Liquid surge ahead, NAVI stumble as MWI 2025 playoffs begin
Photo from Esports World Cup / Sophie Barrowclough
Liquid surge ahead, NAVI stumble as MWI 2025 playoffs begin
RIYADH – The MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025 playoffs kick off with a wave of mixed emotions for Filipino fans.
Athena League runners-up Team Liquid cruise past Twisted Minds while defending MWI champions Natus Vincere PH fall to Gaimin Gladiators in a stunning upset.
Team Liquid too much for Twisted Minds
The Filipinas opened strong in Game 1, taking a 17–3 win in 17 minutes. Zaira “Zaishii” Gilhang’s Angela orchestrated the game with four kills and 11 assists, while Allyson “Daiki” Ventanilla’s Ruby added four kills and five assists in a clean performance.
Liquid’s momentum carried over into Game 2, finishing in just 12 minutes with a commanding 23–6 scoreline. Trina “Ramicii” Ramos anchored the team with two kills and 18 assists on Fredrinn, while Zaishii’s switch to Zhuxin delivered three kills and 15 assists.
But it was Clarisse “CLA” Owari who stole the spotlight with her Granger, notching a maniac and finishing with 16 kills and five assists in a near-flawless display.
They now prepare for a best-of-five semifinal showdown against Indonesian powerhouse Team Vitality.
NAVI PH bows out after GG loss
Game 1 proved difficult from the outset for NAVI’s tank-heavy draft, built around Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto’s jungle Fredrinn.
Sharifah Alia “Asia” Husna Syed Fakrrurozi’s Cici disrupted their tempo, while Jessica “Sayori” Cao’s Valentina racked up six kills and eight assists.
Gwyneth “not ayanami” Diagon’s Arlott struggled to make an impact, ending with just two kill contributions and three deaths in a 15-minute loss.
Game 2 saw a closer fight, with Sheen “Shinoa” Perez’s Irithel securing two kills and three assists. However, NAVI’s Angela-Yu Zhong combo lost steam against the Gladiators’ anti-lifesteal strategy.
Gaimin Gladiators’ support Ashley “Ashlay” Ann had a decent showing on Minotaur with nine assists, but her NAVI counterpart Mery “Meraaaay” Vivero’s Grock fell behind with just four.
Despite the early exit, NAVI PH take home US$20,000 and 200 MWI points, finishing in the 5th–8th bracket.
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