ONIC Nine Lives claims maiden MDL-PH title after 4-1 win over Aurora Hunters
Photo from MDL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
ONIC Nine Lives claims maiden MDL-PH title after 4-1 win over Aurora Hunters
SAN JUAN — From heartbreak to history.
ONIC Nine Lives completed their redemption arc in MDL Philippines Season 5, clinching their first-ever title with a commanding 4–1 win over Aurora Hunters in the Grand Finals on Sunday at the GH Mall East Wing Atrium.
After missing the playoffs last season with a ninth-place finish, ONL roared through Season 5 and capped their run in dominant fashion.
Kayn sets the tone in opener
Jungler Alejandro “Kayn” Sombilon opened the series with a stellar 9/4/6 performance on Lukas in under 14 minutes, securing all but one major objective against counterpart John Derick “Lalush” Ochate.
ONL maintained a wire-to-wire lead despite a few skirmish trades, sealing Game 1 after a wipeout near the lord pit that sent every Aurora player down.
Aurora bounces back in Game 2
The Hunters quickly responded in Game 2 with a clean 14-minute stomp. Michael “Atams” Eusebio led the way with nine assists on Granger, earning MVP honors, while Lalush contributed six kills and four assists using Joy.
Mico “Nosia” Guevarra, the rookie gold laner, had a quiet outing on Harith, finishing 0/1/3.
Wildcats dominate mid-series
Game 3 turned in ONL’s favor after a crucial 12th-minute engagement. Lance “Lansu” Misa’s Chou caught Lalush’s X.Borg out of position, sparking a teamfight win for ONIC.
Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara’s Zhuxin exploded for 10 kills and 7 assists—including a maniac—as ONL cruised to a 12-minute win. Aurora struggled to respond, with Neil Aldrin “Drinsanity” Fontanilla’s Cici falling seven times.
Comeback sealed in Game 4 and 5
Game 4 saw Aurora strike first as they picked off four ONL members, forcing Sionnn’s Faramis to retreat. But the Hunters lost momentum late, allowing ONIC to regain map control after shutting down Atams’ Bruno.
Kayn’s Suyou secured the MVP with a 7/2/9 line and a game-changing lord take in the 18th minute, giving ONL a 3–1 series lead.
In the final game, ONL’s CC-heavy draft anchored by midlane Kimmy overwhelmed Aurora. A full team wipe in the ninth minute gave the Wildcats a stranglehold on the game, and a clean lord fight in the 14th minute sealed the series. Only Edwon Hendrix “MANILABOY” Pasamba remained alive for the Hunters after the final skirmish.
ONIC Nine Lives took home USD 6,000 in prize money, while Kayn was named Finals MVP for his consistent play across the series.
Aurora Hunters settled for a USD 3,000 consolation prize, ending their impressive turnaround season with a silver finish after going winless in Season 4.
Nine Lives headlines Season 5 individual awards
Before the Grand Finals, MDL Philippines recognized outstanding individual players for Season 5, with ONIC Nine Lives leading the awardees.
-
Sionnn was named Regular Season MVP
-
Nosia earned Rookie of the Season
-
Kayn claimed Most Improved Player
Sionnn, Lansu, and John Carlo “Caloy” Roma were also named to the All-Star Team of the Season, joined by Smart Omega NEOS standouts John Paul “H2WO” Salonga and Christian “West” Mangabay.
About Author
