MDL Philippines teams battle for seeding ahead of play-ins

MDL Philippines teams battle for seeding ahead of play-ins
MANILA – The 16 teams competing in MDL Philippines Season 5 clashed in seeding matches to determine their placements ahead of the play-ins.
Teams were divided into four brackets based on their initial round finishes, with each bracket battling for specific seedings: the top teams fought for first to fourth seed, second-placers for fifth to eighth, third-placers for ninth to twelfth, and bottom teams for the 13th to 16th seeds.
The seeding phase followed a GSL format, similar to IESF’s group stage system, but with no eliminations.
Martial Mayhem falls to eighth seed
Iloilo-based Martial Mayhem ended their run at the eighth seed after suffering back-to-back losses against ONIC Nine Lives and Karibok Heroes.
ONIC Nine Lives made quick work of Martial Mayhem in their first match, with Sionnn’s surprise Odette pick leading the Wildcats to a dominant Game 1 win, while Sinful struggled with a 1/6/1 KDA. Sinful bounced back in Game 2 with a solid 5/1/0 Karrie performance, but Mijizy’s Julian was kept in check, allowing ONIC Nine Lives to secure the sweep.
Martial Mayhem put up a better fight against Karibok Heroes, dragging both games to 17 and 25 minutes. However, Kaikidd proved to be a thorn in their side, racking up three kills and 25 assists across two games to seal the victory for Karibok.
Meanwhile, RRQ Kaito and ONIC Nine Lives are set to battle for the fifth seed, with the loser facing Karibok Heroes for seeding placement.
Team Falcons Academy lands fourth seed
It was a tough seeding round for Team Falcons Academy, as they struggled against AP.Bren Rough World Era and Team Liquid Academy, settling for the fourth seed in their bracket.
AP.Bren Rough World Era dominated the Green Falcons in a one-sided series, conceding only seven total kills across two games. Kuroro and Matt led the charge, shutting down Falcons’ efforts with precise execution. It was a rough outing for Meiko, who tallied 11 deaths across the series while piloting Badang and Gatotkaca.
Falcons fared slightly better against Team Liquid Academy, but still fell short. Aizawa’s Pharsa dictated the pace in Game 1 with a 2/0/7 KDA, while Palos’ Fanny took over Game 2 with a 5/1/3 stat line.
Elsewhere, Smart Omega NEOS and AP.Bren Rough World Era will battle for the top seed, while the loser will face Team Liquid Academy for seeding placement.
First series wins for four teams
It was a breakthrough seeding round for four squads as Aurora Hunters, Minerva Esports, TNC x Voltes PH, and Under Drew Gamerpact all secured their first series victories.
Aurora Hunters edged out Flair Esports in a close 2-1 series, with Eskapo and MANILABOY leading the charge. AMBOYYY’s Selena delivered a standout performance in Game 3, finishing with a clean 5/0/10 stat line.
Minerva Esports finally converted their dominance into a series win, sweeping Metacore Esports. Gelo and Aezu carried the load, with their Cecilion and Suyou picks proving to be key in dismantling the Cebu-based squad.
In Bracket D, TNC x Voltes PH took down Gods of Edith, while Under Drew Gamerpact made quick work of Twisted Rising. Despite Gods of Edith fielding a revamped roster with players from RV FRYD Esports, Godzu and Marcsss ensured a decisive victory for TNC x Voltes PH.
Meanwhile, Uncle Drew Gamerpact, the reigning LCP MLBB champions, delivered a statement win against Twisted Rising. Teddyqt’s Granger shined in Game 1 with an 8/0/5 KDA, while Leix’s Ling finished Game 2 with a dominant 9/2/0 performance to secure their first win in the MDL.