ECHO Philippines

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ECHO
Logo of ECHO Philippines since season 8
Short nameECHO (Season 8–present)
AURA (Season 6–7)
SS (Season 4–5)
DivisionsMobile Legends: Bang Bang
Founded24 June 2020; 3 years ago (2020-06-24)
LocationSoutheast Asia
Colors  Purple
ManagerMitch Liwanag
Championships3 (MPL-PH Series)
1 (M-series)
Division titlesMPL-PH S4 Champion
MPL-PH S5 Champion
MPL-PH S8 5th place
MPL-PH S10 2nd Place
M4 Champion
MPL-PH S11 Champion
MSC 2023 3rd place
MascotOrca
Official fan clubOrcas
PartnersXiaomi
David's Salon
Red Bull
Lawson
Sunnies Studios
Parent groupAURA Esports

ECHO, commonly known as ECHO Philippines, (formerly as AURA Philippines) is a Southeast Asian based esports team under the franchise of AURA Esports in Indonesia.[1] ECHO competes in the game of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang[edit]

Mobile Legends Professional League[edit]

Bren No Limit[edit]

In season 2, Echo Loud Aura Philippines or ECHO Philippines traces its roots back to the Digital Devils No Limit where later on acquired by Bren Esports to be rebrand as Bren No Limit[citation needed]

In season 3, They managed to finish 5th–6th Place in the Playoffs. Even though they're the sister team of Bren, they actually managed to beat by themselves.[citation needed]

Sunsparks[edit]

In season 4, At this point, they acquired Renzio and Fuzaken while Chico and Vern left the team and rebranded to SunSparks but they're still the sister team of Bren. They claimed their first championship after a long fight against ONIC 3–2 and became a full-fledged MPL/PH powerhouse.

In season 5, Later on they swapped with their nemesis ONIC Philippines swapping "fuzaken" in exchange of "Greed_" and also they get "Killuash" from his previous team Arkangel the MPL-S3 winner together with Eski FLexx(Sky). Afterall defeated by Bren Esports they still managed to defeat ONIC Philippines and become the first team in MPL Philippines to become back to back champion.

Aura Philippines[edit]

In season 6, AURA Esports from Indonesia acquired the whole roster and rebranded to AURA PH, thus they're not the sister team of Bren Esports anymore.  Despite a very good performance in the early and middle phases, They are the one also created the well known "Diggie Strat" unorthodox strategy in MPL.[2] Their performance is deteriorating in the last weeks of the Regular Season. Although in the playoffs they're expected to have a better performance, they're still ultimately eliminated by ONIC PH 3–0. Renzio and Kielvj left the team and was replaced by Hadess and Bennyqt.

In season 7 of MPL Philippine,s they still managed to get on the playoffs but still defeated by the Execration in 3–0 match in favour of Execration.[3]

In season 8, their parent team AURA Esports allowed them to change their name to ECHO but still same management.[4] Some changes were made in their rosters, letting go their former players Killuash,[5] Jaypee and "Greed_" which he goes back to his former team ONIC Philippines as Baloyskie. Later on they announced their new players including KurtTzy. However, they were able to qualify for the playoffs but lost to Omega Esports in four games in the first round of the playoffs, 3 games to 1.[6]

At the 2021 MPL Invitational, ECHO Philippines managed to survive in the tournament by defeating their main team AURA Esports in 2–1 match.[7] In spite of that they were unable to continue their journey to the MPL Invitational after the 2–1 match against their countrymen RSG Philippines in a macrostrategy in the side lane[8]

Season 9[edit]

Arrival of Nepomuceno, Cabrera and Serafico[edit]

MPL Philippines' Season 9 offseason included big names such as M2 World Champion Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno and Tristan "YAWI" Cabrera leaving Bren Esports and Nexplay EVOS, respectively. Nepomuceno spent four seasons with Bren, winning an MPL Title in Season 6[9] and winning the M2 World Title in Singapore in the same year.[10] Meanwhile, Cabrera spent his entire professional career with Nexplay EVOS, playing under the stewardship of Setsuna "DOGIE" Ignacio.[11] Meanwhile, Frediemar "3MarTzy" Serafico spent his professional career with Cignal Ultra in Season 7 and TNC Pro Team – ML in Season 8. Serafico left TNC following the team's elimination from the Season 8 playoffs.[12]

Nepomuceno, Cabrera and Serafico joined forces with ECHO Philippines for Season 9 and confirmed it through their roster introduction which included the return of notable veterans such as Ashley "Killuash" Cruz. Following the retirement of Coach Steve "Dale" Vitug,[13] Coach Michael "Arcadia" Bocado stepped up at the helm and will coach the "Dynasty" of ECHO Philippines.[14]

