Team Liquid Philippines Explained

Team Liquid Philippines
Fanclub:The Cavalry
Sport:
Sport Label:Divisions
Partners:Xiaomi
David's Salon
Red Bull
Lawson
Sunnies Studios
Manager:Mitch Liwanag
Colors: Dark Blue
Grey
Short Name:Team Liquid PH/TLPH (Season 14present)
Liquid ECHO
(Season 13)
ECHO (Season 8–Season 13)
AURA (Season 6–7)
SS (Season 4–5)
Parent Group:Team Liquid
Location:Southeast Asia
Caption:Logo of Team Liquid ECHO Philippines for MPL PH Season 13 Playoffs
Championships:4 (MPL-PH Series)
1 (M-series)
Titles:MPL-PH S4 Champion
MPL-PH S5 Champion
MPL-PH S8 5th place
MPL-PH S10 2nd Place
M4 Champion
MPL-PH S11 Champion
MSC 2023 3rd place
MPL-PH S13 Champion
Mascot:Orca

Team Liquid Philippines, (formerly known as: AURA Philippines and ECHO Philippines, abbreviated as TLPH or TL) is a Southeast Asian based esports team under the franchise of Team Liquid, a Dutch-based organization.[1] The team currently participates as a professional and amateur team for MPL Philippines and MDL Philippines, respectively.

In 2024, Team Liquid acquired a majority stake on the Indonesian-based level STUN.GG which manages the rights of AURA Esports, the parent company of then-ECHO Philippines. Team Liquid has since rebranded the Filipino and Indonesian rosters for both MPL and MDL of AURA Esports, now rebranding the team names to include Liquid in its name.[2]

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends Professional League

Bren No Limit

In season 2, the team traces its roots back to the Digital Devils No Limit which they were later acquired by Bren Esports to be rebranded as Bren No Limit. The following season, the team managed to finish as 5th–6th placers in the playoffs.

Sunsparks

Come the fourth season of MPL, they acquired Renzio and Fuzaken while Chico and Vern left the team and rebranded to SunSparks but remained as the sister team of Bren. They claimed their first championship after a grueling match against ONIC Philippines in the grand final, 3–2, and became a full-fledged MPL/PH powerhouse.

In season 5, Later on they swapped with their nemesis ONIC Philippines trading "fuzaken" in exchange of "Greed_" and also they got "Killuash" from his previous team Arkangel, the MPL-S3 winner, together with Eski FLexx (Sky). They have defeated Bren Esports in the Upper Bracket Finals to advance to its second grand finals appearance, and beat ONIC Philippines for the second time to become the first team in MPL Philippines as the back-to-back champions in league history.

Aura Philippines

In season 6, AURA Esports from Indonesia acquired the whole roster and rebranded to AURA PH. Despite a very good performance in the early and middle phases, They are the one also created the well known "Diggie Strat" unorthodox strategy in MPL.[3] With the lackluster performance in their final games of the regular season and heading towards the playoffs, they were still ultimately eliminated by ONIC PH, 0–3. Renzio and Kielvj left the team and was replaced by Hadess and Bennyqt.

In season 7 of MPL Philippines, the team managed to qualify for the playoffs but then lost to Execration, 0–3.[4]

In season 8, their parent team AURA Esports allowed them to change their name to ECHO but still same management.[5] Some changes were made in their rosters, letting go their former players Killuash,[6] Jaypee and "Greed_", to which he goes back to his former team ONIC Philippines as Baloyskie. Later on they announced their new players including KurtTzy. As they were able to qualify for the playoffs, but were eliminated to the Omega Esports in four games in the first round of the playoffs, 3 games to 1.[7]

During the 2021 MPL Invitational, ECHO Philippines managed to win their opener by defeating their Indonesian counterpart, AURA Esports in 2–1 match.[8] ECHO was then eliminated from the tournament after a second round loss to fellow Filipino team in RSG Philippines, 1–2. [9]

