During the M5 World Championship held in Manila, Filipino MLBB imports from abroad returned to local shores in force—a homecoming of sorts—with 23 imports (players and coaches) gracing the event as representatives of overseas leagues. Their presence underscored the Philippines’ status as a training ground for world‑class Mobile Legends talent.

Below are standout Filipino MLBB imports—players and coaches—who once represented MPL Philippines and now ply their trade overseas. Here’s where they began, when they played in MPL PH, and why we’d welcome them back with open arms.

They left to dominate abroad—but here are some Filipino imports we’d love to see come home.

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1. KurtTzy (Jankurt Matira)

• MPL PH journey: KurtTzy has been around the map. He began his pro career in MPL PH with Geek Fam Philippines in Season 4 (2019), where he played the role of Jungler. In 2020, he was acquired by Smart Omega, where he switched roles as Exp Laner. In 2021, he moved to ECHO, where he once again switched roles as Mid Laner of the so-called “Super Team”. His versatility and very deep hero pool often surprise opponents.
• Departure: In 2024, he joined Team Flash as an import in MPL Singapore.
• Why return: KurtTzy commands the Mid Lane while moving like an Assassin on mages. KurtTzy’s veteran mindset and adaptive hero pool make him a valuable asset to any team, especially those in need of stability and structure in the Mid Lane.

2. Innocent (John Vincent “Innocent” Banal)

• MPL PH journey: Innocent broke into MPL PH as the gold laner for TNC Pro during Season 11, where he quickly became known for his strong laning mechanics and confidence in high-pressure matches.
• Departure: He was picked up by Selangor Red Giants (SRG) in MPL Malaysia, where he emerged as a two-time Finals MVP in MPL Malaysia Seasons 13 and 15.
• Why return: Innocent has proven his ability to carry games on the international stage. He has matured as both a damage dealer and a decision-maker—two qualities any Filipino squad would benefit from.

3. Nathzz (Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo)

• MPL PH journey: Nathzz was RSG Philippines’ pinnacle of play in the EXP lane, helping them win the MPL PH Season 9 title and reach the MSC 2022 championship. He remained with RSG through Season 13, in which he only played one series. The following day, RSG announced his departure.
• Departure: Nathzz moved to the U.S. in late 2024 to be with his family.
• Why return: One of the most mechanically gifted EXP laners the country has produced, Nathzz brings not only dominance in 1v1 matchups but also a deep understanding of objective timing and rotation. He’s a difference-maker who still has his prime years ahead of him.

4. Kramm (Mark “Kramm” Rusiana)

• MPL PH journey: Kramm started his esports career in ArkAngel in 2021, participating in Juicy Legends, where his team was defeated by TNC. The following year, he was picked up by TNC an EXP laner for TNC Pro from Season 9 to Season 11. He transferred to ONIC Philippines in Season 12 before bowing out of the league and moving to Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants or SRG, where he currently plays.
• Departure: After Season 12 in MPL PH, Kramm was picked up by Coach Arcadia, the Filipino head coach of SRG.
• Why return: Kramm’s development curve has been sharp. With his growing experience and fearless approach in lane, he could offer fresh energy to any MPL PH team looking to inject youth and grit into its lineup.

5. Baloyskie (Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy)

• MPL PH journey: Considered one of the few veterans of MLBB esports in the Philippines, Baloyskie started his pro career in Season 4 with Dream High Gaming along with Dlar. In the latter part of 2020, he moved to ONIC PH, and then to Sun Sparks in Season 5 and winning the MPL PH championship that season. Sun Sparks became Aura Philippines in Seadson 6. He played for Aura PH until Season 7, before rejoining ONIC PH in Season 8. Baloyskie made his mark as the captain and roamer of ONIC PH, leading the team to a second-place finish at the M3 World Championship. He was a mainstay from Seasons 7 to 9.
• Departure: He joined Geek Fam in MPL Indonesia starting Season 10, where he became a key voice and shot-caller. He made history that season by leading Geek Fam to the Indonesian playoffs, the first time in history that the team made it there.
• Why return: Few roamers combine mechanical prowess and vocal leadership the way Baloyskie does. He reads the map like a coach and executes like a star. Any team aiming for a deep playoff run would thrive under his guidance.

6. Kairi (Kairi Rayosdelsol)

• MPL PH journey: Kairi was ONIC PH’s rising prodigy, taking on the jungler role in Seasons 8 and 9. He was pivotal to ONIC’s M3 grand finals run.
• Departure: In Season 10, he became the first Filipino import to compete in MPL Indonesia, joining ONIC Esports alongside Coach Yeb. There, he led the team to four straight Grand Final appearances and multiple titles.
• Why return: Kairi is now regarded as one of the best junglers in the world. His elite pathing, objective control, and composure under pressure would immediately elevate the level of competition in MPL PH. His return would feel like a superstar homecoming.

7. Coach Arcadia (Michael Angelo Bocado)

• MPL PH journey: Arcadia started with Sun Sparks in Season 5, and stayed with the team as it transitioned into Aura PH, and then ECHO. Arcadia helped ECHO establish its foundation during MPL PH Seasons 8 to 10. He was known for his tactical brilliance and hard work as the chief analyst of the team. In the 2024 Esports World Cup, Coach Arcadia’s team SRG defeated Falcons AP Bren, a Philippine team and reigning M5 world champions, in the Grand Finals of MSC 2024 with a hard-fought 4–3 series win, proving his mettle as a dangerous tactician and analyst.
• Departure: In 2023, he took the helm at RRQ Hoshi in MPL Indonesia, entrusted with reviving one of the region’s most iconic franchises. After two seasons, he was recruited by Selangor Red Giants in Malaysia, where he orchestrated a dominant run that included multiple league titles and the prestigious EWC MSC championship.
• Why return: Arcadia is the kind of coach who builds not just systems but legacies. With his wealth of international experience and calm demeanor, he would be the ideal leader for any PH team in transition or rebuilding.

Why These Filipino MLBB imports Deserve a Comeback

These Filipino MLBB imports deserve a comeback not just for nostalgia, but for the immense value they bring. Many are experience-rich playmakers who’ve earned MVP honors and international titles, proving their elite caliber. 

Veterans like Baloyskie and Arcadia offer enhanced macro understanding and leadership, bringing unmatched strategic IQ and composure in high-stakes moments. 

Beyond gameplay, their return would serve as inspiration and mentorship—living proof of what Filipino talent can achieve. 

And with their exposure to diverse metas and regional playstyles, they carry a level of tactical versatility that could help elevate and evolve the local competitive scene.