ECHO finished the season with an 8–6 record, securing the third seed behind RSG Philippines and TNC Pro Team – ML. ECHO's KurtTzy was awarded the Week 3 MVP. ECHO would see a disappointing finish for the star-studded lineup with Omega Esports, Coached by Jomie "Coach P4KBET" Abalos swept the superteam in the play-in tournament.[15]

Vinuya's arrival and Bocado's departure[edit]

Following a disappointing playoff finish for the roster, the team would lose head coach Michael "Arcadia" Bocado who signed with RRQ Hoshi in Indonesia following the subsequent departure of Coach Acil (now known as Coach Adi).[16][17] Regardless, the organization was able to acquire the services of many key players in the long run.

Sanford "Sanford" Marin Vinuya left the same team as Cabrera a season prior from Nexplay EVOS. He was a reserved rookie on the roster of NXPE and decided to join ECHO for Season 10.[18] Vinuya and Cabrera never played a single game together in a series during the Season prior to joining ECHO.[19] Vinuya's signing would be capitalized by signing depth players to the squad such as the veteran Jaypee "Jaypee" Cruz, Alston "Sanji" Pabico, Jhonville "Outplayed" Villar, and Justine "Zaida" Palma. The final roster for Season 10 was revealed through a Facebook post.[20]

Season 10[edit]

ECHO was slated as the fifth seed during the first half of the season, going 5–2 and a 11–8 match standing. Many doubted ECHO's ability to pull off any championship hopes for the season with the return of the VeeWise tandem of Blacklist International.[21] Regardless of the doubters, ECHO went on another 5–2 regular season finish during the remainder of the second half of the season, finishing with a 10–4 record. They were seeded 2nd however after a 2–0 defeat against Blacklist International who took Seed No. 1. Regardless, ECHO's chances of a title became higher as the limelight shown over the team.

In the playoffs, the team played RSG Philippines who defeated ONIC in three games during the play-ins.[22] ECHO would quickly dismantle the reigning defending champions, defeating them 3–1 and setting up a match against Blacklist International in the Upper-Bracket Finals. Whoever wins this series would be the first team to qualify for the annual MLBB M4 World Championship in Jakarta. However, the VeeWise Tandem and Blacklist's UBE strategy proved too much for ECHO this time and dropped to the Lower-Bracket Finals after getting swept. The team was able to secure the Grand Finals spot regardless after defeating and denying RSG Philippines a chance to go back-to-back and a chance for the MLBB M4 spot.[23] This will be ECHO's first major international competition as a franchise under the name ECHO Philippines.

ECHO became the favorites to win the title after going 2–1 against Blacklist International. However, ECHO succumbed to the pressure and lost 3 straight games that gave Blacklist their third franchise title.[24] This will be ECHO's first appearance under the name ECHO as their last appearance in the Finals was during Season 5 when the team members were still playing under Sunsparks.

MLBB M4 World Championships[edit]

Main article: MLBB M4 World Championship

ECHO and Blacklist were the heavy favorites to win the title in Jakarta and continue the Philippines' dominance over the eSports industry in the region. During the group stages, ECHO was slated in Group C alongside RRQ Hoshi, RSG Singapore and Occupy Thrones. ECHO goes undefeated in the group stage and secures an Upper-Bracket appearance alongside RRQ.[25]

In the Upper-Brackets however, ECHO would see themselves in a potential 3–2 reverse sweep situation after Team HAQ won two-straight games that forced their series into a Game 5. However, ECHO would defy Team HAQ the ability to reverse sweep and stomped the Malaysian representatives into the Lower-Brackets, winning Game 5 and set up a match between ONIC Esports.[26][27]

The Upper-Bracket Semifinals featured two Philippines vs. Indonesia series with Blacklist and RRQ Hoshi being the other. ECHO would dismantle Kairi's ONIC Esports to take a 3–1 series victory and an Upper-Bracket Final position. Their victory was largely part of the exceptional performance Benedict "BennyQt" Gonzales showed in Game 4 that turned the tides in favor of their team.[28]

In the Upper-Bracket Finals, ECHO solidified a PH vs. PH matchup between them and Blacklist International, a rematch of the Grand Finals of MPL PH S10. ECHO had the momentum and led a 2–1 series lead against Blacklist, however, Game 4 saw Salic "Hadji" Imam and Edward "EDWARD" Dapadap step up to force Game 5. Blacklist would dominate ECHO in Game 5 and booked their ticket to defend their world title in the Grand Finals, sending ECHO to the Lower-Bracket Finals for the second-time since the two teams matched together.[29]

