MDL Philippines Season 6 Play-ins: The Road to the Final Four
Photo from MDL Philippines
MDL Philippines Season 6 Play-ins: The Road to the Final Four
MANILA – After weeks of battles in the group stage and seeding rounds, the MDL Philippines Season 6 play-ins bracket is finally set. Sixteen teams will now fight for just four playoff spots, with dreams of championship, being called up to MPL Philippines and beyond hanging in the balance.
The play-ins are where stories of redemption, breakout runs, and crushing upsets begin—and only the strongest developmental and amateur squads will survive.
#1 AP.Bren x Rough World Era vs. #16 Twisted Minds Blacklist International
The top-seeded AP.Bren x Rough World Era are coming in hot, still unbeaten and yet to drop a single map this season. This squad has been the benchmark for developmental excellence, showing dominance in both team coordination and individual mechanics. With discipline combined with proven MPL-PH stars like Ron Matthew “Matt” Papag, Jhondy “Nibor” Ranque, and Christian “West” Mangabay, they look like the clear favorites to go all the way.
Standing in their path is the new-look Twisted Minds Blacklist International—a team that carries not just a name but a mission. Featuring some of the top players from the female MLBB scene, they’re here to prove that they belong at the same level as the most established developmental rosters. This David-versus-Goliath showdown is about more than just winning; it’s about shaking the status quo and proving that female talent can thrive against giants.
#8 TNC x Voltes PH vs. #9 Crimson Esports
The #8 vs. #9 clash has always been the most unpredictable, and this one is no different. TNC x Voltes PH and Crimson Esports split their group stage matchup 1-1, with Estiphen Mike Angelo “Zeno” Ascura and Nixon “XONN” Jung Ahn leading their respective teams to statement performances. Both teams now face the ultimate decider—who can hold steady when the series really matters?
This battle will test preparation as much as execution. For TNC Voltes, it’s about proving they can sustain their Season 5 run, while Crimson Esports need to showcase their resilience. With both squads eyeing a deeper run, the winner here won’t just advance—they’ll carry momentum that could make them one of the dark horses of the bracket.
#4 Aurora Hunters vs. #13 ONIC x Minerva
Last year’s finalists Aurora Hunters, despite rebuilding, have been one of the revelations of the season. Their group stage win over ONIC x Minerva showed just how prepared they are for high-pressure games, with Michael “Atams” Eusebio and Gabriel “DENJIRO” Guinto putting on masterclass performances. As one of the higher seeds, expectations are now heavier than ever.
ONIC x Minerva, though, cannot be counted out. Retaining core players like Aaron Angelo “Gelo” de Guia and Jan Louie “Luwi” Dogoy, this team has been grinding to refine their synergy. Revenge is a powerful motivator, and they’ll be eager to turn the tables against the Hunters.
#5 Team Liquid Academy PH vs. #12 KNN Main
Few names in MDL PH carry as much weight as Team Liquid Academy, a proven breeding ground for MPL-ready stars, from Justin “Zaida” Palma to Czedrick “Super Yoshi Romero” to name a few. With multiple titles and a legacy of graduating players to the big leagues, they enter every season with expectations of a deep run. Once again, they stand as one of the favorites.
For KNN Main, however, this is the ultimate proving ground. Long seen as standouts in the amateur circuit, they are now testing themselves against one of the most decorated developmental programs. Knocking out Team Liquid Academy would not only be a massive upset, it would also cement their status as more than just promising amateurs—it would prove they’re contenders.
#6 Martial Mayhem vs. #11 H.G.-Rock Prime
Martial Mayhem, the pride of Iloilo, have carved out a reputation for consistency since joining in Season 4. Their steady performances, built on discipline and strong fundamentals, make them a dangerous opponent for anyone in the bracket. They’ve built an identity as one of the MDL’s toughest gatekeepers.
H.G.-Rock Prime bring a different flavor, led by Marvin “Miyamura” Comandante, who already has experience competing overseas. That exposure adds a new layer of confidence and adaptability to the team. If Rock Prime can disrupt Martial Mayhem’s structure, this could be one of the sleeper upsets of the first round.
#3 Uncle Drew Gamerpact vs. #14 Flair Esports
Uncle Drew Gamerpact have been one of the breakout teams of the season, combining fresh energy with aggressive gameplay. Their rise from last season’s late-game surge to a top-three seed shows how developmental leagues can accelerate a team’s growth.
For Flair Esports, the journey has been one of perseverance. Returning to the league with their seat intact, they’ve been steadily working to make their presence felt. While their regular season was uneven, the play-ins are the perfect stage to flip the script. If they can outlast Gamerpact in their first MDL PH matchup, Flair Nation might just have their breakthrough.
#7 FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts vs. #10 ORVZ Esports
It’s the battle of the collegiate and the underground.
The Bravehearts have been one of the best stories of the collegiate MLBB pipeline translating into the MDL. Their disciplined, textbook style reflects their roots in the campus scene, and their ability to adapt against experienced rosters has made them a fan favorite. This play-ins run is another chance to show that collegiate stars can compete at higher levels.
ORVZ Esports, on the other hand, are a team built on momentum. After a rocky start, they surged back with two straight wins to close the group stage, showing that they can thrive under pressure. If they can extend that rhythm into the play-ins, they could turn the tide against a Bravehearts squad that thrives on structure.
#2 RRQ Kaito vs. #15 Team Falcons Academy
Former MDL champions RRQ Kaito have rebuilt from the ground up after losing key core pieces, but the Kingdom still looks strong. Led by Wilbert “Cull” Salinda’s continued standout performances and the leadership of Mark Ferry “Dokmen” Nazar, they remain one of the developmental league’s most polished teams, balancing tradition with new blood. Their goal is clear: another deep push that shows RRQ’s resilience as a franchise.
Team Falcons Academy, meanwhile, are still finding their footing. Their only win came via a walkover earlier this season, and the Baby Falcons now face a true test against one of the MDL’s most respected names. If they can rise to the occasion and challenge Kaito, it would mark a turning point for the academy team’s future.
The Play-ins Format
The MDL Philippines Season 6 play-ins will feature two single-elimination stages. Round 1 will be best-of-three, while Round 2 ups the stakes with best-of-five series.
Only four teams will remain standing to advance to the playoffs later this year, keeping alive their hopes of lifting the MDL trophy. And, perhaps, even catching the eye of MPL organizations looking for their next rising stars.
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