Season 9

Arrival of Nepomuceno, Cabrera and Serafico

MPL Philippines' Season 9 offseason included big names such as M2 World Champion Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno and Tristan "YAWI" Cabrera leaving Bren Esports and Nexplay EVOS, respectively. Nepomuceno spent four seasons with Bren, winning an MPL Title in Season 6[10] and winning the M2 World Title in Singapore in the same year.[11] Meanwhile, Cabrera spent his entire professional career with Nexplay EVOS, playing under the stewardship of Setsuna "DOGIE" Ignacio.[12] Meanwhile, Frediemar "3MarTzy" Serafico spent his professional career with Cignal Ultra in Season 7 and TNC Pro Team – ML in Season 8. Serafico left TNC following the team's elimination from the Season 8 playoffs.[13]

Nepomuceno, Cabrera and Serafico joined forces with ECHO Philippines for Season 9 and confirmed it through their roster introduction which included the return of notable veterans such as Ashley "Killuash" Cruz. Following the retirement of Coach Steve "Dale" Vitug,[14] Coach Michael "Arcadia" Bocado stepped up at the helm and will coach the "Dynasty" of ECHO Philippines.[15]

ECHO finished the season with an 8–6 record, securing the third seed behind RSG Philippines and TNC Pro Team – ML. ECHO's KurtTzy was awarded the Week 3 MVP. ECHO would see a disappointing finish for the star-studded lineup with Omega Esports, Coached by Jomie "Coach P4KBET" Abalos swept the superteam in the play-in tournament.[16]

Vinuya's arrival and Bocado's departure

Following a disappointing playoff finish for the roster, the team would lose head coach Michael "Arcadia" Bocado who signed with RRQ Hoshi in Indonesia following the subsequent departure of Coach Acil (now known as Coach Adi).[17] [18] Regardless, the organization was able to acquire the services of many key players in the long run.

Sanford "Sanford" Marin Vinuya left the same team as Cabrera a season prior from Nexplay EVOS. He was a reserved rookie on the roster of NXPE and decided to join ECHO for Season 10.[19] Vinuya and Cabrera never played a single game together in a series during the Season prior to joining ECHO.[20] Vinuya's signing would be capitalized by signing depth players to the squad such as the veteran Jaypee "Jaypee" Cruz, Alston "Sanji" Pabico, Jhonville "Outplayed" Villar, and Justine "Zaida" Palma. The final roster for Season 10 was revealed through a Facebook post.[21]

Season 10

ECHO was slated as the fifth seed during the first half of the season, going 5–2 and a 11–8 match standing. Many doubted ECHO's ability to pull off any championship hopes for the season with the return of the VeeWise tandem of Blacklist International.[22] Regardless of the doubters, ECHO went on another 5–2 regular season finish during the remainder of the second half of the season, finishing with a 10–4 record. They were seeded 2nd however after a 2–0 defeat against Blacklist International who took Seed No. 1. Regardless, ECHO's chances of a title became higher as the limelight shown over the team.

In the playoffs, the team played RSG Philippines who defeated ONIC in three games during the play-ins.[23] ECHO would quickly dismantle the reigning defending champions, defeating them 3–1 and setting up a match against Blacklist International in the Upper-Bracket Finals. Whoever wins this series would be the first team to qualify for the annual MLBB M4 World Championship in Jakarta. However, the VeeWise Tandem and Blacklist's UBE strategy proved too much for ECHO this time and dropped to the Lower-Bracket Finals after getting swept. The team was able to secure the Grand Finals spot regardless after defeating and denying RSG Philippines a chance to go back-to-back and a chance for the MLBB M4 spot.[24] This will be ECHO's first major international competition as a franchise under the name ECHO Philippines.

ECHO became the favorites to win the title after going 2–1 against Blacklist International. However, ECHO succumbed to the pressure and lost 3 straight games that gave Blacklist their third franchise title.[25] This will be ECHO's first appearance under the name ECHO as their last appearance in the Finals was during Season 5 when the team members were still playing under Sunsparks.

