Aurora Gaming PH and Team Liquid reignite their MPL rivalry on the global stage as they face off in the M7 World Championship Swiss Stage opener.
The M7 World Championship opens with a blockbuster all-Filipino clash between Aurora Gaming PH and Team Liquid in the Swiss Stage.
Their rivalry was one of the most talked-about storylines in MPL PH Season 16, filled with momentum shifts, revenge arcs, and high-stakes clashes.
Here’s a look at how their rivalry unfolded—and why their M7 rematch is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Aurora completes regular season sweep
Aurora Gaming PH made a strong statement early in the season by sweeping Team Liquid PH 2–0. Jungler Demonkite outpaced KarlTzy, while Light made key pickoffs to deny Liquid any comeback.
[ALSO READ: MPL PH: ONIC PH off to 2-0 start; Aurora Gaming shocks champs Team Liquid PH for first win]
In a tighter rematch, Aurora proved the first win was no fluke.
Team Liquid pushed back with stronger early-game execution and took Game 2, but Aurora’s late-game poise returned in Game 3. Yue found a clutch pick on Sanji, allowing Aurora to secure the final team fight and take the series 2–1.
Aurora continues streak in Upper Grand Finals
Meeting again in the playoffs, Aurora Gaming PH repeated their success with a 3–1 series win in the upper bracket finals.
With a direct ticket to the Grand Finals on the line, Aurora’s discipline shone as they focused on objective control and punished overextensions from Team Liquid. Demonkite outmaneuvered KarlTzy in the jungle, and Edward held down the side lanes with rock-solid defense.
While Team Liquid managed to take one game, they couldn’t match Aurora’s cohesion, advancing to the Grand Finals.
[ALSO READ: Path to M7: Breaking down every team's road to the World Championship]
Team Liquid gets its revenge in the Grand Finals
The championship match, however, told a very different story.
Team Liquid PH came in from the lower bracket with something to prove, delivering a flawless 4–0 sweep.
[ALSO READ: REPEAT: Team Liquid PH sweeps Aurora Gaming to win MPL Philippines Season 16 title]
Jaypee’s aggressive roam plays were key, while Oheb popped off in the gold lane. KarlTzy, silenced in the previous series, took control of the jungle and objectives.
In the end, Team Liquid lifted the MPL PH Season 16 trophy, getting the revenge they had been building toward all season.
Rivalry renewed
Aurora Gaming PH owned the head-to-head for most of the season, going 7–2 in games across four series. However, Team Liquid’s Grand Finals sweep turned the tables dramatically.
Now, the rivalry heads to the international stage at the M7 World Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Who gets the last laugh? M7 will have the answer.
Match begins at 9:00 p.m.
[ALSO READ: MLBB: What you need to know about the M7 World Championship]
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.