Philippines Stay on Top in 33rd SEA Games MLBB Men’s Knockouts

The 33rd SEA Games MLBB Men’s Tournament reached its climax with a competitive knockout bracket. It delivered intense matches and most of all, regional pride.

After the group stages concluded, six teams battled in the single-elimination Knockout Stage on December 15 and 17, to determine the podium finishes of the participants. Played in a Best-of-5 format for every series except the Best-of-7 gold medal match, the bracket featured the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and other regional contenders in MLBB Esports. Each vying for the Gold Medal.

SEA Games MLBB Semifinal Showdowns

Philippines vs. Indonesia

The semifinals set the stage for a high-stakes duel between two of the greatest Southeast Asian esports powerhouses. The Philippines, coming off a dominant group stage, faced Indonesia in a best-of-five clash that tested resolve and adaptation.

Surprisingly, Philippines got outdrafted during Game 1 that gave them a major disadvantage. After dropping Game 1 to Indonesia, where EXP laner Aldhia “Aran” Aranda’s devastating Phoveus pick created early pressure, Sibol shook off the rust and reset. The Philippines responded emphatically, winning three straight games to seal a 3-1 victory. It was like Game 1 didn’t exist at all after Sibol Philippines stomped Indonesia during those next three games.

Key performers included Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, whose Granger play swung teamfights, and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, whose Gatotkaca presence in Game 3 brought both crowd control and frontline stability.

Mid laner Alston “Sanji” Pabico also delivered crucial objective control that allowed the Philippines to reclaim tempo. Who could also forget the GOAT, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno with his signature Lancelot pick that made him famous when he was just starting.

With this win, the Philippines punched their ticket to the gold medal match, extending their streak of appearances at SEA Games finals.

• PHI 3-1 INA

Malaysia vs. Myanmar

Across the bracket, Malaysia took on Myanmar in another best-of-five semifinal. Malaysia’s roster, brimming with synergy and strategic depth, overcame Myanmar in convincing fashion with a 3-0 sweep to secure their spot in the grand finals.

The Malaysian squad limited Myanmar’s opportunities for comeback windows through sheer force in the Land of Dawn. Their ability to control fights around neutral objectives such as turtles and lords kept Myanmar on the back foot throughout the entire series. Despite Myanmar’s attempt for early-series skirmishes, Malaysia’s disciplined path toward medal contention shined brightest when it mattered most.

Earning them a date with the Philippines in the gold medal showdown. This is another chance for them to get a consecutive Gold Medal after winning the IESF WEC 2025 just a week ago.

• MAS 3-0 MYA

Bronze Medal Match

After falling in their respective semifinals, Indonesia and Myanmar faced off for the bronze medal.  Indonesia’s strengths were particularly evident in their draft adaptability and early objective prioritization. Their lane dominance in select games allowed them to snowball leads into decisive teamfights, forcing Myanmar to play catch-up.

Down match point, Myanmar held on getting Game 3 for them to attempt a reverse sweep. They almost got their groove to the match but Indonesia ultimately managed to outmaneuver Myanmar to take third place. Indonesia still belongs to the top 3 regions of the world.

• INA 3-1 MYA

Gold Medal Match: Philippines vs. Malaysia

The grand finals reached peak MLBB as the Philippines squared off against Malaysia in a Best-of-Seven thriller for all the gold. From the outset, the Philippines imposed their tempo and draft philosophy, striking early and often while dictating the flow of engagements on the map.

Their coordinated rotations allowed them to farm efficiently, contest objectives, and punish overextensions by Malaysia. Whether through superior vision control, clutch crowd control execution, or decisive target focus, Sibol maintained control throughout the series. 

Veteran stars , particularly Oheb’s multi-kill performances and Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno’s Lord steals, tilted key fights and provided windows that Malaysia struggled to close. Specifically on Game 3. Fresh off a commanding group stage showing, the Philippines completed a 4-0 sweep to retain their SEA Games crown.

Post-match celebrations reflected not just a victory, but a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ dominance in Southeast Asian MLBB esports.

• PHI 4-0 MAS

SEA Games MLBB Men’s Division Concludes

The Philippines demonstrated why they remain as the top region for professional MLBB. Their ability to adapt mid-series — especially after setbacks like Game 1 versus Indonesia or down heavily during Game 3 against Malaysia.

While Malaysia finished with silver, their clear strategy and team cohesion highlighted why they remain one of the region’s strongest challengers. Indonesia secured bronze through strategic rotations and teamfight execution that outpaced Myanmar. The bronze medal match also underlined that upcoming talents and roster evolutions could reshuffle future podiums.

With the 33rd SEA Games now concluded, regional MLBB fans already have their eyes set on future international and league play. As the Philippines basks in gold, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar are poised to recalibrate for upcoming competitions where rivalries will deepen and strategies evolve. Especially moving towards M7, with some of the participanting M7 teams here. For now, though, the SEA Games stage belongs to the Philippines.