MLBB M4 World Championships

See main article: article and MLBB M4 World Championship. ECHO and Blacklist were the heavy favorites to win the title in Jakarta and continue the Philippines' dominance over the eSports industry in the region. During the group stages, ECHO was slated in Group C alongside RRQ Hoshi, RSG Singapore and Occupy Thrones. ECHO goes undefeated in the group stage and secures an Upper-Bracket appearance alongside RRQ.[26]

In the Upper-Brackets however, ECHO would see themselves in a potential 3–2 reverse sweep situation after Team HAQ won two-straight games that forced their series into a Game 5. However, ECHO would defy Team HAQ the ability to reverse sweep and stomped the Malaysian representatives into the Lower-Brackets, winning Game 5 and set up a match between ONIC Esports.[27] [28]

The Upper-Bracket Semifinals featured two Philippines vs. Indonesia series with Blacklist and RRQ Hoshi being the other. ECHO would dismantle Kairi's ONIC Esports to take a 3–1 series victory and an Upper-Bracket Final position. Their victory was largely part of the exceptional performance Benedict "BennyQt" Gonzales showed in Game 4 that turned the tides in favor of their team.[29]

In the Upper-Bracket Finals, ECHO solidified a PH vs. PH matchup between them and Blacklist International, a rematch of the Grand Finals of MPL PH S10. ECHO had the momentum and led a 2–1 series lead against Blacklist, however, Game 4 saw Salic "Hadji" Imam and Edward "EDWARD" Dapadap step up to force Game 5. Blacklist would dominate ECHO in Game 5 and booked their ticket to defend their world title in the Grand Finals, sending ECHO to the Lower-Bracket Finals for the second-time since the two teams matched together.[30]

ECHO would matchup against RRQ Hoshi in the Lower-Bracket Finals, a match reunion between the team and their former head coach Arcadia. RRQ Hoshi was the final hope for Indonesia during the match after they swept MPL Indonesia's champions ONIC Esports to secure the Lower-Bracket Finals spot.[31]

RRQ would tie the series 1–1 in a Game 2 comeback, however, ECHO's prowess in the battlefield proved to be too much for the "Kings of Kings" and ECHO was able to set a third rematch in the Grand Finals against Blacklist International.[32]

ECHO would defy expectations and will win their first organization's international title, winning the MLBB M4 World Championships and defeating Blacklist International in the Grand Finals. ECHO's Benedict "BennyQt" Gonzales would be named Finals MVP and the team secured the Philippines' third World Title.[33]

With their victory, the offseason for MPL Philippines Season 11 began and no notable changes were seen given ECHO's international victory.

Season 11

ECHO would blow the start of MPL Philippines Season 11, going on a 6–0 undefeated record. ECHO would have the second-longest winning streak prior to the introduction of the franchise system in MPL history behind Blacklist International's 10–0 in Season 8.[34] ECHO's win streak would subsequently come to an end however after losing to Bren Esports 2–1 during Week 5.

ECHO continued to dominate Season 11 and tied Bren Esports' record of 11–3 to secure the Upper-Bracket advantage.[35] The team would collect accolades such as two Week MVPs for Gonzales and Cabrera.

ECHO was sent down to the Lower-Bracket Semis after a 3–2 defeat against RSG Slate Philippines (now RSG Philippines).[36] ECHO was sent to face Bren Esports after a 3–1 defeat against Blacklist International. However, ECHO would make quick works of Bren and their rematch games against RSG Slate in the Lower-Bracket Finals, securing a second-consecutive Finals appearance.[37] ECHO would continue their playoff berth as they sweep Blacklist International for the second time, securing their first MPL title as ECHO Philippines.[38]

MSC 2023

See also: MSC 2023. ECHO and Blacklist would remain in contention to represent the Philippines in MSC 2023 in Phnom Penh. ECHO would give a promising start after a 2–0 victory in the Group Stage against Fire Flux Impunity and Team EVO. ECHO would face-off Group D's 2nd Seed, TODAK in the Quarterfinals before they lost in a 3–0 sweep against ONIC Esports, avenging the lost in M4.[39] [40] ECHO's defeat brought them down to the third place match against BURN x FLASH after the team lost to Blacklist International.

