On Wednesday, Team Liquid PH welcomed Eric “Cyre” Mercader as the team’s newest assistant coach, joining Ronnel “Cjay” Espinoza and head coach Archie “Tictac” Reyes.
Cyre may not be well-known among today’s league fans, but he was actually part of Execration and played in MPL Philippines during Seasons 4 and 5. He embodies the dreams of an esports athlete, having first completed his degree in Electrical Engineering at Mapúa Institute of Technology and placing fourth in the February 2014 Electrical Engineering Board Exam.
Cyre’s talent for spotting esports potential was evident during his time with Execration, where he discovered and paved the way to MPL stardom for players like Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog and Duane “Kelra” Pillas.
After leaving Execration before Season 6, Cyre made a comeback in the MLBB competitive scene during the second season of MDL Philippines with Smart Omega Neos, helping the team finish as runner-up behind eventual champions ECHO Proud.
He decided to step back from competitive play to focus on his family, particularly his pregnant wife.
“After Omega Neos nag-stop ako nun eh kasi naging busy ako sa family ko and then yung wife ko nag-labor kaya mas kailangan niya ko. Kaya nag-focus muna ako sa family ko,” Cyre shared with Tiebreaker Times in an exclusive interview.
Despite his break, Cyre continued playing to stay in sync with other MLBB pro players and keep the door open for a return.
“Habang nasa bahay ako, nagga-grind ako maglaro para in case okay na sa family ko, madali na rin ako makapag-adapt ulit sa meta,” he explained.
It was then that Team Liquid’s coach Cjay reached out and offered him a position on the coaching staff—a chance Cyre couldn’t resist.
“Yung kino-coach naming player mga world champion, high mechanics, tapos maganda na yung chemistry. Talagang problema na lang yung drafting eh. Pag nadraft na nang maayos, sure lamang na sila.”
Cyre expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to a craft he loves deeply.
“Sobrang saya na nakabalik ako sa MPL kasi nakaka-miss yung ganitong atmosphere ng competitive scene. Passion ko rin kasi talaga yung maglaro kaya sobrang happy,” Cyre shared.
In his return to the MPL Philippines stage after a seven-season absence, Cyre made a perfect debut as Team Liquid swept TNC Pro Team for their second win.
Tictac told Tiebreaker Times that Cyre’s inclusion is crucial for their title defense this season.
“Para mas solid yung team, in terms of technical and drafting. Tulad ngayon, ang laking bagay na andito siya. Nakuha namin yung panalo against TNC,” Tictac said of Cyre.
“Pagdating ni Coach Cyre, sobrang laki ng impact kasi mas naano yung technicals nung team sa drafting. Lumakas yung team, definitely.”
