By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
After failing to advance to the next round of the MPL Philippines playoffs once again, Omega Esports team captain Patrick “E2MAX” Caidic is now contemplating his future in the competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene.
The 27-year-old former MSC champion revealed that this might be his last dance in the MPL Philippines but insisted that he remains undecided about his future shortly after the Smart-backed squad’s third consecutive first-round exit.
E2MAX, who made his return to the active roster after serving as an assistant coach last season, acknowledged that the thought of leaving the game for good and making way for the younger generation had already crossed his mind in the past.
“Actually, yun din yung pumapasok sa isip ko eh dahil isa ako sa mga nagle-lead ng team, ng Omega, pero for three seasons ‘di kami nakalusot. Kumbaga, naisip ko na rin yon, yung mag-paubaya sa mga bago,” said E2MAX in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times after their 3-0 loss to RSG PH last Thursday.
“Pero ‘don sa [pagretire], talagang naisip ko na yon eh. Pero wala pa akong desisyon sa sarili ko kung paano after. Di pa siya malinaw. For future plans, di ko pa talaga alam eh. Pero hirap kasi magsabi ng decisions kase sobrang blangko ng utak ko. Kaya di ko pa talaga alam kung ano,” he added.
E2MAX revealed that the idea of retiring had been lingering for a while. Multiple seasons in competitive gaming had taken their toll, and he found himself considering coaching after seasons where they fell short.
The Season 12 grind rekindled his hunger to play, with Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog persuading him to make a comeback. But as the losses piled up anew, E2MAX is now uncertain about his next steps for himself and the team.
(C) MPL PH
“Actually matagal ko na [iniisip yung retirement], kase ilang season na rin ako. Plus kung nananalo naman, maiisip ko naman na kaya ko pa eh. Kung nananalo, kaso syempre, puro playoffs lang, hindi na katulad noong dati,” said the former Execration star.
“Simula noong natatalo kami, simula Season 10, 11, nag-decide nga ako mag-coach eh. Parang gusto kong bigyan ng spot yung iba. Tapos, Season 12 parang bumalik lang yung gutom kong maglaro kasi si Chaknu pinipilit rin talaga ako na bumalik kaming dalawa,” E2MAX continued.
“Pero ayon, ngayon na nag-fail pa rin, di ko na rin masabi kung ano yung mga next steps ko para sa sarili ko, para sa team. Pag-iisipan ko pa ng mabuti siguro.”
E2Max’s sacrifices have been significant in terms of time and dedication to his gaming career and his personal life. He mentioned the strain on his long-distance relationship as his girlfriend patiently waited for him to determine the duration of his esports journey.
After experiencing heartbreak at the end of each season, E2MAX is contemplating whether it’s the right moment to part ways for good. But, as always, only time will tell.
“Syempre sakin, yung time na ginugol ko sa ML na mas marami pa sana akong pwedeng gawin. Sa akin kase, yung girlfriend ko na sa sobrang tagal na namin. Kasi nasa ibang bansa siya, hinihintay niya kung hanggang kelan ko ipupursue yung career ko dito,” said E2MAX.
“Siyempre para sa akin kung ilang season na puro ganito, heartbreak. Hindi naman nagtutuloy-tuloy, hindi na rin naman na kasi siya bata, eh ako ren hindi naman na ako bata. Siguro yung time lang na pwede na ako mag-go sa ibang phasing ng buhay ko.”
