MPL ID S18 Week 4: RRQ Hoshi’s Struggles Deepen as Team Liquid ID and Navi Dominate

Jakarta, Indonesia – The fourth week of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID) Season 18 has concluded, leaving fans with a mix of exhilarating victories, strategic masterclasses, and profound disappointments. For the legendary squad RRQ Hoshi, often dubbed "The King of All Kings," Week 4 proved to be another chapter in their challenging season, as they suffered two consecutive losses, further entrenching them in the lower echelons of the leaderboard.

The regular season, held from September 4th to 6th, 2026, at the bustling XO Hall – MPL Arena in West Jakarta, saw nine elite teams battle for supremacy and crucial points in the fiercely competitive Mobile Legends esports scene. While some teams solidified their positions at the top, others found themselves grappling with inconsistency, raising questions about their playoff aspirations.

Main Facts: A Kingdom in Turmoil

RRQ Hoshi’s performance in Week 4 was a stark reminder of their current predicament. The iconic team faced formidable opponents in Team Liquid ID and Navi, succumbing to clean 0-2 sweeps in both encounters. These defeats mark a critical juncture for RRQ, who now sit precariously in seventh place. Out of seven matches played so far this season, they have managed only two victories, with five losses casting a long shadow over their campaign. Their previous wins came against Dewa United Esports in Week 1 (August 15, 2026) and Geek Fam in Week 3 (August 30, 2026).

Conversely, the top of the standings saw Team Liquid ID maintaining their iron grip on the first-place position, showcasing consistent dominance. Navi held firm in second, proving to be a formidable challenger. Alter Ego made significant strides, climbing to third place with a commendable five total wins. The shifts in the middle and bottom tiers of the standings highlight the intense competition and the high stakes involved as teams vie for a spot in the coveted playoffs.

Chronology: A Weekend of Shifting Tides

The fourth week of MPL ID S18 unfolded across three action-packed days, delivering a total of eight high-octane matches. Each game offered strategic depth, mechanical prowess, and moments of sheer brilliance that captivated the live audience and millions watching online.

Friday, September 4, 2026

The week kicked off with two highly anticipated matches, setting the tone for the intense weekend ahead.

Match 1: Bigetron by Vitality vs. Alter Ego (Alter Ego wins 2-1)
The opening series pitted Bigetron by Vitality, who had been a strong contender, against the ever-dangerous Alter Ego. The match was a true spectacle of strategic depth and individual skill. Game 1 saw Alter Ego execute a flawless early game, snowballing their advantage with superior objective control and aggressive rotations, ultimately securing the win. Bigetron by Vitality, however, showcased their resilience in Game 2, bouncing back with a composition centered around late-game scaling and strong team fight initiation, forcing a decisive Game 3. In the final game, Alter Ego’s superior drafting and execution in crucial engagements, particularly around the Lord objectives, allowed them to dismantle Bigetron’s defenses and clinch a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This result was a significant boost for Alter Ego and a setback for Bigetron by Vitality, hinting at the potential shift in the top standings.

Match 2: Evos vs. Geek Fam (Evos wins 2-0)
The second series of the day featured Evos going head-to-head with Geek Fam. Evos, known for their aggressive playstyle and coordinated team fights, displayed dominant form from the outset. In both Game 1 and Game 2, Evos controlled the map with precision, securing early leads through successful ganks and efficient farming. Their strong objective control, particularly around Turtle and Lord, denied Geek Fam any opportunity to mount a comeback. Geek Fam struggled to find answers to Evos’s relentless pressure, leading to a decisive 2-0 sweep for Evos. This victory helped Evos gain momentum and points, while Geek Fam remained rooted at the bottom of the standings.

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Day two continued the excitement with two more crucial series that impacted both the top and bottom halves of the leaderboard.

Match 3: Team Liquid ID vs. Dewa United Esports (Team Liquid ID wins 2-0)
As the current league leaders, Team Liquid ID entered their match against Dewa United Esports with high expectations, and they did not disappoint. Demonstrating why they hold the top spot, Team Liquid ID showcased impeccable macro-play and individual brilliance. Both games saw them take control from the drafting phase, executing their strategies with near-flawless precision. Their synergy in team fights and their ability to capitalize on every small advantage left Dewa United Esports struggling to keep pace. Team Liquid ID secured a clean 2-0 sweep, further solidifying their position at the pinnacle of MPL ID S18. For Dewa United Esports, this loss was another challenge in their quest to escape the bottom half.