ECHO were poised and were favored to win third place, however, BxF was able to send the series in five games. Regardless, ECHO won third place in MSC 2023 and a subsequent fallout of dominance from Filipino teams showed after Blacklist faltered in six against ONIC.[41] [42]

Season 12

ECHO would intact their roster for the fourth-consecutive season. However, it is worth pointing out that Cabrera did not play during the opening of the season and instead, Jaypee, who was playing for ECHO's Development Roster, ECHO Proud, would be transferred to the MPL roster to replace Cabrera.[43] As of September 29, 2023, ECHO remains undefeated with an 8–0 record, trouncing their 6–0 record from the previous season. ECHO defeated Blacklist International during the second leg of the season 2–0 that propelled the team as the only team to score a win-rate of above 80%.

ECHO Philippines went on an 11–0 undefeated run in MPL Philippines Season 12 and hopes were high to break Blacklist International's record from Season 8. Blacklist also went 11–0 in Season 8 but fell into a 2–0 defeat against ONIC Philippines that ended their abrupt undefeated run.[44] No team has yet to accomplish such a feat other than ECHO. However, ECHO would lose in the same fashion as Blacklist did in Season 8, going down 2–0 against RSG Philippines that abruptly ended their undefeated streak. Despite Game 1 looking on ECHO's favor, a fatal play error and numerous pieces going down one-by-one, ECHO couldn't gain any more momentum coming into Game 2. ECHO now ties Blacklist International with the best Regular Season performance and the best regular season streak in MPL Philippines history with both teams going 11–0 in their abrupt run for the title.[45]

Season 13

Rebranding to Liquid ECHO

ECHO Philippines, alongside its parent group AURA Esports whom is fueling teams in MPL Indonesia, announced their partnership with the Dutch-based organization Team Liquid that would immediately replace AURA as the parental group and partner for both teams. ECHO Philippines was renamed temporarily as "Liquid ECHO". The team will be participating as "Team Liquid PH for MPL Philippines Season 14.[46]

Awards

On July 15, ECHO took home the Mobile Team of the Year award during the Mobile Gaming Awards 2023[47] in Los Angeles, California. Besides the team's overall recognition, their gold laner Benedict "BennyQT" Gonzales also received the Mobile Player of the Year trophy, besting top-tier players like PUBG's Harsh "Goblin" Paudwal and Burenbayar "TOP" Altangerel, Clash Royale's Moamed "Mahamed Light" Tarek, Free Fire's Ratchanon "Moshi" Kunrayason, and Jeong "TENSAI" Seung-jin.

Seasons summary

MPL Philippines

Year! colspan="7"
MPL PhilippinesMobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season CupONE Esports MPL InvitationalMobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championships
PWLMatch W-LW-L%SeedPlayoffs
2021Season 8146815–185th
2022Season 9148619–133rdrowspan="2"
Season 101410422–132nd
2023Season 111411323–112ndrowspan="2"
Season 121411323–101st
As Liquid ECHO
YearPWLMatch W-LW-L%SeedPlayoffsMid Season CupESL Snapdragon SeriesWorld Championships
2024Season 13149521–122ndrowspan="2"
Season 14To be determined
Total845529123–772 MPL Titles, 1 World Championship

MDL Philippines

YearMDL Philippines
PWLMatch W-LW-L%SeedPlayoffs
2023Season 11310323–91st[48]
Season 21110120–61st
2024Season 395412-105th
Season 4To be determined

Current roster

Team Liquid PH currently suffices its MPL Philippines roster and its MDL Philippines Development Roster.

