Falcons Academy wins MDL Philippines title and qualifies for MCT SEA

Falcons Academy earned a place at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Championship Tour Southeast Asia (MCT SEA) by beating Team Fuego 4-1 in the MDL Philippines Season 8 final at SM Southmall Events Center. It was the academy team's first championship after joining the league in Season 5.

Before this title run, Falcons Academy had not progressed past the first playoff round. In the final, it took the opening game 21-6 in 16 minutes without allowing Team Fuego to destroy any turrets. Falcons then finished Game 2 in 10 minutes and won Game 3 by 15-5, keeping every structure intact in the third game.

Team Fuego avoided a sweep with a late push in Game 4, eliminating four Falcons players before breaking through to the base. The fifth game stayed close until a fight near the Lord in the 23rd minute. After Team Fuego lost two players, Falcons pushed along the middle lane to claim the title.

Roamer Lawrence "Lawrencio" Balbuena was named Finals MVP, averaging 2.2 kills, 1.8 deaths and 13.4 assists per game. Balbuena said the players would double their efforts for MCT SEA, where they would be representing the Philippines as well as their team.

Falcons Academy coach Eds Dro said practice matches against overseas teams would help the squad adjust to regional competition. MCT SEA is scheduled for December 9-13 at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, Thailand. The top two finishers will qualify directly for the M8 World Championship, while teams finishing third and fourth will enter the wildcard qualifier.