There’s been six world championships and Fnatic ONIC are ready to bring the Philippines its fifth title.
It’s the moment of truth for Fnatic ONIC coach Ynot and his team as they’ve secured their spot in the M6 World Championship grand finals. Fnatic ONIC has looked like the best team in the tournament and now the trophy is within their grasp.
Coming into M6, Filipino fans were confident in the possibility of an all-Pinoy grand final. Fnatic ONIC and Aurora Gaming had a close grand final themselves in MPL S14 but those hopes were dashed when Aurora dropped out in the Swiss stage. As the sole Filipino team left, there’s now a lot more attention and expectations on Fnatic ONIC’s shoulders.
“It was a big heartbreak for the Filipinos when Aurora went down like that,” said coach Anthony “YnoT” Senedrin. “We weren’t expecting that but that’s how it is. It’s a tough game but I’m also happy that everyone’s on that level where it’s super competitive.”
As for the mounting expectations, coach YnoT didn’t seem phased by all the attention placed on them. “I mean it was there kahit nandun pa yung Aurora. For us, we just focused on staying true to who we are. Making sure that day-by-day ang ginagawa namin is productive para palakas ng palakas yung disiplina at tiwala ng isa’t-isa.”
Pressure Makes Diamonds
The Philippines has won four of the last five M-series world championships and one can only imagine the mountain of pressure to keep up that streak for our Filipino teams. But Fnatic ONIC coach YnoT doesn’t see this pressure in a negative light. In fact, he and his team embrace it.
“Nandyan palagi yung expectations and pressure but pressure is a privilege. Kung wala kang pressure sa buhay mo, then what’s the point? Sa lahat ng magandang bagay sa buhay, meron kang mararamdaman na pressure.”
He mentions that the previous champions, Blacklist International, ECHO, and Falcons AP.Bren, felt that same pressure as well but overcame it. He’s thankful for all their efforts that put the Philippines at the top of MLBB esports but now it’s their turn to live up to that legacy.
“Sila ang nag umpisa ng angas ng Pilipinas so it’s up to us to prove that we deserved ang pagkanalo namin sa MPL Philippines. It’s our job na hindi sayang yung inumpisayan nila. Naiintindihan ng mga players yan, naiintindihan ng mga staff yan, so let’s bring it on. Gagawin namin ang lahat para ma-defend yung championship.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.