Filipino esports giant TNC Predator has officially entered the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang professional scene, tapping Work Auster Force for the upcoming MPL Philippines Season 8 on Tuesday, July 13.
TNC owner Eric Redulfin previously told Manila Bulletin that they were planning to join the MPL which is reported to implement a franchise-based model.
TNC is looking to carry its dominance in the local Dota 2 landscape into the Mobile Legends competitive ground.
"Being widely known for their great achievements in Dota 2 and being Southeast Asian multi-gaming organization of Philippine net cafe chain, we are proud to announce that TNC has now entered the Mobile Legends scene and we are honored to be its new banner holder," Work said through Facebook.
"The story of the phoenix continues here with a whole new battlefield to conquer."
TNC has yet to announce its full roster for the MPL Season 8 but it's highly likely that it will retain the core of Work during its explosive debut last season.
Daniel "Chuuu" Chu (jungler), Frediemar "3MarTzy" Serafico (EXP laner), Clarense "Kousei" Camilo (gold laner), Patrick "rTzy" Grecia (support) and Dylan "Unravel" Catipon (captain-tank) under coach Laurenz "Lift" Ruz bannered the Work squad that barged into the Season 7 playoffs.
Work proved to be a strong contender for an upper bracket spot with its stellar showing in Group A but eventually fell short against top two seeds Aura PH and Bren Esports.
Chuuu and the crew crushed Setsuna "Dogie" Ignacio's Nexplay Esports, 3-1, in the lower bracket first round before bowing out at the hands of world champion Bren, 3-1, in the next phase.