The new season of the MPL Philippines is set to open on Feb. 18, the league announced on Thursday, Jan. 6.

After a historic Season 8 that saw Blacklist International rule the tournament for the second straight season and eventually winning the M3 World Championship, all eyes will be on the crew led by the duo of Jonmar “OhmyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario as they gun for a piece of history.
The M3 World Champion will shoot for an unprecedented three-peat in the league’s ninth season although tough challenge awaits the Kings of MLBB as teams like Onic Philippines and the new ‘super team’ ECHO stand on their way.
So far, it was only ECHO who has announced its full S9 roster that featured some of the biggest names in the league. The Season 8 main five led by Christian “Rafflesia” Fajura and Benedict “BennyQT” Gonzales will be joining hands with prized off-season recruits Frediemar “3martzy” Serafico, Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera and former Bren Esports and M2 World Championship MVP Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno.
Onic, meanwhile, will have its shot at redemption for S9 after two runner-up finishes in the MPL S8 and in the M3 Worlds.
On the other hand, last season’s third placer Omega Esports is looking rekindle its rivalry against Blacklist as it is rumored to have added new players to try and compete against the PH’s bests.
Completing the S9 cast were Nexplay Evos, RSG Philippines, Bren Esports, and TNC Pro Team, which are all busy completing their new look squads for the tournament
Season 9 is still expected to be done online especially if the current COVID-19 situation continues in the next few months.