Team Liquid Philippines (TLPH) has set the bar even higher, pushing their perfect start to seven straight wins in Week 4 of MPL Philippines Season 17.
Coming off a dominant performance in the previous week—where TLPH made quick work of both Smart Omega Esports and TNC Pro Team with two convincing 2-0 sweeps—the defending champions continued their strong form today by stopping the streaking ONIC PH in a clinical 2-0 victory. The win further solidifies their place at the top of the standings as the only undefeated team in the league.
However, this was not the start everyone had envisioned for TLPH heading into the season. Following the shocking departure of Oheb last February, the Cavalry entered the season without one of their biggest weapons. Soriano had been a significant part of the team’s recent championship run, which included back-to-back MPL Philippines titles and the MSC world championship in 2025. Without a proven, world-class gold laner to anchor their side, the Cavalry found themselves at a massive disadvantage against the more established powerhouses in the MLBB scene.
But TLPH weathered the storm and found its championship form just a few weeks into the regular season.
TLPH Finds New Heroes
Stepping into the spotlight for TLPH is their new gold laner Dave “Teddyqt” Viaña. The rookie first rose through the ranks with Uncle Drew x Gamerpact, leading the squad to the RMC Season 8 title in 2024. His profile continued to grow in 2025 with a runner-up finish in RMC Season 9 and a 3rd–4th place showing in MDL PH Season 6, before eventually making the move to TL Academy PH.
However, the departure of Oheb opened a much bigger door for Viaña, filling in for the multi-decorated gold laner in the SIBOL MLBB Qualifiers last month. Despite limited preparation, Teddy rose to the occasion, helping the Cavalry reach the finals where they defeated the Falcons 3-2 to become the country’s representative for the 2026 Asian Games. With that performance, everyone knew that he deserved a place in the Season 17 lineup.
But it didn’t happen right away. Instead, Team Liquid made waves by bringing in rising star Sultan “AeronnShikii” Muhammad from their Indonesian counterparts. With an elite résumé that includes leading TLID to the finals back in M6, Muhammad arrived with the mechanical brilliance and proven big-stage experience needed to replace someone like Oheb.
However, this blockbuster move fell through. On the first day of the regular season, TLPH announced that Muhammad would miss the first week due to pending administrative requirements. The franchise didn’t have the full picture until later that week, when they clarified the situation in a social media post. It was then revealed that his return would require even more time—a risk too great for the team, leading them to move on from the gold laner. Just recently, Muhammad made his debut in MPL Malaysia with AC Esports.
Overcoming Adversities, Dominating Afterward
Despite those developments, TLPH managed the first week impressively with Sebanes—also from Liquid’s MDL team—stepping in and contributing in a major way. Viaña’s moment came in Week 2, when he once again helped his team take down the Falcons, 2–1. The Cavalry then carried that momentum forward, closing Week 2 with another 2–1 win over the previously unbeaten AP.Bren.
From there, TLPH’s win column just continued to grow. Their dominance is undeniable. By the end of Week 3, they ranked second in average assists, first in average kills, and also led the league in lord control.
Individually, they’ve been just as impressive. Karltzy and Sanford both rank in the league’s top five in kills this season. Meanwhile, Sanji and Jaypee are in the top five in assists.
This momentum, however, will be tested once more as they face the reigning World Champions Aurora Gaming PH on April 24.
