MPL Philippines Season 15 acrylic medal controversy
During the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 15, the winning team, Team Liquid Philippines, were awarded with acrylic medals. This controversy was widely mocked and ridiculed by the public, Team Liquid PH's roster, and by current and former professional players.
The game's developer, Moonton, eventually sent proper, metallic medals to the champions weeks later.
About
Controversy
MPL-PH S15 was praised for its improved trophy design. However, it was also controversial due to the use of acrylic medals, which were perceived as a downgrade from the previous seasons. The medals were widely mocked as being equivalent to those awarded in amateur competitions such as school and inter-barangay tournaments.
Current and former players, including Danerie "Wise" Rosario, expressed concerns about the situation, emphasizing that medals are more valuable to players because they will keep their medals after they leave their teams or retire. In contrast, the trophies are kept by the team organizations.
Daniel Santoso, the co-founder of AURA Esports, which later became Team Liquid PH, proclaimed that he would send customized medals and rings for his team to make up for the acrylic medals.
Resolution
On June 20, 2025, Mitch Liwanag, the team manager of Team Liquid Philippines, announced that they had received new metallic medals directly from Moonton. The medals were presented to the members in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the team was participating in the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025.[1]
On August 3, 2025, a day after Team Liquid PH won the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the team's social media pages posted a video called "Graduation Ceremony" where Daniel Santoso awarded the members of Team Liquid PH with customized unofficial medals that were deemed "better" than the original.
Gallery
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The new metallic medals sent by Moonton to Team Liquid. -
A closer look at the new medals sent by Moonton. -
The first proposed customized medal by Team Liquid's boss, Daniel Santoso. -
Team Liquid PH's unofficial customized MPL-PH S15 medals.
Reference
- Mitch Liwanag Facebook post (new medals of MPL Philippines Season 15 from Moonton). July 19, 2025, at 11:19 PM (PHT). Mitch Liwanag. Mitch Liwanag Facebook page. Retrieved on 2025-07-20.