AP.Bren captures M5 title, ends host country “curse”

AP.BREN extended the Philippines’ domination in the international Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene by capturing their second M-Series World Championship, defeating ONIC Esports 4-3 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

AP.Bren demonstrated that no curse was unbreakable, as they became the only M-Series champion to have won while serving as the host country for the World Championships.

AP.Bren came off a 3-0 thrashing in the hands of the Indonesian champions in the Upper Brackets. AP.Bren was determined to exact vengeance and win it all for the Philippines. 

It did, however, go on a deep pendulum marathon.

AP.Bren was able to lock down Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol, a Filipino pride who plays for opposing team ONIC Esports, and secure the first game of the series.

The Philippine team’s dominance continued as they grabbed an early lead in Game 2, only to lose to ONIC thanks to Kairi’s spectacular double kill, which changed the tide for them.

AP.Bren began their masterclass with two straight wins, capturing Games 3 and 4, but ONIC exploded and mounted a massive comeback, crawling its way back to force a best-of-one in Game 7.

Despite ONIC gaining momentum, AP.Bren showed the heart of a champion. AP.Bren made the brave move of not going for the Lord and instead headed straight for the exposed midlane, emerging victorious in the best-of-seven series.

This is the Philippines’ fourth consecutive championship title, following AP.Bren Esports’ win in M2 in 2021, Blacklist’s win in M3 in late 2021, and ECHO’s win in M4 in early 2023.

MPL Season 12 MVP David “FlapTzy” Canon was named Finals MVP for the Philippine-represent team, making him the first player to win both honors in the same year, as well as the first EXP-laner to do so.

Coach Francis “Ducky” Glindro, Angelo Kyle “Phewww” Arcangel, and David “FlapTzy” Canon remained from the M2 Bren Esports Team. They now have the distinction of being the only figures in MLBB history to have won two M-Series championships.

Following the completion of the M5 World Championship in the Philippines, MLBB Esports confirmed on their official account that Malaysia, the inaugural host country, will once again host the M-Series for M6.