Match 4: Navi vs. Onic (Navi wins 2-1)
One of the most anticipated matches of the day was the clash between second-placed Navi and the formidable Onic. The series lived up to its hype, delivering a thrilling three-game encounter. Game 1 was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows, but Navi eventually outmaneuvered Onic in a crucial late-game team fight to take the lead. Onic, known for their adaptability, responded strongly in Game 2, drafting a strong counter-composition and executing aggressive plays to level the series. The tension was palpable in Game 3, which turned into a tactical chess match. Navi ultimately prevailed through superior objective control and clutch plays from their star carries, securing a 2-1 victory. This win allowed Navi to maintain their strong hold on the second spot.

Sunday, September 6, 2026

The final day of Week 4 featured four pivotal matches, including both of RRQ Hoshi’s heartbreaking encounters.

Match 5: RRQ Hoshi vs. Team Liquid ID (Team Liquid ID wins 2-0)
The first match for RRQ Hoshi in Week 4 was against the dominant Team Liquid ID. Hopes were high for RRQ to show a resurgence, but Team Liquid ID proved too strong. In both games, Team Liquid ID dictated the pace, securing early advantages and meticulously expanding their lead. RRQ Hoshi struggled to find openings or execute their game plan effectively, often falling behind in gold and experience. Team Liquid ID’s coordinated assaults and superior late-game execution led to a swift 2-0 victory, sending a clear message of their continued supremacy. This loss marked the beginning of RRQ’s challenging Sunday.

Match 6: Alter Ego vs. Dewa United Esports (Alter Ego wins 2-0)
Following their impressive win on Friday, Alter Ego continued their strong run against Dewa United Esports. Demonstrating improved cohesion and strategic depth, Alter Ego systematically dismantled Dewa United. They controlled the map, executed successful ganks, and secured objectives with precision in both games. Dewa United Esports, despite their best efforts, could not withstand Alter Ego’s aggressive and well-coordinated attacks. Alter Ego’s clean 2-0 sweep further cemented their ascent in the standings, showcasing their potential as a top-tier contender.

Match 7: RRQ Hoshi vs. Navi (Navi wins 2-0)
RRQ Hoshi’s second match of the day brought no relief, as they faced another top-tier team, Navi. Similar to their earlier encounter against Team Liquid ID, RRQ Hoshi found themselves outmaneuvered and outplayed. Navi displayed excellent team coordination, superior objective control, and decisive team fight engagements. RRQ Hoshi’s attempts to mount a comeback were consistently thwarted, leading to another disheartening 0-2 defeat. This consecutive loss highlighted the depth of RRQ Hoshi’s current struggles and left their fanbase deeply concerned.

Match 8: Bigetron by Vitality vs. Geek Fam (Bigetron by Vitality wins 2-0)
The final match of Week 4 saw Bigetron by Vitality looking to rebound after their loss on Friday, facing Geek Fam. Bigetron by Vitality, despite their earlier setback, showed their class against Geek Fam. They executed a solid game plan, focusing on objective control and capitalizing on Geek Fam’s mistakes. Geek Fam fought hard but ultimately lacked the coordination and execution to withstand Bigetron’s pressure. Bigetron by Vitality secured a clean 2-0 victory, ending their week on a positive note and preventing a further slide down the standings.

Supporting Data: The Shifting Leaderboard

The conclusion of Week 4 brought significant clarity to the MPL ID S18 standings, revealing a hierarchy that is becoming increasingly defined. While the top three seem to be consolidating their positions, the middle and bottom tiers remain a battleground where every point matters.

MPL ID S18 Week 4 Standings (as of September 7, 2026):

1. Team Liquid ID: Dominant and consistent, Team Liquid ID continues to set the benchmark for the league. Their pristine record and flawless execution make them the team to beat.
2. Navi: Maintaining their strong performance, Navi remains a formidable force, showcasing strategic depth and individual brilliance. They are a strong contender for the title.
3. Alter Ego: With a renewed vigor and impressive strategic adjustments, Alter Ego has climbed to third place with a total of 5 wins. Their recent performances indicate they are hitting their stride.
4. Bigetron by Vitality: After dropping from the runner-up spot, Bigetron by Vitality now sits in fourth. Their week was mixed, highlighting areas for improvement, but they remain a playoff-caliber team.
5. Onic: A consistent presence in the mid-table, Onic continues to show flashes of brilliance but needs to find more consistency to challenge the top three.
6. Evos: Evos secured a crucial win this week, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot. Their journey continues to be a test of resilience and adaptation.
7. RRQ Hoshi: The biggest story of the week, RRQ Hoshi remains in seventh place with a disappointing 2 wins and 5 losses. The pressure is mounting for the former champions to find their form.
8. Dewa United Esports: Struggling to find consistent wins, Dewa United Esports occupies the eighth spot, needing a significant turnaround in the coming weeks.
9. Geek Fam: At the bottom of the leaderboard, Geek Fam faces an uphill battle to escape the relegation zone. They have shown glimpses of potential but lack the consistency required.

