MPL: Local artistry shines as Team Liquid, Aurora get special M7 send-off with this mural

Team Liquid and Aurora Gaming were given a fitting send-off ahead of their M7 World Championship campaign with the celebration highlighted by a special mural designed by a Filipino artist.

Local designer and illustrator Melvin Rodas, known for his work with basketball athletes and major brands, brought his craft to the esports scene for the first time to honor the two clubs set to banner the country in the prestigious tournament.

Rodas centered the artwork around the battlecry “Lakas ng Pinas sa M7.”

At the heart of the artwork stands the coveted M-Series trophy, with the new Mobile Legends: Bang Bang hero skins of Edith and Granger showcased behind it. Hints of the Philippine flag’s colors are also woven throughout the mural.

Players from both Team Liquid and Aurora are drawn in a comic-style, charging forward as Rodas aims to showcase the Philippines’ dominance in the MLBB scene. 

At the base of the artwork, the campaign slogan “Lakas ng Pinas sa M7” is written out in bold black lettering.

"So I really wanna highlight how we could, as an artist, translate to Filipino without having to be too chaotic in a way. I really wanted to let ‘yung mismong artistic style and how bold and chaotic and fun Mobile Legends is," Rodas said during the send-off event at the Pop Up Katipunan on Saturday. 

"I wanted to highlight ng trophy ng M7 and at the same time, ‘yung ating representatives, which is Team Liquid and Aurora Gaming. I wanted to give them such a character."

Rodas, who shared he was also once a gamer himself, is grateful for the opportunity to share his talent in the esports community as the country looks to extend its dominance with a potential sixth straight M-series title. 

"I’ve been working with basketball athletes and international athletes and this is my first time doing something for esports athletes," Rodas added.

"So I’m really excited and grateful for this opportunity and seeing these kids, nakita ko ‘yung younger self ko. I, myself, was once a gamer like them."

At M7, Team Liquid will aim to complete a rare 'Golden Road' feat of winning all major Moonton-organized tournaments in a single calendar year. Aurora, meanwhile, is hoping to redeem itself at the global stage following its early exit from the previous edition in Malaysia. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News