Philippines’ AP.Bren emerged victorious at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 World Championship in a nail-biting 4-3 victory over Indonesia’s Onic Esports.
The win marks the country’s fourth consecutive world title and cements AP.Bren as the first team to secure two M-Series titles. This recent historic win also makes them the first team to defend Champion title in home soil.
The grand final held at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Manila, was a breathtaking spectacle. Each team trading blows as they vied for the championship. AP.Bren drew first blood, with Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayon’s Fredrinn dominating Game 1.
ONIC Esports retaliated in Game 2, Gilang’ “Sanz” leading the charge with an electrifying performance using Gord.
AP.Bren then stormed ahead, claiming Games 3 and 4, but ONIC Esports refused to crumble. They unleashed their signature Wanwan, Novaria, and Paquito combo in Game 5.
Despite AP Bren’s valiant comeback attempt, a crucial Lord steal at 18 minutes sealed ONIC Esports’ victory in said match.
The momentum shifted once again in Game 6, where Calvin “CW” Winata’s Wanwan shone with an impeccable performance, which led to a deciding Game 7.
For the final showdown, AP.Bren countered ONIC Esports’ team-fight-heavy tactic with a crowd-control-heavy lineup.
AP.Bren neutralized Sanz’s Kadita with relentless CC skills. Then the turning point came at 13-minute mark when AP.Bren caught Kairi’s Baxia in midlane and slayed Sanz’ Yve.
With two members down from the opposing team, AP.Bren saw the game-winning opportunity. They headed straight to Onic’s vulnerable base and ripped it, tower-locked. Bren’s decisive play sealed the deal, securing their big W in the best-of-seven series.
David “FlapTzy” Canon’s exceptional performance throughout the series earned him the grand final MVP award, solidifying his team’s position as the world’s best Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad.
With their victory, they claim the lion’s share of the USD 900,000 prize pool and solidify their position as the undisputed champions of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in 2023.