Many made their marks but only few were destined to be great.
The dynamic duo of Jonmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario and Bren Esports great CJ “Ribo” Ribo led the first set of personalities inducted to the MPL Philippines Hall of Legends at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan on Sunday, Oct. 23.
Joining the three are other players, coaches and personalities who made significant impact to the growth of the league and the MLBB Esports scene in the country and overseas, after they were selected by the members of the press, MPL talents, team players and owners.
OhmyV33nus was behind the meteoric rise of the support-meta, completely changing the landscape of the game with signature Mathilda, Estes, Diggie and Rafaela picks.
She is known for his unparalleled leadership and in-game shot calls that catapulted a relatively unknown Blacklist International team to the apex of the World MLBB Esports scene after winning the M3 World Championship last year.
Alongside the Queen is her King in Wise who likewise revolutionized the jungle game with less flashy and unorthodox picks but surprisingly efficient heroes like Aldous, Bane, and Tank jungle picks Barats and Baxia.
Ribo, meanwhile, is regarded as the winningest MLBB player in the region having won two MPL titles, one MSC title, gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games and the M2 World Championship title. He was also the epitome of versatility in the professional scene having played and won on all five positions.
Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno also dashed his way to the HOL after winning an MPL title, the gold medal in SEAG and the M1 crown. Regarded as one of the most mechanically gifted players in the league, he rose to prominence with his signature assassin picks like Lancelot that also allowed him to bag the M1 Finals MVP plum.
Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel and Jeniel “Yellyhaze” Bata-anon, two of the longest tenured players in the league were also inducted to the HOL. The two played from Seasons 1 to 10 with the former winning two MPL titles and the M2 World Championship while the latter was part of the very first MPL champion team with Aether Main.
Two of the best tank mains to ever graced the MPL stage were also included to the elite company. Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog known for his miracle set plays for Omega Esports and Execration and Christian “Rafflesia” Fajura who popularized the infamous Diggie-feeding strat and known for his championship Khufra pick.
Setsuna “Dogie” Ignacio may have not won any significant title and awards in his years as a pro-player but his influence to the growth of the MLBB esports scene during its formative years was undeniable.
His eye for talent also produced some of the brightest stars of the league in John Paul “H2wo” Salonga, Renejay “RENEJAY” Barcase and even rising stars Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya and Mariusz “Donut” Tan.
Coach Brian “Panda” Lim meanwhile was the pioneer of coaching in the MPL, serving as a trailblazer for the likes of now champion coaches Kristoffer “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza, Michael “Arcadia” Bocado and John Michael “Zico” Dizon.
Three-time best cast Manjean Faldas was also named as an honorary member of the HOL.