Roster changes, new home spice up Season 17

Alta Sports17 days ago · 603 views

Roster changes, new home spice up Season 17 image

By Tiffany Dela Cruz

The MPL Philippines Season 17 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with multiple roster changes shaking up the league and the first batch of imports set to make their debut, giving fans plenty of surprises as teams adjust to new lineups

The league also gets a new home at the Victoria Sports Tower, opening on March 20, promising upgraded production, a centralized hub for competition, and an energized atmosphere for both players and fans.

Alta Sports dives into the season with a revamped roster blending experienced MPL veterans and promising newcomers, aiming to challenge established teams and leave their mark in Season 17.

Team Liquid PH

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: KarlTzy, Sanford, Sanji, Jaypee

Additions: AeronnShikii, Daikiqt, Santi Sucre

Departures: Coach Ar Sy, Coach TicTac, OHEB

Team Liquid PH comes into Season 17 riding high off back-to-back MPL PH titles and a win at last year’s MSC, though the squad fell short of a historic Golden Road after exiting the M7 World Championship earlier than expected.

The spotlight is on Sultan “AeronnShikii” Muhammad, the Indonesian gold laner replacing Kiel “OHEB” Soriano.

Fans are eager to see how AeronnShikii will fit with a tight-knit core that has proven itself across nearly every level of competition, combining individual firepower with established team synergy.

The team also revamped its coaching staff, bringing in Wei Sheng “Aeon” Ong from Singapore alongside former Omega Esports tactician Allec “SN4P” Alvarado to replace Archie “TicTac” Reyes and Rodel “AR SY” Cruz.

The new coaches add fresh perspectives, strategic depth, and a renewed sense of direction for a squad already loaded with talent.

Expect a team that balances aggression and precision, with matches defined by lightning-fast rotations, disciplined team fights, and explosive late-game plays.

If the pieces click, Team Liquid PH could dominate early, set the pace for the season, and once again establish themselves as the benchmark for excellence in the MPL.

Aurora PH

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: Edward, Light, Demonkite, Domengkite, Yue, Calad

Additions:

Departures:

Aurora PH will keep the same roster that captured attention last season, opting to maintain the core rather than make major changes. Stability appears to be their strategy, trusting the chemistry that has already shown promise on the big stage.

And why change what works?

The squad is coming off a breakthrough performance at the M7 World Championship, where they made waves against the world’s best, proving they can compete at the highest level and gain recognition beyond the local scene.

That M7 success could serve as a significant momentum boost heading into the MPL. Aurora PH will be gunning for their first-ever MPL PH title, carrying confidence and experience that could translate into consistently strong performances throughout the season.

Expect a team that combines fearless aggression with smart coordination, with Dylan “Light” Catipon and Edward “Edward” Dapadap leading the charge.

Their standout performances and synergy with the core could make Aurora PH one of the season’s most compelling squads to watch.

ONIC PH

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: K1NGKONG, Brusko, Super Frince, Kirk, Ryota

Additions: Savero, Bluffzy

Departures: Kelra, Coach Ynot

ONIC PH faces a season of adjustment after losing one of the best — if not the best — gold laners in the world, Duane “Kelra” Pillas, along with longtime coach Tony “Ynot” Senedrin.

Their departures leave big shoes to fill, but the team has moved quickly to stabilize its lineup.

The arrival of Indonesian gold laner Clayton “Savero” Kuswanto injects fresh talent and international experience into the roster, giving ONIC PH a new strategic dimension.

It remains a question how Savero’s playstyle blends with the remaining core, and whether his addition can help restore the team’s former dominance.

But the rest of the squad remains intact, anchored by Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez, Frince “Super Frince” Ramirez, Borris “Brusko” Parro, and Jann “Kirk” Gutierrez. Their experience and synergy provide a solid foundation as ONIC adapts to its new lineup.

Expect a team hungry to bounce back from a fourth-place finish last season. With a mix of proven veterans and a high-caliber import, ONIC PH aims to reclaim its status as one of the league’s top contenders and make a statement in Season 17.

TNC Pro Team

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: Ch4knu, Bennyqt, Zaida, LanceCy, 3MarTzy

Additions: Stowm

Departures: Vinjaz

After a strong showing last season, finishing in third place, TNC Pro Team is looking to elevate its performance in MPL Philippines Season 17.

The squad bolstered its lineup with the addition of Dale “Stowm” Vidor in the midlane, joining a core led by seasoned veterans Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog and Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales.

