World Champions Aurora Swept Team Liquid PH to End a Seven Match Winning Streak in MPL Philippines
Aurora completed back to back sweeps in the fifth week to climb to fourth, and Team Liquid PH recovered by beating Smart Omega a day later.
Aurora Gaming PH beat Team Liquid PH 2-0 in the fifth week of MPL Philippines Season 18 on 19 September 2026, ending the defending champions' seven match winning streak and delaying their qualification for the playoffs.
Liquid built a lead of around 2,000 gold in the first game through early aggression in the top lane. Aurora turned it in a Lord fight at the 14 minute mark, when Light's Gloo caught KarlTzy, and Sanji's Zhuxin added a Mega Kill in a midlane skirmish a minute later. Light finished the game with a 1-2-7 record and a hand in every Aurora kill.
The second game was one way. Aurora did not lose a hero, led 4-0 in kills by the 12th minute and built an advantage of about 10,000 gold before Koyl's Nolan finished the base siege with a double kill at 13 minutes.
Aurora, who won the M7 World Championship last season, had started the week with a 3-4 record. They swept Smart Omega 2-0 on 18 September before beating Liquid, moving to 5-4 and fourth place in the standings.
Liquid responded by beating Smart Omega 2-0 on 20 September, when ONIC Philippines also edged AP Bren 2-1. Team Falcons PH had beaten Twisted Minds 2-0 on 19 September. The regular season ends on 11 October, the top six teams reach the playoffs and the two finalists qualify for the M8 World Championship in Turkey in January 2027.