In a stunning display of skill and determination, Filipino esports powerhouse AP Bren clinched the M5 World Championship title, emerging victorious in a thrilling 4-3 battle against Indonesia’s Onic Esports in the grand final. The Hive made history by becoming the first team to secure two M-series titles, adding to its 2021 M2 World Championship triumph.
In a noteworthy achievement, David “FlapTzy” Canon, Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel, and head coach Francis “Ducky” Glindro, key figures in the Bren roster that previously triumphed in M2, secured their second title. FlapTzy and Pheww now share the distinction of being two-time MLBB world champions, joining the ranks of former Bren and Echo’s star, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno.
Held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, December 17, M5 witnessed Bren defending their home turf with a fervent crowd in attendance. Seeking redemption after being relegated to the lower bracket by Onic Esports, Bren secured a nail-biting 4-3 win, setting a new viewership record with a peak of 5,067,208, surpassing the previous mark set during M4 in Indonesia.
The Grand Finals kicked off with a dominant performance by AP Bren in the first game, led by Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayon and his unstoppable Fredrinn, securing a 14-minute victory. Onic responded in kind, with Gilang “Sanz” delivering a stellar 4/0/10 performance down the middle lane.
Bren continued their momentum, winning the next two games with KyleTzy showcasing remarkable mechanical prowess. However, as they reached a 3-1 advantage, the Filipino team encountered a formidable comeback from Onic, leading to a decisive seventh game, propelled by standout performances from Calvin “CW” Winata in games five and six.
In the final game, AP Bren strategically countered Onic’s aggressive composition, patiently capitalizing on their opponents’ attempts to initiate attacks. The decisive moment came when Bren capitalized on a mistake by Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol’s Baixa in the 13th minute, securing victory in the last game.
With this triumph, Bren collects the top purse of $300,000 as the M5 champion, with FlapTzy earning the MVP title. Onic, the runner-up, will take home a consolation prize of US$120,000. As the M World Championship is slated to return to Malaysia next year, fans can anticipate both teams intensifying their efforts to continue their success in their respective leagues.