ECHO would matchup against RRQ Hoshi in the Lower-Bracket Finals, a match reunion between the team and their former head coach Arcadia. RRQ Hoshi was the final hope for Indonesia during the match after they swept MPL Indonesia's champions ONIC Esports to secure the Lower-Bracket Finals spot.[30]

RRQ would tie the series 1–1 in a Game 2 comeback, however, ECHO's prowess in the battlefield proved to be too much for the "Kings of Kings" and ECHO was able to set a third rematch in the Grand Finals against Blacklist International.[31]

ECHO would defy expectations and will win their first organization's international title, winning the MLBB M4 World Championships and defeating Blacklist International in the Grand Finals. ECHO's Benedict "BennyQt" Gonzales would be named Finals MVP and the team secured the Philippines' third World Title.[32]

With their victory, the offseason for MPL Philippines Season 11 began and no notable changes were seen given ECHO's international victory.

Season 11[edit]

ECHO would blow the start of MPL Philippines Season 11, going on a 6–0 undefeated record. ECHO would have the second-longest winning streak prior to the introduction of the franchise system in MPL history behind Blacklist International's 10–0 in Season 8.[33] ECHO's win streak would subsequently come to an end however after losing to Bren Esports 2–1 during Week 5.

ECHO continued to dominate Season 11 and tied Bren Esports' record of 11–3 to secure the Upper-Bracket advantage.[34] The team would collect accolades such as two Week MVPs for Gonzales and Cabrera.

ECHO was sent down to the Lower-Bracket Semis after a 3–2 defeat against RSG Slate Philippines (now RSG Philippines).[35] ECHO was sent to face Bren Esports after a 3–1 defeat against Blacklist International. However, ECHO would make quick works of Bren and their rematch games against RSG Slate in the Lower-Bracket Finals, securing a second-consecutive Finals appearance.[36] ECHO would continue their playoff berth as they sweep Blacklist International for the second time, securing their first MPL title as ECHO Philippines.[37]

MSC 2023[edit]

See also: MSC 2023

ECHO and Blacklist would remain in contention to represent the Philippines in MSC 2023 in Phnom Penh. ECHO would give a promising start after a 2–0 victory in the Group Stage against Fire Flux Impunity and Team EVO. ECHO would face-off Group D's 2nd Seed, TODAK in the Quarterfinals before they lost in a 3–0 sweep against ONIC Esports, avenging the lost in M4.[38][39] ECHO's defeat brought them down to the third place match against BURN x FLASH after the team lost to Blacklist International.

ECHO were poised and were favored to win third place, however, BxF was able to send the series in five games. Regardless, ECHO won third place in MSC 2023 and a subsequent fallout of dominance from Filipino teams showed after Blacklist faltered in six against ONIC.[40][41]

Season 12[edit]

ECHO would intact their roster for the fourth-consecutive season. However, it is worth pointing out that Cabrera did not play during the opening of the season and instead, Jaypee, who was playing for ECHO's Development Roster, ECHO Proud, would be transferred to the MPL roster to replace Cabrera.[42] As of September 29, 2023, ECHO remains undefeated with an 8–0 record, trouncing their 6–0 record from the previous season. ECHO defeated Blacklist International during the second leg of the season 2–0 that propelled the team as the only team to score a win-rate of above 80%.

ECHO Philippines went on an 11–0 undefeated run in MPL Philippines Season 12 and hopes were high to break Blacklist International's record from Season 8. Blacklist also went 11–0 in Season 8 but fell into a 2–0 defeat against ONIC Philippines that ended their abrupt undefeated run.[43] No team has yet to accomplish such a feat other than ECHO. However, ECHO would lose in the same fashion as Blacklist did in Season 8, going down 2–0 against RSG Philippines that abruptly ended their undefeated streak. Despite Game 1 looking on ECHO's favor, a fatal play error and numerous pieces going down one-by-one, ECHO couldn't gain any more momentum coming into Game 2. ECHO now ties Blacklist International with the best Regular Season performance and the best regular season streak in MPL Philippines history with both teams going 11–0 in their abrupt run for the title.[44]

Awards[edit]

On July 15, ECHO took home the Mobile Team of the Year award during the Mobile Gaming Awards 2023[45] in Los Angeles, California. Besides the team's overall recognition, their gold laner Benedict "BennyQT" Gonzales also received the Mobile Player of the Year trophy, besting top-tier players like PUBG's Harsh "Goblin" Paudwal and Burenbayar "TOP" Altangerel, Clash Royale's Moamed "Mahamed Light" Tarek, Free Fire's Ratchanon "Moshi" Kunrayason, and Jeong "TENSAI" Seung-jin.