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mobile Legends News : Team Liquid officially joins the MLBB scene, acquiring AURA/ECHO team GosuGamers . 2024-05-21 . www.gosugamers.net . en-GB.
  2. Web site: x.com . 2024-05-21 . X (formerly Twitter).
  3. Web site: What is the 'Feeding Diggie' strategy and why has it taken the MPL by storm? ONE Esports. 2021-11-17. www.oneesports.gg. en-US.
  4. Web site: Vistek. Kielvj gets back at Aura PH as Execration ends MPL PH Finals drought – Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines. 2021-11-17. ph-mpl.com. en-US.
  5. Web site: 2021-07-13. Aura PH rebrands to Echo for MPL Season 8, Jaypee retires. 2021-11-17. Manila Bulletin. en-US.
  6. Web site: 2021-07-11. Killuash sits out MPL-PH Season 8, cites loss of drive. 2021-11-17. Manila Bulletin. en-US.
  7. Web site: Angela . Coloma . 2021-10-21. Mobile Legends: Omega eliminate Echo in MPL S8 playoffs. 2021-11-17. ABS-CBN News. en.
  8. Web site: Echo survives Aura Fire in MPL Invitational. 2021-11-17. Rappler. en.
  9. Web site: Ubaldo. John Edison. RSG Philippines reaches MPL Invitational quarterfinals at the expense of Echo. 2021-11-17. GMA News Online. en.
  10. Web site: Bren is king of MPL Season 6 . 2023-09-29 . Manila Bulletin . en.
  11. Web site: 2021-01-25 . Bren Esports are your Mobile Legends M2 World Champions ONE Esports . 2023-09-29 . www.oneesports.gg . en-US.
  12. Web site: Big 3 era ends in Nexplay as Yawi departs from team . 2023-09-29 . Manila Bulletin . en.
  13. Web site: Toshi, 3MarTzy, and Der leave TNC Pro Team ML . 2023-09-29 . Spin.ph . en.
  14. Web site: 2021-10-28 . Coach Dale Vitug retires, granted release by ECHO . 2023-09-29 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  15. Web site: 2021-12-21 . ECHO reveals star-studded MPL PH Season 9 roster with KarlTzy and Killuash ONE Esports . 2023-09-29 . www.oneesports.gg . en-US.
  16. Web site: Rossel . John Dave . 2022-04-28 . Kelra Ecstatic as Omega Eliminates ECHO in the MPL PH Season 9 Playoffs . 2023-09-29 . AFK Gaming . en.
  17. Web site: After coaching the team since their Sunsparks days, Coach Arcadia departs ECHO PH . 2023-09-29 . Spin.ph . en.
  18. Web site: Antonio . 2023-01-24 . Acil Out of RRQ Hoshi, Turns Out Because of This! . 2023-09-29 . VCGamers News . en-US.
  19. Web site: Rossel . John Dave . 2022-08-29 . SanFord and Yawi's Sacrifices Pay Off as ECHO Upset Blacklist International . 2023-09-29 . AFK Gaming . en.
  20. Web site: Sanford shines in debut as NXPE claims third seed at Omega's expense . 2023-09-29 . Manila Bulletin . en.
  21. Web site: MPL legend Jaypee returns as ECHO PH goes Kpop in S10 roster reveal . 2023-09-29 . Spin.ph . en.
  22. Web site: VeeWise duo returns to Blacklist International for MPL PH Season 10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220718072640/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/sports/2022/7/18/VeeWise-Blacklist-International-return-MPL-PH-Season-10.html . dead . July 18, 2022 . 2023-09-29 . cnn . en.
  23. Web site: Ubaldo . John Edison . 2022-10-20 . RSG reaches final four with sweep of Onic . 2023-09-29 . GMA News Online . en.
  24. Web site: Ubaldo . John Edison . 2022-10-21 . Echo ends run of futility against RSG to secure spot in MPL S10 upper bracket finals . 2023-09-29 . GMA News Online . en.
  25. Web site: Blacklist International defeats ECHO to claim third MPL-PH title . https://web.archive.org/web/20221023132219/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/sports/2022/10/23/Blacklist-International-MPL-PH-title.html . dead . October 23, 2022 . 2023-09-29 . cnn . en.
