After an amazing first day of the M3 World Championships, it was time for Day 2 and all the action from Group B’s teams.
Having seen some magnificent Mobile Legends: Bang Bang action yesterday from the teams in Group A, which included an untouchable Blacklist International, we were ready for more epic plays as we went into what was essentially the so-called “Group of Death” – Group B. With two Onic rosters, the Philippines runners up and winners of both MPL Indonesia and the more recent MPL Invitational, plus the Brazilians of Vivo Keyd and Todak, Group B was set for some absolutely intense games, and the chance for far more tiebreakers too.
The Onic brothers are split
With two Onic teams that seem to be at the top of their game, we were ready to see a fantastic fight between two teams that definitely knew a lot about each other’s playstyle. Both teams were fierce in their matchup, with Onic Esports managing to defend and hold out against their brethren’s attack, Onic PH were relentless. The PH roster were ahead for most of the game, but it took a single brilliant Khufra ultimate from Kiboy to turn a Lord fight around and push straight through to a victory.
Smooth sailing for the Swordfish
The second game of the day would see the Swordfish, Todak, taking on the newcomer Brazilian squad and runners up of the first MPL BR, Vivo Keyd. Todak were definitely the team with far more experience, but, as we saw with Red Canids Kalunga yesterday, anything was possible from the aggression shown from the Brazilian rosters. That said, unfortunately for Keyd, even though they did have some fantastic moments, the Swordfish were able to keep their composure and take a well-earned win in just 16-minutes.
The Kiing without a crown takes a step closer
After their loss, Keyd were set for another massive challenge, in the form of Onic Esports, who had already taken a huge victory over Onic PH earlier in the day. Once again, we saw the Brazilians showing some magnificent skill, actually giving their opponents tough time. While Onic started strong, as the game progressed, Keyd seemed to understand their playstyle and begun to make their way back into the game. Even after making a few mistakes, Keyd were able to take a magnificent fight around Lord, stealing the objective, and causing what is the biggest upset we have seen at the M3 World Championships so far.
Onic PH catch up with the pack
The victory for Vivo Keyd sees every team in Group B having secured a single victory at this point, except Onic PH, who would be looking to change that as they went up against Todak next. Todak needed to play a fast early game and get themselves ahead of Onic – but the PH team were able to control things and pull ahead. While Todak did make some massive moves to keep up, at the end of the day, the firepower of the double marksmen lineup was too much, as Onic got their first win.
The Swordfish fly high
Having lost to one Onic squad, Todak would now need to face off against the other, as Onic Esports were their next challenge. In what was possibly the most intense game that we have witnessed so far at M3, both teams refused to give up. On one side, Onic were finding a way to constantly stay in the lead, but thanks to Cikugais, Todak were never too far behind. However, everything boiled down to one team fight, which it seemed that Onic were about to win – until they realised that 4meyz had walked into their base to end the game. Even though they managed to get some players back in time to defend, it was too late, as Todak marched into the upper bracket of playoffs, leaving Onic Esports in the lower bracket.
Onic PH take to the upper bracket
One final game remained for the day, with Onic PH looking to avenge their brother squad by hopefully taking down Vivo Keyd. Objective based gaming was what came out from both teams in the final game of the day – and it was Onic who were at the precipice of this, claiming towers across the map with their classic “banana split” playstyle. Although Keyd were not too far behind, the gold was stacking up and they were being outscaled, as Onic searched for an upper bracket spot. With only 12-minutes passed, Onic brutally dismantled the Brazilians, taking a swift and solid victory.
With that, Day 2 of the M3 World Championships comes to an end, as Group B has been decided. Onic PH and Todak are the two teams which have performed amazingly in the “group of death”, even though having both suffered losses, surviving to reach the upper bracket of playoffs. For Vivo Keyd and Onic Esports will have to play through the lower bracket, but still have a massive chance to cause some chaos when playoffs begin. Tomorrow we will be looking at Group C, with BloodThirstyKings, Natus Vincere, See You Soon, and EVOS SG looking to reach the upper bracket of the M3 World Championships playoffs.
