If the stars align, an All-Filipino Grand Finals could see Team Liquid PH battling ONIC PH in the MLBB Mid-Season Cup 2025 at the Esports World Cup.
Team Liquid PH and ONIC PH took different routes, but both have managed to reach the same destination.
The two Filipino teams are among the last eight standing in the knockout rounds of the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
TLPH secured their spot in the knockout rounds with a perfect 2-0 record in Group A, earning the right to select their postseason opponent.
[ALSO READ: Team Liquid PH through to MSC 2025 playoffs after clutch comeback vs ONIC ID]
The reigning MPL PH Season 15 champions chose Aurora Türkiye, a team that defeated ONIC PH in their group stage encounter. Interestingly, Aurora Türkiye is coached by Filipino Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani.
[ALSO READ: ONIC Philippines falters in MSC 2025 opener vs Aurora Türkiye]
Their best-of-five matchup will begin on Wednesday, July 30 (PH time), and the survivor of that showdown will face the winner of the Mythic Seal-ONIC ID match-up.
When asked about the decision not to pick ONIC PH, TLPH head coach Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz explained: "We want a Philippines-vs-Philippines [match in the] Grand Final."
That dream match-up is still on track, as both teams will need to secure back-to-back victories to set up an All-Filipino championship series, scheduled for Saturday, August 2.
[ALSO READ: Team Liquid exact sweet revenge on ONIC Philippines to win MPL PH Season 15 crown]
Meanwhile, ONIC PH turned things around just in time to secure their first-ever playoff appearance in the tournament.
After dropping their opening match, the Super Family bounced back with a commanding sweep of Area 77 and then defeated Malaysia’s HomeBois in their lower bracket semifinal.
[ALSO READ: Onic PH secures MSC 2025 Knockout Stage slot after sweep of HomeBois]
Unlike TLPH, ONIC PH did not have the luxury of choosing their playoff opponent.
“Ako, [ang gusto sana namin makalaban sa KO rounds] is TS [Team Spirit] kasi hindi pa namin sila nakakalaban sa isang official match,” EXP Laner Jann "Kirk" Gutierrez answered in the post-game interview when asked who he wanted to face in the playoffs.
It turned out to be a prophetic statement.
Team Spirit, who finished with a 2-0 record in Group B, picked ONIC PH as their playoff opponent. Their best-of-five duel will take place on Thursday, July 31. The winner of that showdown will take on the survivor between the defending champions Selangor Red Giants and RRQ Hoshi.