  26. Web site: Lojo . Michelle . ECHO rules M4 group stage, secures upper bracket bonus . 2023-09-29 . Philstar.com.
  27. Web site: Delfin . Dioquino . 2023-01-07 . Echo averts disaster, survives Team HAQ to stay in M4 upper bracket . 2023-09-29 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  28. Web site: 2023-01-12 . Ito ang pahayag ni KarlTzy kay Kairi bago ang bakbakang ECHO vs ONIC sa M4 ONE Esports Philippines . 2023-09-29 . www.oneesports.ph . tl.
  29. Web site: Delfin . Dioquino . 2023-01-12 . Echo thwarts Onic to set up upper bracket finals date with Blacklist in M4 World Championship . 2023-09-29 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  30. Web site: Delfin . Dioquino . 2023-01-13 . Blacklist turns back Echo, books return trip to grand finals in M4 World Championship . 2023-09-29 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  31. Web site: 2023-01-14 . M4: Arcadia's RRQ Hoshi ends Kairi's run . 2023-09-29 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  32. Web site: 2023-01-14 . JUST IN: Echo wins 3–1 against RRQ in the M4 Semi-Finals! . 2023-09-29 . Technophile . en-US.
  33. Web site: Luqman . Hakim . 2023-01-16 . MLBB: ECHO Wins M4 World Championship After Sweeping Blacklist International 4–0 in Finals . 2023-09-29 . IGN Southeast Asia . en-sg.
  34. Web site: Ubaldo . John Edison . 2023-03-10 . MPL PH: Echo escapes Omega for, extends win streak to 6 . 2023-09-29 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  35. Web site: 2023-04-17 . Bren, Echo secure upper bracket slots as MPL PH Season 11 heads to playoffs . 2023-09-29 . GMA News Online . en.
  36. Web site: 2023-05-05 . RSG Slate upsets Echo, arranges MPL PH upper bracket finals duel vs Blacklist . 2023-09-29 . GMA News Online . en.
  37. Web site: Ubaldo . John Edison . 2023-05-06 . MPL PH: Echo eliminates Bren to reach lower bracket finals . 2023-09-29 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  38. Web site: Galindo . Daryll . ECHO sweeps Blacklist International to claim MPL PH Season 11 trophy . 2023-09-29 . esports.inquirer.net . en.
  39. Web site: Micaller . Bea . 2023-06-16 . Echo boots out Todak to secure MSC semis spot . 2023-09-29 . GMA News Online . en.
  40. Web site: Dannug . Jonash . 2023-06-17 . MSC: Kairi, ONIC score stunning sweep of ECHO, get right to face Blacklist . 2023-09-29 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  41. Web site: End of PH's SEA dominance as Blacklist falls to Onic in MSC Finals . 2023-09-29 . Manila Bulletin . en.
  42. Web site: ECHO salvages third place in MSC after nail-biting win over Burn X Flash . 2023-09-29 . Manila Bulletin . en.
  43. Web site: ECHO dominates Blacklist in MPL S12 opener . 2023-09-29 . Manila Bulletin . en.
  44. Web site: Rossel . John Dave . 2021-10-03 . MPL PH Season 8 Week 6 Recap: Blacklist International Drops its Undefeated Title . 2023-10-08 . AFK Gaming . en.
  45. Web site: Ubaldo . JohnEd . 2023-10-08 . MPL PH: RSG stops Echo streak at 11, secures playoff spot . 2023-10-08 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  46. Web site: Mobile Legends News : Team Liquid officially joins the MLBB scene, acquiring AURA/ECHO team GosuGamers . 2024-05-21 . www.gosugamers.net . en-GB.
  47. News: July 15, 2023 . MLBB: ECHO, BennyQT win big at Mobile Gaming Awards . ABS-CBN .
  48. ECHO Proud is the First Seed for Group B while GameLab Esports is First in Group A.