Before MPL ID Season 10, multiple teams announced they would field Filipino imports for the first time in the league’s history.
ONIC Esports and Geek Fam were one of the first organizations to announce their new players. ONIC Esports signed superstar jungler Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol and coach Paul “Yeb” Miranda from ONIC PH, while Geek Fam secured veterans Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy and Jaymark “Janaaqt” Lazaro.
ONIC Esports would eventually win its third title in Season 10 with the help of Kairi, who was awarded the regular season and grand final MVP. Geek Fam also recorded its best tournament run after reaching the MPLI 2022 grand final, eliminating tournament favorites Blacklist international and RSG PH along the way.
Many agree that Filipino imports were a game changer for both these teams, including Blacklist International superstar Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna.
- Blacklist International’s CEO on MPLI 2022 loss: ‘No excuses’
- Exclusive: ONIC Esports’ MPLI 2022 win is a morale boost for M4, says coaches
OhMyV33nus says MPL ID got tougher because of Filipino imports
In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports Philippines, the regular season MVP of Season 10 shared his thoughts on the impact of imports in MPL ID.
“Indonesian teams have improved after acquiring Filipino imports,” he said. “I feel like they have used those imports to improve their macro skills, which were evident with ONIC Esports and Geek Fam.”
Despite going in as the tournament favorite at MPLI 2022, Blacklist International were eliminated early on in the quarterfinal by Geek Fam. The Indonesian squad steamrolled the M3 champions in two games, thanks to Baloyskie and Janaaqt.
Geek Fam would eventually face Kairi and the rest of ONIC Esports in the grand final. Geek Fam were one win away from winning the tournament, but the yellow hedgehogs staged a reverse sweep to win back-to-back MPLI championships.
Despite the loss, OhMyV33nus remained gracious and praised his fellow Filipino players competing in Indonesia.
“For me, Baloyskie’s playstyle synergized well with Geek Fam,” V33nus said. “As his former teammate, he improved a lot in Indonesia.”
He had a similar message for Kairi after his masterful performance in MPL ID and MPLI. “Congratulations to Kairi for winning the championship, he really stepped up his game,” he added.
Follow ONE Esports on Facebook for more Mobile Legends: Bang Bang guides, news, and updates.
READ MORE: M4 World Championship: Schedule, results, format, teams, where to watch
