Heartwarming moments fill MSC final as two Pinoys pave way for Indonesia takeover

In a bittersweet ending to the 2023 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC), the Philippines' reign in the tournament has ended.

Indonesian squad ONIC Esports took out fan-favorite Blacklist International in the grand finals, 4-2, to reclaim the MSC trophy with the help of two Filipinos.

The storyline of the finals was straight out of the books. ONIC jungler and Pinoy player Kairi "Kairi" Rayosdelsol used to play for Blacklist before getting traded to ONIC Philippines for Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and Danerie James "Wise" Del Rosario (most commonly known as VeeWise).

The rest was history. While the VeeWise became a staple in the international scene, Kairi chased his first international title.

And the timing for the breakthrough win couldn't be more poetic.

His time has finally come. Kairi has finally won an international championship.

It is now Onic's time!
Onic Esports of Indonesia are the new Kings of SEA! pic.twitter.com/0P6Js65QTw

— Renmar (Reptar) Sta Cruz @ MSC 2023 (@esportsreptar) June 18, 2023

Kairi is getting the well-deserved praise.

CONGRATS ONIC! MSC CHAMPS! GALING MO KAIRI 💛 pic.twitter.com/MqWmsqyqUz

— Gabby Black. (@JihanQt4ever) June 18, 2023

In a heartwarming moment, Blacklist's Edward "EDWARD" Dapadap and Kairi, who are former teammates, hugged it out after the conclusion of the thrilling finals.

Esports caster @OSXph couldn't help but be amazed at the moment. 

"Napakagandang laban. Napakagandang moment!"

NAPAKAGANDANG LABAN, NAPAKAGANDANG MOMENT!!! EDWARD & KAIRI!!! 🥺 CONGRATULATIONS ONIC INDONESIA, THE NEW KINGS OF SEA!!! pic.twitter.com/unKfjWPMSc

— OSX @ MSC 2023 (@OSXph) June 18, 2023

Living for this. Congrats ONIC! 🇮🇩 pic.twitter.com/ivZMFIFuJm

— Uomi @ MSC 2023 (@uomiph) June 18, 2023

Paul Miranda, or known as Coach Yeb, is also a huge part of the success as the head coach of ONIC.

Esports fan and scribe Calvin Trilles tipped his hat to Miranda's career move that eventually paid dividends.  

"Coach Yeb took a gamble when he decided to go to (Indonesia) to lead a demoralized ONIC squad. With two MPL ID titles under his belt and now, an MSC crown, it's safe to say that his risk paid off."

Coach Yeb took a gamble when he decided to go to ID to lead a demoralized ONIC squad. With 2 MPL ID titles under his belt and now, an MSC crown, it's safe to say that his risk paid off.

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” - T.S. Elliot pic.twitter.com/L3OGNalI3R

— Calvin Trilles (@calvintrilles) June 18, 2023