Echo keeps core for MPL Season 12 title defense bid; RSG unveils retooled roster

Reigning world champion Echo is retaining an intact core when the Orcas open their title defense bid in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 12, which will serve as a qualifier for the M5 series in December.

Echo revealed its Season 12 roster on Wednesday with team captain and veteran roamer Tristan "Yawi" Cabrera leading the pack, alongside M2 and M4 MVPs Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno and Benedict "Bennyqt" Gonzales.

The duo of youngsters Sanford "Sanford" Vinuya and Alston "Sanji" Pabico are also part of the lineup, while completing the roster is Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz.

Head coach Harold "Tictac" Reyes remains at the helm while serving as his deputy is Robert "Trebor" Sanchez.

Meanwhile, last season's third place RSG Slate Philippines also unveiled its retooled Season 12 roster.

The Raiders will be bannered by Dylan "Light" Catipon, Nathanael "Nathzz" Estrologo, Eman "EMANN" Sangco, John "Irrad" Abarquez, and the returning Arvie "Aqua" Antonio.

Junglers Jonard Cedrix "Demonkite" Caranto and John Paul "H2wo" Salonga, meanwhile, weren't part of the roster as the former left to play abroad for RSG Malaysia.

RSG Philippines, the MSC 2022 champions, fell short last season after bowing to Echo in the lower bracket finals.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News