Balancing experienced players with fresh reinforcement, TNC aims to turn last season’s momentum into a serious title push. Their combination of leadership, skill, and added depth makes them a team to watch as the league adjusts to roster changes and debuting imports.

Fans can expect TNC to lean on Ch4knu and Bennyqt’s experience to guide the team through high-pressure situations, while Stowm’s inclusion adds flexibility in rotations and strengthens their midlane control.

With a solid foundation and strategic upgrades, TNC enters Season 17 confident yet challenged to climb higher.

Team Falcons PH

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: Flap, Kyle, Super Marco, Owgwen, Ferdz

Additions: Hadji, Coach Vren

Departures: Pheww, Coach Trebor

Team Falcons PH heads into MPL Philippines Season 17 with a mix of change and continuity.

The squad parted ways with Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel, the heart and soul of the team, who was loaned to EVOS in MPL Indonesia. But Team Falcons PH quickly filled the void with Salic “Hadji” Imam, a player with equal experience and impact, keeping the team’s competitive edge intact.

The core of MPL and world champions remains, determined to shake off several seasons of mid-table finishes and reclaim their place at the top.

Team Falcons is primed to challenge for the upper echelon once again, blending seasoned veterans with strategic reinforcements.

Adding further strength to the squad, former coaches Vrendon “Vren” Lin and Francis “Duckey” Glindro return, bringing invaluable tactical insight and experience.

Their presence is expected to strengthen team chemistry and help restore Team Falcons to the level that once made them one of the strongest teams in the world.

Twisted Minds

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: MP the King, Sionn, Lansu, Nosia, Caloy

Additions: Owl

Departures: Sensui

Following back-to-back 5th–6th place campaigns, Twisted Minds begins their MPL Philippines Season 17 journey aiming for a breakthrough.

The team made only minor changes during the offseason, bringing in Howard “Owl” Gonzales to replace the departed versatile Stephen “Sensui” Castillo.

While the addition may not immediately shift the team’s fortunes on paper, improvements in chemistry and refined gameplay could turn Twisted Minds into one of the season’s surprises.

With a core familiar with each other’s strengths and experience navigating the league, the squad has the potential to challenge higher-ranked opponents and climb the standings.

Leading the team is head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza, whose track record speaks for itself.

If there’s anyone who can be trusted to turn things around, it’s him. With multiple MPL Philippines championships and world championship experience under his belt, BON CHAN brings the strategic insight and leadership needed to guide Twisted Minds back to contention.

Omega Esports

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: Raizen, Nets, Jeymz, Peuder

Additions: Minguin, Perkziva,

Departures: Hadji, Super Yoshi

Like Twisted Minds, Omega Esports enters MPL Philippines Season 17 with minimal roster changes.

The team added Carl “Minguin” Gallantes and John “Perkz” Sumawan to replace Salic “Hadji” Imam and Czedrick “Super Yoshi” Romero, but the moves alone may not be enough to drastically shift their fortunes.

Omega has missed the playoffs in the past two seasons, putting added pressure on veteran leaders Dean “Raizen” Sumagui and Kenneth “Nets” Barro to step up and take ownership of the squad.

Their performance and leadership will be pivotal in determining how far Omega Esports can go this season.

Despite recent struggles, the team has enough tools and talent to make a statement.

If their core finds cohesion and the veterans deliver consistently, Omega could be one of the season’s underrated contenders capable of shaking up the standings.

AP.Bren

Photo: MPL Philippines

Holdovers: JamesPangks, Aqua, Shizou, Nova, Chovskrt

Additions: Kielvj, Coach Giee

Departures: Lord JM

With consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs behind them, AP.Bren starts MPL Philippines Season 17 with championship aspirations.

The team has added valuable experience in head coach Karl “Giee” Barrientos and newly named captain Kielvj “Kielvj” Cruzem, whose overseas experience will play a crucial role in guiding the squad.

Giee’s strategic insight and Kielvj’s leadership on and off the map provide the team with stability and direction.

Their combined expertise could be the catalyst that transforms AP.Bren into a legitimate playoff contender this season, helping the squad compete at a higher level and reclaim its place among the league’s top teams.

Ultimately, how far AP.Bren can go will depend on the impact of rising jungler James “JamesPangks” Mendoza, whose performances may well determine whether the team breaks through and makes a deep run this season.

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