AP BREN’s New Roster Has the Makings of a Dark Horse
The exodus of AP BREN’s roster of former world champions has left big shoes to fill in the team’s MPL Philippines Season 15 roster. But with the looks of its current lineup, AP BREN’s new roster has the makings of a dark horse.
The Roster
AP BREN’s Season 15 roster is largely composed of LAZY Esports’ MDL team that won the championship in MDL Philippines Season 4. They are:
- Landher San Gabriel, aka Der – Exp Laner
- Jerry Ian Nicol, aka chovskrt – Mid Laner
- Jefferdson Mogol, aka kkd0t – Roamer
- James Mendoza, aka JamesPangks – Jungler
- Jan Carl Valdez, aka shizou – Gold Laner
- Aaren Maximos Palomo, aka Sindel – Gold Laner
In 2024, this same roster emerged triumphant against RRQ Kaito in a best-of-seven grand finals match in MDL Philippines Season 4. JamesPangks earned the Finals MVP recognition. The team also bagged four out of the seven individual awards: Best Exp Laner (Der), Best Jungler (JamesPangks), Best Mid Laner (chovskrt), and Regular Season MVP (JamesPangks).
Although the team is untested in MPL, it’s all the more reason for AP BREN’s new roster to prove itself. The transition from MDL to MPL is a daunting challenge, but history has shown that championship-caliber MDL teams and players can hold their own against the best in the premier league.
JamesPangks’ Pivotal Role
Despite their success in MDL, the biggest hurdle for AP BREN’s new roster will be adapting to the higher level of competition in MPL. The team’s chemistry is already solid, thanks to their time together under LAZY Esports, but they will need to adjust to the faster pace, more experienced opponents, and the pressure that comes with competing on a bigger stage.
JamesPangks, the team’s star jungler and a two-time MVP in MDL, will play a pivotal role in leading the squad. His aggressive playstyle and smart macro decisions will be crucial as AP BREN looks to establish its identity in MPL. Meanwhile, Der and chovskrt, who dominated their respective roles in MDL, will have to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the MPL’s elites.
The X-Factor: Shizou and Sindel
One of the biggest question marks heading into Season 15 is AP BREN’s gold lane situation. Shizou and Sindel both played as gold laners for their previous squad, but MPL’s meta may demand a clear-cut starter. While competition for the spot is healthy, the coaching staff will need to make the right call to maximize the team’s potential.
While they may not be the favorites to win it all, AP BREN’s young squad has the talent, hunger, and experience of winning together. If they can translate their MDL dominance into MPL success, they could very well remain a dark horse in Season 15.
