Liquid ECHO and Falcons APBren are set to raise the Philippine flag at the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2024, featured in the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 3-14, 2024.
Both teams earned the right to represent the country in the biggest mid-year MLBB esports tournament after emerging as champion and runner-up in the recent Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 13.
Pinas Pataas: Going Above and Beyond
The MSC 2024 is the first title to debut at the Esports World Cup, featuring a one-time prize pool of USD 3 million to commemorate the partnership as it ventures outside Southeast Asia for the first time. Sixteen international teams from the Philippines, Indonesia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, North America, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), Turkey, Latin America, and China will participate.
With the most world championship titles under its belt, the Philippines has a strong chance of winning the champion team’s reward of USD 1 million or PHP 57 million. This year, the country aims for its fourth MSC championship title.
The competition will be intense, as international teams recruit world-class Filipino players as imports, further elevating the level of competition in Riyadh.
Falcons APBren will feature in the Group Stage opener scheduled for July 3, 2024, at 11:00 (GMT+3) against Xianyou Gaming. Liquid ECHO’s first match is scheduled for the same day at 14:00 (GMT+3) against Twisted Minds. See below for the teams’ full rosters:
| Role | Liquid ECHO | Falcons APBren |
| Gold Laner | Frederic Benedict “BennyQt” GonzalesJohnville “Outplayed” Villar | Marco Stephen “Super Marco Requitiano |
| Jungler | Karl “KarlTzy” NepomucenoJustin “Zaida” Palma (sub) | Michael Angelo “KyleTzy” Sayson |
| Mid Laner | Alston “Sanji” Pabico | Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel |
| EXP Laner | Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya | David Charles “FlapTzy” CanonVincent “Pando” Unigo (sub) |
| Roamer | Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz | Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo |
| Coach | Harold “TicTac” Reyes | Francis “Ducky” Glindro |
| Assistant Coach | Ronnel “CoachCJ” Espinosa | Robert “Trebor” Sanchez |
Pinay Pataas: Time for Omega Empress to shine on the global stage
The Philippines will also be represented by Smart Omega Empress in the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2024.
This all-female global tournament will feature 12 international teams and boasts a total prize pool of USD 500,000, the largest in the history of female esports tournaments. One of the most anticipated rivalries is between Smart Omega Empress’ world-renowned roamer Meraaay and Team Vitality’s Vivian, dubbed the “Indonesian Mother of Tanks.”
See below Smart Omega Empress’ full roster:
| Role | Name |
| Gold Laner | Sheen “Shinoa” Perez |
| Jungler | Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto |
| Mid Laner | Rica “Amoree” Amores |
| EXP Laner | Gwyneth “Ayanami” Diagon |
| Roamer | Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero |
| Coach | Salman “KingSalman” Macarambon |
Harry Leonardo, MOONTON Games Esports Marketing Manager, stated, “The Philippines is home to many local and international players who have achieved greatness beyond their MLBB careers. Their supremacy extends beyond the local level, with talents pushing their limits to become highly acclaimed international stars.”
“For MSC 2024, we wish our male and female teams good luck as they participate in this life-changing tournament, along with our Filipino players who are part of other competing international teams,” Leonardo added.
Various watch parties will be organized by Falcons APBren and Liquid ECHO, with more details to be announced soon. Additionally, the #PinasPataas video series will be launched from July 1-2, 2024, showcasing the inspiring stories of the representatives and how this tournament will be a transformative experience for them.
Tune in to MLBB content creators and influencers Jiji Plays, Elgin, and Fuego for MSC 2024 live updates through their social media channels. Two-time MPL-PH Best Team Correspondent Dannica Suazo will join Smart Omega Empress to provide real-time stories of the team’s journey to the crown.
Lastly, starting tomorrow, FlapTzy’s fans can show their support by purchasing a special battle emote worth 109 in-game diamonds. This in-game sticker features FlapTzy’s iconic reaction when he was announced as the M5 World Championship Grand Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP). Keep an eye on your MLBB app for its availability!
Watch out for more details about the official tournament via esportsworldcup.com and MOONTON Games via moonton.com. Meanwhile, the official streaming channels are found below:
