Esports

• RSG Philippines

• TNC Pro Team

This era saw better production, higher salaries for players, more sponsors, and overall — a legit professional esports ecosystem.

Season 9–11: New Champions Rise

• Season 9: RSG PH surprised the league with an impressive championship run, powered by breakout stars like Demonkite and Nathzz.

• Season 10: Blacklist came back strong, winning their third MPL-PH title.

• Season 11: ECHO Philippines, with the monstrous trio of Karltzy, Bennyqt, and Sanji, finally took the throne and later became M4 World Champions.

At this point, the Philippines was undisputedly the #1 MLBB region in the world, with back-to-back-to-back world titles (M2, M3, M4).

MPL PH Today: 2024 and Beyond

Now in its 13th season (2025), MPL-PH remains the gold standard in MLBB esports.

It’s not just about the games anymore — it’s about culture, representation, and community.

Casual players are inspired by their idols. Kids from the provinces dream of becoming the next Edward or Sanford. Esports careers are now real, viable paths, thanks to the structure and success of the league.

Why MPL PH Matters

Here’s why MPL-PH is more than just a league:

✅ National Pride: Every time a PH team wins an international tournament, the whole country celebrates.
✅ Community: Fans have created memes, songs, TikToks, and fan art about their favorite players and teams.
✅ Opportunity: Dozens of players from humble backgrounds have now built careers, bought homes, and supported families — all because of MPL.
✅ Entertainment: MPL isn’t just about winning — it’s drama, storylines, and moments that make us cheer, laugh, and cry.

Final Thoughts: A Story Still Being Written

From dusty barangay rooftops with shaky WiFi to the neon-lit international stage, the story of MPL-PH is proof of what happens when passion meets opportunity.

It has become the pride of Pinoy esports — a league built by players, fans, and the Filipino spirit of “laban lang nang laban.”

The best part? The story isn’t over yet.

New legends will rise. New metas will form. And we’ll be here — watching, cheering, and screaming “Laban, Pilipinas!”