Seasons summary[edit]

MPL Philippines[edit]

Year MPL Philippines Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup ONE Esports MPL Invitational Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championships
P W L Match W-L W-L% Seed Playoffs
2021 Season 8 14 6 8 15–18 .429 5th Upper-Bracket Quarterfinals Lost; 1–3 to Omega Esports Not held Lost in the 2nd Round; 1–2 RSG Philippines Did not Qualify
2022 Season 9 14 8 6 19–13 .571 3rd Upper-Bracket Quarterfinals Lost; 0–3 to Omega Esports Did not Qualify Not held
Season 10 14 10 4 22–13 .714 2nd Runner-Up; 2–4 Blacklist International Not held Lost in the 1st Round; 1–2 EVOS Legends Champions; 4–0 Blacklist International
2023 Season 11 14 11 3 23–11 .786 2nd Champions; 4–0 Blacklist International 2nd Runner-Up; 3–2 BURN x FLASH Not held
Season 12 14 11 3 23-10 .786 1st 2nd Runner-Up; 1-3 Blacklist International Not held 2nd|Runner-up; 1-3 RSG Philippines Did not qualify
MDL Philippines[edit]
Year MDL Philippines
P W L Match W-L W-L% Seed Playoffs
2023 Season 1 13 10 3 23–9 .769 1st[46] Champions; 3–1 GameLab
Season 2 11 10 1 20–6 .909 1st Champions; 3–1 Omega Neos

Current roster[edit]

ECHO Philippines currently suffices its MPL Philippines roster and its MDL Philippines Development Roster.

ECHO Philippines Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster
Players Coaches
Role Handle Name Nationality
EXP Lane Sanford Sanford Vinuya Philippines
EXP Lane EJJ Substitute player . Philippines
Jungler KarlTzy Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno Philippines
Jungler Zaida Substitute player Justine Sadia Palma Philippines
Gold Lane Bennyqt Frederic Benedict Gonzales Philippines
Roamer Jaypee Jaypee Dela Cruz Philippines
Head coach

Harold Francisco "Tictac" Reyes

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: February 21, 2024.

ECHO Proud Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster
Players Coaches
Role Handle Name Nationality
EXP Lane Jeymz Gloria, James Philippines
Jungler Zaida Palma, Justine Sadia Philippines
Mid Laner KurtTzy Matira, Jankurt Philippines
Gold Lane Outplayed Villar, Jhonville Philippines
Roamer Santi Sucre Noble, Santi Flores Philippines
Gold Lane Sindel Palomo, Aaren Maximos Philippines
Head coach

