World champions Echo see Bren, RSG, Nexplay as their biggest threats in MPL PH Season 11

After conquering the world stage, Echo is now up for another tall task as the Orcas open a fresh campaign in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 11 starting this February 17.

Echo head coach Harold "Tictac" Reyes said that while all eyes will be on them, the grind and work won't stop, stressing they will just carry on with what they have been doing for the past months that led to their M4 triumph over compatriot Blacklist International.

"Para sa amin, this season kami nga 'yung M4 champs pero sabi ko sa kanila, reset pa rin tayo," Tictac said.

"Kumbaga kung ano 'yung ginagawa namin dati, 'yun pa rin. Walang babaguhin. Grind pa rin kami everyday."

But the job won't get any easier for Echo, which is looking to bag its first-ever MPL crown. Tictac and assistant coach Robert "Trebor" Sanchez highlighted that RSG Slate Philippines, Bren Esports, and Nexplay Evos could be their biggest threats for the upcoming season.

RSG has recently acquired the services of jungler John Paul "H2wo" Salonga, who is tipped to help the Raiders reclaim the MPL throne and defend their MSC title.

H2wo will bolster a new-look RSG that will be bannered by Dylan "Light" Catipon, Nathanael "Nathzz" Estrologo, and Eman "Emann" Sangco alongside their champion head coach Brian "Panda Lim.

"'Yung isa Bren. And siguro RSG kasi si H2wo eh. Nandon na si H2wo," said Tictac.

For Trebor, Nexplay could be this season's darkhorse. Nexplay has entered a new era in the local scene, letting go of its former stars in H2wo and Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse while acquiring and partnering with Minana Esports, which had been known as a staple in the amateur ranks.

"Tingin ko siguro, Minana kasi bagong pasok sila. Baka maging darkhorse sila tsaka wala rin kaming info sa kanila. Kaya siguro sila 'yung tingin kong malakas ngayon," said Trebor.

Echo wil kick off its Season 11 against no less than Blacklist with the M4 and Season 10 finalists slugging it out on the opening day at 4 p.m. at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News