Eight teams return and two squads debut as the seventh season of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) comes off the wraps on Friday, March 19.

All eyes will be on Bren Esports as it tries to defend its championship, with perennial contenders Aura PH, Onic PH, Execration, and Omega Esports looking to change the status quo.

The reigning local league champion, Bren Esports is also considered the best team in the world after ruling the Mobile Legends M2 World Championships in Singapore.

Other returning teams for Season 7 include Blacklist International, Cignal Ultra, and Nexplay Esports.

Meanwhile, Work Auster Force and Laus Playbook Esports will try to prove their mettle as the two new teams in the MPL PH.

Work Auster Force and Laus Playbook Esports survived the MPL PH qualifiers that drew over 3,000 aspiring squads.

The 10 teams will be divided into two groups, with the top 4 teams from each group advancing to the playoffs.

Bren Esports, Aura PH, Onic PH, Cignal Ultra, and Work Auster Force comprise Group A, while Omega Esports, Execration, Blacklist International, Nexplay Esports, and Laus Playbook Esports compose Group B.

Team shuffle

While Season 6 finalists Bren Esports and Omega Esports retained their lineups for Season 7, several other teams tweaked their rosters.

Former Onic PH duo Wise and OhMyV33nus will now star for Blacklist International, which lost child prodigy Kairi.

Kairi is now with Onic PH, alongside former Execration attack damage carry Hate.

Returning with only 3 players from its Season 6 roster – Z4pnu, E2Max, and Ch4ku – Execration welcomed Kielvj and Renzio from Aura PH and Kelra as it aims to finally win the elusive MPL PH title.

Two-time champion Aura PH, meanwhile, acquired former Execration gold laner Bennyqt and former Cignal Ultra carry Hades.

Crowd favorite Nexplay Esports also made offseason changes after replacing Chester, MB, and Jimnest with Jeymz, Exort, and LanceCy. – Rappler.com