Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo has long been the heart and soul of Team Falcons PH, known for his infectious smile and unwavering energy.
But on Saturday, that trademark cheerfulness gave way to tears as Team Falcons fell to Team Liquid PH, missing out on the final ticket to the Esports World Cup.
This season’s campaign held deep meaning for Owgwen, and the sting of the loss proved overwhelming. The usually spirited roamer couldn’t hold back his emotions, breaking down on stage after their heartbreaking elimination.
“Naluha ako nun kasi unang-una, talo kami. Gusto kasi talaga naming makapunta sa EWC, kaso sobrang hirap talaga. Binigay talaga namin yung best namin nitong playoffs, kaso yun nga, sobrang bitin talaga,” Owgwen shared in an exclusive interview.
Just last year, Owgwen and the Falcons — then under the AP.Bren banner — settled for a runner-up finish at the MSC after a grueling seven-game grand finals against Malaysia’s SRG Giants.
Months later, they fell short once again, finishing third in MPL Philippines Season 14 and missing the chance to defend their M-Series world championship.
In Season 15, Owgwen openly acknowledged the team’s early struggles, which led to a fourth-place finish in the regular season. With lowered expectations, they entered the playoffs as underdogs and had to sound the alarm early on.
“Sobrang intense talaga ng mga scrim namin ngayong season. Talagang nagsacrifice kami, kaso ayun nga, nabitin pa rin kami,” said an emotional Owgwen.
“Personally, sobrang laking bagay talaga sakin yung upcoming EWC. Gusto ko rin kasi talaga makatikim ng championship sa bagong org namin. Gusto namin talaga sila bigyan ng mga bagong achievements. Lalo na siyempre yung mga hardships ng mga kakampi ko — ayoko lang ring masayang.”
This chapter may have ended in heartbreak for Owgwen, but it’s far from the end of his journey. With his eyes now set on his return to duty with the Sibol National Team, expect the passionate roamer to bounce back stronger than ever.
