Sometimes you need to take a step back to find your spark once again.
It’s a new MPL season for TNC’s Bennyqt, and despite the big roster shakeups, he’s entering the season with a newfound energy.
TNC experienced a bit of a breakthrough last season as the team finally made it to the playoffs after sitting in last place for five straight seasons. Part of that achievement goes to Frederic “Bennyqt” Gonzales. As a M-series world champion, his experience played a key role, but he knows it was a team effort that pulled them out of last place.
“Meron ngang satisfaction na nakaabot kami ng playoffs last season,” said TNC’s Bennyqt. “Nakadikit din kami sa SIBOL IESF qualifiers. Kumbaga na perform naman namin yung lahat ng gusto namin. Pero looking back sa times na yon, kayang-kaya naman namin, kinapos lang.”
To that end, he feels confident with this iteration of TNC, especially with the return of coach Patrick “E2MAX” Caidic. E2MAX is one of the brightest minds in MLBB, and it seems like he’s already made improvements to the squad.
“Pagdating kay coach E2MAX, nakita ko talaga yung improvement ng mga players,” said TNC’s Bennyqt. “Sobrang bilis ng growth nila sa mindset, sa pindot, sa macro, sa lahat. Nakita ko din yun sa sarili ko at kung nakikita mo yung improvement mo, mas-nakakagigil maglaro.”
Rediscovering Your Passion
“Kung tutuusin, sobrang tagal ko na sa scene. Sa tagal-tagal ko, ngayon lang bumabalik yung uhaw at gigil ko as a rookie,” admitted TNC’s Bennyqt.
It’s no secret that Bennyqt’s shine has waned since winning the M4 world championship in 2023. He admits he let himself go and fell into the same trap that many players fall into after achieving their theoretical peak.
“Nung time na yon, feeling ko na wala makakahabol sa akin. Kumbaga kung magpabaya ako kaya kong bumalik sa prime ko in a snap kung seseryosohin ko. Pero hindi yun yung reality.”
So what was it that brought him back? His family is always there to give him motivation, but the answer is much simpler. With coach E2MAX’s help, Bennyqt rediscovered the joy of learning and improving, and with it his passion for MLBB.
“Previous seasons, parang ginagawa ko to kasi kailangan ko. This time naman, kailangan pa rin siya, pero this time gusto ko,” said Bennyqt with a smile. “Parang bumabalik ako sa amateur days ko na tinatanong nila ako ‘bakit ka naglalaro ng MLBB?’ Tapos yung sagot ko is ‘wala, gusto ko lang.’”
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.