The gap between the top three and the rest of the pack is widening, with Team Liquid ID, Navi, and Alter Ego establishing themselves as the frontrunners. However, the fight for the remaining playoff spots is intense, with Bigetron by Vitality, Onic, and Evos locked in a tight race.

Official Responses: A Mix of Resolve and Disappointment

Following the challenging weekend, team officials and players offered their perspectives on the week’s outcomes.

RRQ Hoshi’s Head Coach, "Acil" (placeholder name), expressed a blend of disappointment and determination: "This week was tough, there’s no denying that. Losing both matches 0-2 against top teams like Liquid and Navi highlights areas where we are clearly falling short, especially in early-game macro and late-game shot-calling. The team is feeling the pressure, but we are not giving up. We will use these losses as learning experiences, review our strategies, and come back stronger. The fans deserve more, and we are committed to delivering it."

Meanwhile, the Captain of Team Liquid ID, "Sasa" (placeholder name), reflected on their continued success: "We’re pleased with our performance this week and maintaining our top spot. The team’s synergy is at an all-time high, and our drafts have been very effective. We respect every opponent, but we believe in our process and our ability to adapt. The season is long, and we’re focused on staying consistent and not getting complacent."

An analyst from the MPL ID broadcast team, "Kornet" (placeholder name), weighed in on RRQ’s situation: "RRQ Hoshi’s struggles are concerning for a team of their caliber. Historically, they’ve been synonymous with dominance. Their current meta adaptation seems slower than their rivals, and individual player form appears inconsistent. They need a significant strategic overhaul or perhaps a roster adjustment to reignite their spark. The pressure from their dedicated fanbase is immense, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in the coming weeks."

Implications: The Road Ahead and Playoff Dreams

The results of MPL ID S18 Week 4 have significant implications for the remainder of the regular season and the looming playoff picture.

For RRQ Hoshi: The consecutive losses place immense pressure on the team. Their current 2-5 record means they must perform exceptionally well in the remaining weeks to secure a playoff berth. The margin for error is now razor-thin. Failure to adapt to the current meta, address individual performance issues, or find a winning strategy could see one of MPL’s most decorated franchises miss out on the postseason, a scenario unthinkable just a few seasons ago. Their upcoming matches will be do-or-die, demanding nothing less than peak performance.

For the Top Contenders (Team Liquid ID, Navi, Alter Ego): Their strong performances solidify their positions as the primary contenders for the regular season title and a favorable seed in the playoffs. They have showcased adaptability, strong individual play, and excellent team coordination. The battle for the top spot, which grants direct entry to the upper bracket finals, will be fierce between these three.

For the Mid-Table Teams (Bigetron by Vitality, Onic, Evos): The competition for the remaining playoff spots (likely 4th-6th) is incredibly tight. Every match from here on out will be a grand final for these teams. Consistency will be key, as any slip-up could cost them a chance at the championship. Bigetron’s slight dip this week serves as a reminder that even established teams can be vulnerable.

For the Bottom Teams (Dewa United Esports, Geek Fam): Their path to the playoffs looks increasingly challenging. They need to string together multiple wins and hope for favorable results from other matches. For Geek Fam, avoiding the last place, which often carries significant implications for future seasons, will be their immediate goal. Both teams will need to innovate their strategies and find a way to upset stronger opponents to keep their hopes alive.

Overall League Dynamics: The meta continues to evolve, with teams experimenting with different hero compositions and objective priorities. The intensity of the competition is at an all-time high, promising an exhilarating second half of the regular season. Fan engagement remains robust, with the narrative of RRQ Hoshi’s struggle contrasting with the rise of new powerhouses creating compelling storylines.

As MPL ID S18 moves into its crucial latter half, every game will be a testament to skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. The coming weeks will undoubtedly determine which teams have the championship pedigree and which will fall short in the quest for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang glory. The journey for "The King of All Kings" to reclaim their throne, or for new monarchs to emerge, has just gotten more intense.