By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Ever since beginning his career as an MLBB professional player at the age of 15, King “K1NGKONG” Perez had dreamed of becoming a champion.
And that dream finally came true after Fnatic ONIC Philippines edged out Aurora in a thrilling seven-game series, 4-3, during the MPL Philippines Season 14 grand finals last Sunday.
K1NGKONG is known as the best jungler of the regular season after leading FNOP to a historic 13-0 franchise record.
Still, he admitted that he felt he underperformed at key moments when his team needed him the most.
Despite his self-criticism, the 18-year-old jungler’s teammates stepped up during the decisive moments of Game 7.
“Sobrang emotional ko talaga kanina after win ng series na ‘yon, kasi ako rin yung pinakanag-underperform noong Game 7, tapos na-manage pa rin ng mga kakampi ko na ipanalo yung game,” K1NGKONG shared in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times.
(C) MPL PH
He expressed his gratitude to his teammates for supporting him when he needed them the most.
The MPL Philippines regular season MVP also revealed that his commitment to helping his family, which fueled his drive throughout his esports career, kept him going during those tough moments in the game.
With his family on his mind, K1NGKONG delivered a crucial defensive play for ONIC PH during Aurora’s 20th-minute and 30-second Lord push in the bottom lane.
He turned the tide of the game and allowed them to secure a final siege in the top lane, ending the match moments later.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud yung team kahit na ganon yung pinakita ko tapos naisip ko rin noon yung time na ‘yon yung family ko kasi gustong-gusto kong matulungan kapag nag-success na ako sa career ko dito sa esports,” he added.
Having capped off their Season 14 campaign with a victory, Fnatic ONIC Philippines now sets its sights on the upcoming M6 World Championships in Malaysia, starting November 24.
As for K1NGKONG, he is confident that he and the Sonics have what it takes to defend the Philippines’ world championship title.
“Kayang-kaya i-defend. 100-percent,” he proudly concluded.
