Letran Knights Win First NCAA Esports MLBB Title
Photo from NCAA Philippines
Letran Knights Win First NCAA Esports MLBB Title
PASAY CITY – Colegio de San Juan de Letran etches its name in history as the inaugural NCAA Esports MLBB champion after defeating José Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 3–1, in the grand finals held at the Philippine GameDev Expo in SMX Convention Center.
“Sulit ‘yung pagod ng araw-araw na scrim, araw-araw na laro. Ngayon, sulit lahat ng oras at sakripisyo namin as a team,” said Letran jungler John Marcus Loyola. “Unang una, thank you kay God, thank you sa mga teammates ko, at sa lahat ng nagtulong-tulong mag-organize ng NCAA Esports. Sana matuloy pa ito.”
Alongside Loyola were teammates Jade Michael Mercado, Aaron Jacob Corpuz, George Brent Imbang, Philip Fonzy Acera, Christian Alec San Diego, coach Kenneth Mejillano, and manager Hans Steve Nieva.
Redemption Run Ends in Gold
Both Letran and JRU topped their respective groups during the round robin phase, earning automatic upper bracket slots. In their first playoff meeting, JRU bested Letran 3–1 to advance to the grand finals.
But the Knights weren’t done.
They regrouped in the lower bracket final and dispatched Mapúa Cardinals with another 3–1 win to force a rematch. This time, Letran flipped the script—clinching the title against the same Heavy Bombers team that sent them down.
Letran captain Mercado earned the realme Finals MVP award for his standout gold lane performance and in-game leadership. Along with the title, he took home a brand-new realme 14 5G.
Next stop: Thailand
The Knights also secured a trip to the Thailand Game Show in October, courtesy of NCAA Esports’ official partner, the Collegiate Center for Esports.
The NCAA Esports MLBB Tournament was organized in partnership with the CCE, marking the first event of NCAA Season 100 dedicated to gaming.
“We’d like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible. Matagal na naming pangarap ito para sa mga bata na nangangarap magkaroon ng career sa esports,” said CCE Founder Stanley Lao. “Basta tuloy lang sila sa pagsikap sa pangarap nila, tuloy lang kami sa pagsuporta.”
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