Ronnel "Cjay" Espinoza

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Aura PH rebrands to Echo for MPL PH S8 | ONE Esports". www.oneesports.gg. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  2. ^ "What is the 'Feeding Diggie' strategy and why has it taken the MPL by storm? | ONE Esports". www.oneesports.gg. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  3. ^ Vistek. "Kielvj gets back at Aura PH as Execration ends MPL PH Finals drought – Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines". ph-mpl.com. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  4. ^ "Aura PH rebrands to Echo for MPL Season 8, Jaypee retires". Manila Bulletin. 2021-07-13. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  5. ^ "Killuash sits out MPL-PH Season 8, cites loss of drive". Manila Bulletin. 2021-07-11. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  6. ^ Coloma, Angela (2021-10-21). "Mobile Legends: Omega eliminate Echo in MPL S8 playoffs". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  7. ^ "Echo survives Aura Fire in MPL Invitational". Rappler. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  8. ^ Ubaldo, John Edison. "RSG Philippines reaches MPL Invitational quarterfinals at the expense of Echo". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  9. ^ "Bren is king of MPL Season 6". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  10. ^ "Bren Esports are your Mobile Legends M2 World Champions | ONE Esports". www.oneesports.gg. 2021-01-25. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  11. ^ "Big 3 era ends in Nexplay as Yawi departs from team". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  12. ^ "Toshi, 3MarTzy, and Der leave TNC Pro Team ML". Spin.ph. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  13. ^ "Coach Dale Vitug retires, granted release by ECHO". Tiebreaker Times. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  14. ^ "ECHO reveals star-studded MPL PH Season 9 roster with KarlTzy and Killuash | ONE Esports". www.oneesports.gg. 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  15. ^ Rossel, John Dave (2022-04-28). "Kelra Ecstatic as Omega Eliminates ECHO in the MPL PH Season 9 Playoffs". AFK Gaming. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  16. ^ "After coaching the team since their Sunsparks days, Coach Arcadia departs ECHO PH". Spin.ph. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  17. ^ Antonio (2023-01-24). "Acil Out of RRQ Hoshi, Turns Out Because of This!". VCGamers News. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  18. ^ Rossel, John Dave (2022-08-29). "SanFord and Yawi's Sacrifices Pay Off as ECHO Upset Blacklist International". AFK Gaming. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  19. ^ "Sanford shines in debut as NXPE claims third seed at Omega's expense". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  20. ^ "MPL legend Jaypee returns as ECHO PH goes Kpop in S10 roster reveal". Spin.ph. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  21. ^ "VeeWise duo returns to Blacklist International for MPL PH Season 10". cnn. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  22. ^ Ubaldo, John Edison (2022-10-20). "RSG reaches final four with sweep of Onic". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  23. ^ Ubaldo, John Edison (2022-10-21). "Echo ends run of futility against RSG to secure spot in MPL S10 upper bracket finals". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  24. ^ "Blacklist International defeats ECHO to claim third MPL-PH title". cnn. Archived from the original on October 23, 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  25. ^ Lojo, Michelle. "ECHO rules M4 group stage, secures upper bracket bonus". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  26. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (2023-01-07). "Echo averts disaster, survives Team HAQ to stay in M4 upper bracket". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  27. ^ "Ito ang pahayag ni KarlTzy kay Kairi bago ang bakbakang ECHO vs ONIC sa M4 | ONE Esports Philippines". www.oneesports.ph (in Tagalog). 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  28. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (2023-01-12). "Echo thwarts Onic to set up upper bracket finals date with Blacklist in M4 World Championship". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  29. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (2023-01-13). "Blacklist turns back Echo, books return trip to grand finals in M4 World Championship". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  30. ^ "M4: Arcadia's RRQ Hoshi ends Kairi's run". Tiebreaker Times. 2023-01-14. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  31. ^ "JUST IN: Echo wins 3–1 against RRQ in the M4 Semi-Finals!". Technophile. 2023-01-14. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  32. ^ Hakim, Luqman (2023-01-16). "MLBB: ECHO Wins M4 World Championship After Sweeping Blacklist International 4–0 in Finals". IGN Southeast Asia. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  33. ^ Ubaldo, John Edison (2023-03-10). "MPL PH: Echo escapes Omega for, extends win streak to 6". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  34. ^ "Bren, Echo secure upper bracket slots as MPL PH Season 11 heads to playoffs". GMA News Online. 2023-04-17. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  35. ^ "RSG Slate upsets Echo, arranges MPL PH upper bracket finals duel vs Blacklist". GMA News Online. 2023-05-05. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  36. ^ Ubaldo, John Edison (2023-05-06). "MPL PH: Echo eliminates Bren to reach lower bracket finals". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  37. ^ Galindo, Daryll. "ECHO sweeps Blacklist International to claim MPL PH Season 11 trophy". esports.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  38. ^ Micaller, Bea (2023-06-16). "Echo boots out Todak to secure MSC semis spot". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  39. ^ Dannug, Jonash (2023-06-17). "MSC: Kairi, ONIC score stunning sweep of ECHO, get right to face Blacklist". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  40. ^ "End of PH's SEA dominance as Blacklist falls to Onic in MSC Finals". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  41. ^ "ECHO salvages third place in MSC after nail-biting win over Burn X Flash". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  42. ^ "ECHO dominates Blacklist in MPL S12 opener". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  43. ^ Rossel, John Dave (2021-10-03). "MPL PH Season 8 Week 6 Recap: Blacklist International Drops its Undefeated Title". AFK Gaming. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  44. ^ Ubaldo, JohnEd (2023-10-08). "MPL PH: RSG stops Echo streak at 11, secures playoff spot". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
  45. ^ "MLBB: ECHO, BennyQT win big at Mobile Gaming Awards". ABS-CBN. July 15, 2023.
  46. ^ ECHO Proud is the First Seed for Group B while GameLab Esports is First in Group A.

External links[edit]

Awards and achievements
Preceded by MLBB World Championship winner
2022 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
ArkAngel
Themselves
 MPL Philippines champions (As SunSparks)
Season 4
Season 5 		Succeeded by
Themselves
Bren Esports
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