MPL PH Season 8: The Rise to Be Legendary Continues

SPORTS Section's Best Output in the Screening Program

Written by Joshua Aldrych S. Granado
Posted on September 22, 2021 | 8:30 PM

After the unexpected cancellation of its supposed grand opening due to government protocols, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines (PH) welcomed and pleased the viewers once again last August 27, 2021. During opening day, we were introduced to season eights’s new structure: the franchise based format. Unlike MPL PH season seven, there will be no more qualification tournaments for spots nine and ten. Instead, what we will have are eight franchises competing for the championship with the prize pool of 7.5 million PHP ($150,000). These eight franchise teams are: Blacklist International, Bren Esports, Echo PH, Nexplay EVOS, Omega Esports, Onic PH, Resurgence PH, and TNC Pro Team. 

Not only that, we also welcome a new tournament format. Like MPL Indonesia (ID), the regular season of MPL PH season eight will consist of a double round-robin format, totalling to fifty-six best-of-three (BO3) matches. After the regular season comes the playoffs. However, unlike MPL season seven, only six teams will qualify to the playoffs, and the two lowest teams during the regular season will be excluded from participation. During the playoffs, the qualified teams will play in best-of-five (BO5) matches, and the two teams that will top the playoffs will compete in a tiring but entertaining best-of-seven (BO7) championship.

The current top seed after weeks 1, 2, and 3 are the defending champions, Blacklist International. This was made possible over their win last sunday against the former 1st seed, now 2nd seed, Onic PH. In top three, we have a two-way tie between week two’s last placers, Nexplay EVOS and Omega Esports. In top four, we also have a two-way tie between Resurgence PH and Echo PH. The super rookies last season seven, TNC pro team, currently reside at top five. Lastly, the current world champions, Bren Esports, are the last placers at top six.

You can watch the games on their official channel every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on Facebook and Youtube. If you have spare time, you can also enjoy the MPL chillax segment aired before the matches. It is a one-hour program that is hosted by TV personality, Mara Aquino, and co-hosted by selected casters. Looking forward, MPL PH season eight will surely bring a lot of excitement for the viewers. Although trash talks were prohibited, team rivalries still ignited a flame. Will the defending champions defend their throne? Or will there be a coronation of a new one? Tune in to MPL PH Season 8!