Review Week 1 MPL ID S17: RRQ Have Struggled, ONIC Have Been Too Strong

The opening week of MPL ID Season 17 has officially kicked off with immediate intensity. From the very first matches, the competition has delivered unexpected storylines, as the power balance among top teams has shifted significantly compared to the previous season.

While opening weeks have typically been used by teams to test their opponents, several squads have instead come out aggressively with surprising performances. On the other hand, some of the league’s biggest organizations have struggled to find their rhythm on the MPL Arena stage.

Two major spotlights have fallen on RRQ Hoshi, who have underperformed, and ONIC Esports, who have looked dominant. RRQ, a team that has traditionally controlled early-season momentum, has instead found itself at the bottom of the standings after failing to secure a single win in Week 1.

This disparity in performance has become a major talking point among analysts and the community, particularly regarding the effectiveness of new roster integrations. ONIC have demonstrated that stability combined with star power remains crucial, while RRQ have continued to struggle with adaptation issues that have been evident in every game.

Here is a deeper breakdown of what has happened in the Land of Dawn during Week 1, highlighting the dominance of the “Sky King” in contrast to the fragile state of the “King of Kings,” who have still been searching for their identity.

What Has Happened to RRQ? Chemistry Has Remained a Mystery

One of the biggest surprises—and disappointments for the “Kingdom”—has been RRQ Hoshi’s lack of cohesion. Despite being one of the earliest teams to announce their roster and having had a longer preparation period, RRQ have suffered consecutive defeats. In Week 1, they have been swept 2-0 by Natus Vincere and have fallen again to their eternal rivals, ONIC.

Analysts have pointed out that RRQ’s primary issue has not been individual skill, but rather unresolved chemistry and underdeveloped collective decision-making. The arrivals of players like Super Kenn and Yehezkiel had been expected to inject fresh energy, yet the opposite has been observed. RRQ have looked passive and have frequently lost momentum entering the mid-to-late game phases.

Criticism has also been directed toward Toyy, who has struggled to deliver maximum damage in crucial moments and has appeared to be under pressure from high expectations. This has been compounded by inconsistent coordination across lanes, especially during team fight initiations and defensive setups against more disciplined opponents.

One of the most viral moments on social media has involved Idok using Kalea. The Flying Cloud mechanic, which should have served as a powerful initiation tool, has instead backfired. His movement around enemy turrets without clear purpose has disrupted RRQ’s formation, making them easy to punish.

These Week 1 failures have served as a major wake-up call for RRQ’s coaching staff. If communication and synergy are not improved quickly, their position in the standings will become increasingly precarious as other teams have already begun to establish their identity.

Absolute Dominance from ONIC: Kelra Has Delivered Instant Impact

In stark contrast to RRQ, ONIC have looked flawless. The arrival of Kelra has provided an immediate and massive boost to the team’s overall strength. ONIC have swept all their matches in Week 1 without dropping a single game, firmly securing the top spot in the standings.

ONIC’s strength has not only come from the mechanical excellence of veterans like Kairi and Kiboy, but also from their increasingly flexible strategies. Kelra’s inclusion has added a new dimension—he has played with confidence in early-game trades, often breaking opponents’ momentum from the start.

Kelra’s performances have clearly been the differentiating factor. He has balanced aggression with calculated precision, rarely being caught out of position. His discipline and skill execution have made ONIC’s backline extremely difficult to penetrate.

Interestingly, Kelra’s presence has also influenced the team environment off-stage. Known for his energetic and friendly personality, he has contributed to maintaining high morale within the squad, reducing competitive pressure. This positive atmosphere has translated into consistent performances on stage.

With strong internal synergy and disciplined gameplay, ONIC have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they remain the top contender for the MPL ID S17 title. Unless other teams find a solution to counter Kelra and his teammates, the championship may once again belong to the Sky King.

Surprises from “Low-Tier” Teams: The Rise of Navi and TLID

Week 1 has also served as a proving ground for teams previously considered underdogs. Natus Vincere have looked remarkably solid, relying on established chemistry within their roster. Their use of unconventional meta picks, such as Marsel paired with Faramis, has successfully disrupted stronger opponents like RRQ.

Meanwhile, Team Liquid ID have also impressed with a highly aggressive and resilient playstyle. Their match against Navi has been widely regarded as the most entertaining series of the week, featuring multiple comeback moments.

Kyo has emerged as a standout performer for TLID in the Gold Lane. His ability to carry under pressure has positioned him as a serious contender among the league’s top Gold Laners.

Standings and Expectations for Week 2

At the end of Week 1, the standings have reflected the dominance of ONIC and Team Liquid ID at the top. Meanwhile, teams like EVOS Glory and Bigetron Alpha have experimented with roster rotations, though results have been inconsistent due to health issues and adaptation challenges among MDL promotions.

For RRQ, Week 2 will be a true test of mentality. They are set to face Team Liquid ID, who have been riding strong momentum. Another loss could significantly increase pressure from fans and make their path to the playoffs even more difficult.

For the rest of the league, the challenge remains clear: finding a way to slow down ONIC’s unstoppable pace. As it stands, they have looked untouchable—and unless something changes quickly, their dominance may continue well into the season.