Can ONIC PH Secure a Back-to-Back Championship?
Coming off a dramatic Season 14 title win over Aurora, ONIC PH entered MPL Season 15 as the team to beat. Their previous campaign was marked by smart drafting, aggressive map control, and MVP-level performances—particularly from Kelra and K1ngKong, who consistently delivered in clutch moments. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for a repeat run.
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Shaky Start for the Reigning Champs
Despite their momentum, ONIC PH stumbled out of the gate in Season 15. They dropped their first three series against strong squads like Aurora, Team Falcons, and Team Liquid Philippines. The rough start immediately sparked conversations about whether they’d fallen into the familiar trap of a post-title slump. But in Week 3, the defending champs silenced some of the doubt with a convincing 2-0 sweep over AP Bren—a much-needed morale boost that moved them to a 2-3 record and put them back in the middle of the pack.
Powerful Rivals of ONIC PH
Several teams have taken major strides this season, making ONIC’s road to a repeat far from easy. Team Liquid Philippines, in particular, has been on a tear. With a 10-1 record so far, they’ve asserted themselves as this season’s team to beat. Liquid’s Week 3 triumph over ONIC was particularly revealing—it showcased Team Liquid Philippines’ refined coordination, sharp macro decisions, and the resurgence of veterans like Oheb and KarlTzy at the peak of their form. When ONIC gets their rematch on April 26, all eyes will be on how they respond to Liquid’s calculated aggression and whether they’ve learned from their early-season stumble.
Aurora is another top contender. They haven’t skipped a beat since their finals appearance last season, kicking off Season 15 with dominant series wins and consistent performances across the board. Renejay has proven doubters wrong, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile players in MPL Philippines. On top of that, Aurora’s synergy and early-game pressure have made them a nightmare matchup for even the best teams.
ONIC PH: Window for a Comeback
The good news for ONIC PH is that anything can happen in MPL Philippines, especially with a new patch released recently, things could be shaken up in ways that could surprise. There’s time to recalibrate. What they’ll need now is a shift in momentum and a renewed emphasis on their fundamentals. Their talent and championship experience give them an edge, but the rest of the league has clearly leveled up.
Against Team Liquid Philippines, ONIC must prioritize early vision control and pressure around objectives. Liquid has been thriving off clean rotations and tempo control led by KarlTzy. ONIC needs to disrupt that rhythm with proactive roams, aggressive mid-lane skirmishes, and early shutdowns of their jungle. A flexible draft will also be key to breaking Liquid’s flow.
Versus Aurora, ONIC’s success hinges on lane discipline and limiting mid-game snowballs. Aurora excels at punishing overextensions and collapsing with precision. ONIC must commit to calculated plays—focusing on scaling comps, protecting their gold lane, and making sure teamfights happen on their terms.
More than mechanics, though, these matchups will come down to ONIC’s mental game. Can they stay sharp when momentum isn’t on their side? Can they outthink and outpace two of the league’s most well-prepared teams?
The Verdict
ONIC’s Season 15 campaign may not have started with the dominance we saw last season, but they still have the tools to chase a repeat. The path won’t be easy—especially with surging squads like Liquid and Aurora gunning for the top. But if ONIC can weather this turbulence and regain their form, they remain a serious threat to lift the trophy once again.
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