The RIIZE of the Phoenix
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
The RIIZE of the Phoenix
MAKATI – For all but one season in MPL Philippines before 2025, TNC Pro Team was rarely part of the playoff conversation. They were often the butt of community jokes, especially after a winless 0-14 Season 14 campaign—managing only six game wins out of 34 played.
But much like the title track that defines a fresh beginning, the Phoenix found their moment in Season 15.
With a rebuilt roster, new coaching staff, and the guiding voice of Naser “Akosi Dogie” Mollazehi, TNC’s melody shifted. They didn’t just bounce back—they staged a RIIZE.
A New Siren Call: The Rebuild
TNC retained Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan and Salvick “Kouzen” Tolarba, then made noise by acquiring Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera in November. February saw the addition of Justine “Zaida” Palma, Kyle “Koyl” Reyes, Jhon Marl “Lord JM” Sebastian, and Frediemar “3MarTzy” Serafico. Then, in mid-March, came their most talked-about signing: Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales.
They opened Season 15 strong—three wins in their first four matches, including dominant sweeps over AP.Bren and Smart Omega. Their playstyle was fresh and urgent, as if answering a “Siren” in the distance.
But after facing the league’s top teams, their “Memories” of early-season success began to fade. Four straight defeats exposed growing pains.
Still, their depth kept them in rhythm. TNC were among the league’s most flexible squads—using all eight players, with only LanceCy and Yawi playing every game. Their 42% win rate in 33 games may not dazzle, but it signaled consistency.
Unlike new organizations like Twisted Minds, TNC’s roster familiarity—especially from former Nexplay EVOS and Echo/Team Liquid PH members—gave them cohesion. They beat teams they were supposed to beat, except that Week 6 game against Twisted Minds PH.
LanceCy’s Fly Up Season
Much of the spotlight shines on Bennyqt and Yawi, but LanceCy quietly became the heartbeat of the Phoenix.
After a Season 14 slump, the former Nexplay midlaner orchestrated clean team fights this year, averaging 1.61 kills, 1.64 deaths, and 7.45 assists per game. He ranked 5th in total assists and 6th in kill participation (76.28%)—showing up when it mattered.
With 13 unique heroes across 33 games, he made the biggest impact on Pharsa, winning four out of six games on the hero with an average KDA of 5.50.
You could say LanceCy’s seasn as a “Fly Up”—smooth, sharp, and rhythmically essential to their groove.
Who will give them the Steady Sparks?
TNC’s star-studded gold lane remains a puzzle. With Bennyqt, they won 7 of 19 games; with Kouzen, they went 7 of 14. Despite Benny’s stronger damage per gold ratio (4.53) than Kouzen’s 4.34, the results don’t always reflect it.
Their playoff opponent, Team Falcons PH, won’t give them room to experiment. If they want to rise higher, TNC must choose the gold laner whose synergy fits better—not just whose stats sparkle brighter.
End of the Regular Season: Impossible Energy
The Phoenix stumbled to the finish line, going winless in their last four series—tied with Omega for the worst late-season form in terms of matches played. They only managed 4 game wins while conceding 8 losses in that span.
It was a frustrating comedown after such an exciting start. From hopeful momentum to halted progress, TNC looked stuck between their “Impossible” ceiling and their old habits.
But that’s the thing about the Phoenix—they rise again.
RIIZE of the Underdogs
TNC aren’t the flashiest squad heading to the playoffs. They don’t always trend well, and they’re still building consistency. But this season, they proved they’re no longer just punchlines—they’re plotlines.
They went from “never again” to “not done yet.”
And in a season that already gave us new hooks, comebacks, and comebacks to comebacks—TNC’s Odyssey is one of RIIZE in real time.
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