The excitement is palpable as the Mobile Legends Development League Philippines (MDL PH) Season 5 narrows down to its top four contenders. From an initial pool of 16 teams, only four remain in the hunt for the prestigious title in the Filipino Mobile Legends scene. The semifinals are set, and the stage is ready for Smart Omega NEOS, ONIC Nine Lives, RRQ Kaito, and Aurora Hunters to battle it out for glory.
ONIC Nine Lives have clawed their way to their first-ever top-four finish after five seasons. Their journey saw them dismantle the Cinderella run of Uncle Drew Gamerpact in a thrilling 3-1 series. Kayn’s Hanzo set the tone with 4 kills and 2 assists, but it was Leix’s 15/3/3 Ling game that leveled the series. Lansu’s Badang and Sionnn’s Faramis delivered clutch performances in Games 3 and 4, securing ONIC’s spot in the semifinals.
Top-seeded Smart Omega NEOS showcased their prowess with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Martial Mayhem. Kyureem’s breakout season continued with a stellar 9/0/4 Guinevere in Game 1, while West’s Harith added 4 kills and 5 assists in Game 2. Despite Mayhem’s efforts to stage a comeback, Sica’s Pharsa silenced them with a flawless 4/0/4 performance, marking Omega NEOS’ fourth consecutive top-four finish.
Aurora Hunters endured a nail-biting five-game series against 15th-seeded TNC Voltes. Voltes struck first with Godzu’s 10/4/5 Karrie, but Lalush’s Lukas and Manilaboy helped Aurora bounce back in Games 2 and 3. Zero’s Novaria forced a decisive Game 5, where MDL veteran Drinsanity’s X.Borg delivered a 4/1/4 stat line, propelling Aurora to their first semifinal since their debut season.
RRQ Kaito secured their third consecutive playoffs appearance with a dominant sweep of third-seeded AP.Bren Rough World Era. Minguin’s surprise Vexana pick and Ferdz’s off-meta Chou EXP laner outshined their opponents, while Kelvin’s Suyou sealed the deal with a 7/2/5 performance in Game 3. RRQ Kaito is now poised to reclaim the throne they last held in Season 3.
For the first time since Season 3, the MDL Philippines playoffs will be held in front of a live audience at the East Wing Atrium of Greenhills Mall on May 17. Smart Omega NEOS will face ONIC Nine Lives in the first game of the day at 2pm, while former champions RRQ Kaito will face Aurora Hunters at 6pm.
