Playing for a big international esports organization is a big deal, but it’s business as usual for Sanford.
As the bombshell of Team Liquid acquiring ECHO continues to make waves, their young EXP Laner Sanford Marin Vinuya keeps on trucking as if nothing’s changed. Team Liquid is one of the most prestigious esports organizations in the world and playing for them carries certain expectations.
Sanford, and the rest of the newly minted Team Liquid ECHO, on the other hand don’t really feel that weight. “We don’t really feel any pressure right now,” said Sanford. “Motivation lang talaga, no pressure.”
Considering ECHO’s humble origins, being acquired by a top esports org would change anyone’s outlook. Sanford and the team however have managed to turn that pressure into motivation. “Iniisip ko na ‘big org equals big expectations’ and hindi lang sa mga tao kundi sa mga boss din namin sa Liquid. So kailangan namin galingan talaga para makita nila na tama yung team na kinuha nila.”
Of course Sanford and Team Liquid ECHO are no strangers to overwhelming pressure. They are, after all, former world champions and are constantly fighting for the top spot in the MPL Philippines. There’s a lot of expectations on them but they’re able to not buckle under them thanks to their team chemistry.
“Whatever happens, iha-hype namin ang isa’t isa and never talaga kami mada-down,” said Sanford. “Dagdag na lang yung momentum pag na-hype kami. Dinadala namin yun sa next game namin para sobrang sigla namin maglaro at nabibigay talaga yung best namin.”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.
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