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The road to Paris wasn’t going to be easy, but Team Falcons proved they deserved it in the end.
The MPL PH Season 17 playoffs turned out to be a tougher challenge for David “Flap” Canon and Team Falcons despite their impressive regular season run. Many were shocked by the sweep they got from ONIC PH in the upper bracket finals, including Team Falcons themselves.
“Para ngang maling gising kami lahat!” said Flap to The GAME. “Or parang na-download kami, kasi galing momentum din ‘yung ONIC.”
Losing 0-3 against a team you’ve consistently beaten in the regular season was taken as a bad omen by fans. Many still remember their terrible Season 16 run and some were thinking that their luck had finally run out. But they have proven themselves time and again to be adaptable to any circumstance.
“Parang hindi kami ‘yung naglalaro nung time na ‘yun. Lahat ng mga timing, ‘yung comms namin, sobrang off,” Flap continued. “Kaya ‘yun ‘yung naging adjustments namin pagbalik ng bootcamp. Nag usap kami lahat at binago namin lahat kinabukasan.”
The results speak for themselves as Team Falcons’ quick turnaround led to them getting their revenge against ONIC PH in the lower bracket finals. With a spot in the grand finals and a trip to Paris for MSC 2026 secured, Team Falcons now had to contend with Team Liquid.
“Expected ko talaga na magiging dikdikan yung laban namin. Parehas namin gusting manalo,” said Flap. The Falcons did express their desire to deny Team Liquid the three-peat, but it was always going to be tough going up against the Cavalry. They fought valiantly, but they couldn’t stop Team Liquid from taking their third straight championship.
Although Team Falcons had a bumpy journey through the Season 17 playoffs, they still earned their MSC 2026 spot. They’ve always come back wiser and stronger, and we can’t wait to see them how they do on the international stage.
Banner image from MPL Philippines on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Team Falcons were swept 0-3 by ONIC PH in the upper bracket finals. Flap attributed the loss to poor timing, off communications, and ONIC PH’s strong momentum coming into the series.
The team returned to bootcamp, had a full team discussion, and reset their communications and in-game adjustments before their lower bracket run.
Yes. Team Falcons defeated ONIC PH in the lower bracket finals, securing a spot in the grand finals and an MSC 2026 berth in the process.
Team Falcons faced Team Liquid in the grand finals but could not stop them from claiming their third straight MPL PH championship.
Yes. Their grand finals finish secured Team Falcons a spot at MSC 2026 in Paris — their return to international competition after being absent throughout 2025.