A larger venue means a larger crowd and greater motivation to play your best.
With playoffs secured, Aurora’s Edward is all set to play in front of the biggest playoff crowd to date at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Aurora has practically cruised through the second half of MPL PH S16 and have amassed a sizable following to boot. That’s to be expected when you’re at the top of the league, and now all those fans will be out in full force at the iconic Astrodome.
“Nakaka-excite siya kasi grabe yung magiging crowd at sigaw,” said Aurora’s Edward Dapadap. “Kahit may headphones ka na may white noise maririnig mo pa rin yung sigaw ng mga tao. Nagiging mas-masarap maglaro sa playoffs.”
Playing for such a huge crowd might be daunting for some, but not for Edward. In fact, it fuels him to push himself and go for bigger plays.
“Kasi pag maraming fans sa venue, kapag may highlights ka grabeng sigaw nun! Nakaka-motivate! Kidding aside, siyempre marami yung sumusuporta sa amin so hindi namin sila bibiguin.”
Of course, this is nothing new for him. Edward has been to many international events and has played for one of the most popular teams in MPL history. As historic as this is for both the MPL and Philippine esports, it might be just another day in the office for the veteran EXP Laner.
“Yung biggest change – yung interview hindi na ako matatakot kasi Tagalog,” said Aurora’s Edward with a laugh. “Pero para sa venue, tingin ko wala masyadong adjustment dahil sa experience ko. Matagal na ako naglalaro so parang normal na yan.”
But even Edward can see just how monumental playing in an arena-sized venue is for the MPL. It speaks volumes about how the league has developed, and he can see it still growing bigger in the future.
“Nung dumating yung Esports World Cup, dun ko talaga nakita na malaki yung opportunity sa esports,” said Aurora’s Edward. “So para sa MLBB, simula pa lang yung [Cuneta Astrodome]. Siguro sa susunod sa Philippine Arena na.”
Banner photo from MPL Philippines.