MPL PH: Team Liquid blows out Aurora to claim back-to-back titles

The Cavalry remains on top and is not going anywhere.

Team Liquid once again showcased its championship poise, sweeping Aurora Gaming, 4–0, to reign supreme in the MPL Philippines Season 16 finals on Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The win marked Team Liquid’s second consecutive title as they now set their sights on the M7 World Championship next year alongside Aurora. The victory also kept the Cavalry’s pursuit of the rare “Golden Road” feat alive as they moved one step closer to history.

The Cavalry dominated a squad that hadn’t suffered a defeat since August 22.

Gold laner Kiel “Oheb” Soriano was in peak form in the first two games, sustaining no deaths and helping Team Liquid establish a commanding 2–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Oheb opened the finals with a masterclass on Harith, tallying 12 kills and six assists in the 22-minute Game 1 clash, before punishing Aurora again with 12 kills and five assists on Granger in Game 2.

Veteran roamer Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz then proved why he’s among the best in the Philippines, and in the world, after showcasing his Gatotkaca in Game 3. His setups led to key pickoffs, including the final two kills against Edward “Edward” Dapadap (Alice) and Dylan “Light” Catipon (Hylos), as Team Liquid clinched match point in just 14 minutes.

Game 4 was absolute cinema. In a last-ditch effort, Aurora managed to secure the final Lord thanks to a timely Retribution from jungler Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto (Akai) at the 16:43 mark.

However, as Aurora attempted to retreat to base, Team Liquid executed a signature backdoor play led by Alston “Sanji” Pabico’s Luo Yi, whose Diversion set up a decisive strike from the bottom lane to seal the championship.

The triumph also served as a measure of revenge for Team Liquid. The Cavalry had fallen to Aurora twice in the regular season and again during their upper-bracket finals clash, forcing them into a do-or-die lower-bracket final against TNC—which they survived en route to their dominant title run.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News