Aurora survives seven-game Liquid thriller to reach MPL PH final and qualify for M8

Aurora survives seven-game Liquid thriller to reach MPL PH final and qualify for M8

Aurora Gaming PH defeated Team Liquid PH 4–3 in the MPL Philippines Season 18 lower bracket final, ending the defending champion’s four-peat bid and securing the second Philippine place at M8.

The victory set up a championship rematch against Team Falcons PH , which had beaten Aurora in the upper bracket final.

Liquid strikes first before Aurora responds

Liquid won the opener behind Teddy’s 8/2/8 Harith performance. Aurora answered emphatically, taking all three Turtles and finishing Game 2 in 10:39.

Teddy’s Freya helped Liquid regain the lead in Game 3. Aurora then won consecutive games to move ahead 3–2, with Light ’s deathless 0/0/12 Kalea performance contributing to the fourth-game equaliser.

Liquid refused to concede the series. Sanji ’s Zhuxin finished 3/1/9 in Game 6 as the defending champion forced a deciding seventh game.

Koyl’s Lord steal helps settle the decider

In Game 7, Koyl’s Suyou stole the Lord at 13:13, helping Aurora secure the decisive advantage and finish the series.

The result delivered Aurora its second playoff victory Over Liquid, following the 3–1 upper bracket semifinal win. It also preserved Aurora’s opportunity to defend its M7 world championship at M8 in Istanbul.

Liquid finished third, missing both the domestic grand final and the world championship. Aurora advanced with a chance to avenge its five-game defeat to Falcons and claim its first MPL Philippines title.