24K Magic: Aurora Gaming’s Golden Pursuit
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
24K Magic: Aurora Gaming’s Golden Pursuit
Aurora Gaming’s journey to the top wasn’t as glamorous as it looked from the outside. They’ve lived through the highs of near-championship runs and the lows of an early M6 exit — all within just three seasons together. But this season feels different. This time, the Northern Lights are chasing something brighter.
They’re not just after a win. They’re after treasure.
Treasure
The team made only one major change, but it was a seismic one. After two seasons, the charismatic yet polarizing Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse decided to walk away from professional play entirely. His departure left both a void in leadership and a shift in Aurora’s dynamic.
But in a 24K Magic-level move, Aurora brought home Dylan “Light” Catipon from Bigetron Alpha. Light’s return wasn’t just nostalgic — it was tactical. His stint in Indonesia taught him even more adaptability and poise, which fit perfectly into Aurora’s evolving identity.
The start wasn’t shiny — a 0-2 sweep loss to Team Falcons PH — but from there, Aurora went uptown funk. They reeled off a record-tying 13 straight victories, one of the most dominant runs in MPL history. By Week 6, they had locked an upper bracket berth, turning from a top three contender to the team everyone wanted to take down.
Finesse
Unlike the flashier teams of seasons past, Aurora didn’t rely on clean sweeps to show dominance. Out of their 13 wins, only five were 2-0s — the third-lowest rate in the league. But when pushed to a Game 3, Aurora never blinked. They played eight deciders this season. They won all eight.
That’s pressure turned into diamonds.
Project NEXT’s changes could’ve disrupted them, but Aurora adapted and evolved. Their win rate jumped from 66.67% in the first half to 77.78% in the second. They used the fewest heroes — just 41 across 36 games — but turned that into efficiency, leading the league in lowest deaths (7.39 per game) and most objectives taken.
Their hero pool might be shallow, but their synergy runs deep. Aurora didn’t need fireworks — they needed fundamentals. And they had them in spades.
Runaway (MVP) Baby
While stars like Edward “Edward” Dapadap and Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto had standout seasons, three Aurora names shined brightest — and could run away with the Season MVP crown: Light, Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo, and Jan Dominic “Domengkite” del Mundo.
Domengkite played like a man locked out of heaven no more — leading all players in kills (137), kills per game (3.81), and damage per minute (3,290), while boasting the lowest deaths per game (0.92). All that, using just seven heroes. Do not forget about that feared Harith.
Yue was the team’s rhythm that never really rests. He topped the KDA charts (8.84), placed fourth in total assists (248), and ranked second in damage per gold (5.31). Whether playing carry or support, Yue made every map his dance floor. Do not forget about that savage.
And then there’s Light. The returning roamer brought versace-on-the-floor levels of finesse, leading all roamers in fewest deaths while notching the second-most assists (259). His balance of precision and composure anchored Aurora in every game-deciding clash. A reason why he had the second most game MVPs in the league with eight.
Just the Way They Are
Aurora’s playoffs path begins against the winner between Twisted Minds PH and TNC Pro Team — two squads they’ve handled well, conceding just two games combined.
But beyond the stats and streaks, Aurora are chasing something else — redemption. The whispers of “chokers” still linger, but the Northern Lights aren’t here to silence anyone. They’re here to shine.
After all, they don’t need to change a thing. They’re amazing — just the way they are.
About Author
