Dexter “Exort” Martinez is dedicating RSG Slate PH’s MPL Philippines campaign to teammate Arvie “Aqua” Calderon, who decided to skip Season 11 to take a break following a grueling grind in the previous year.
The 22-year-old mid laner, who spent the past three seasons as Aqua’s backup, was promoted to the starting lineup after the former Cignal Ultra standout begged off to play this season.
“Ako namo-motivate ako lalo. Kaya namo-motivate ako kasi ginagawa ko rin ‘to para kay Aqua, gusto kong lagpasan si Aqua,” said Exort after RSG PH’s debut win over ONIC PH.
Aqua had a career resurgence in the past year and played a pivotal role in RSG PH’s ascent to the top of the competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene.
His steady performance in the middle lane propelled RSG PH to the MPL Philippines Season Nine title and, eventually, the 2022 MSC championship. Unfortunately, the team fell a series short in qualifying for the M4 World Championship after finishing third in Season 10.
Surely, Aqua’s presence will be sorely missed by the Raiders but Exort showed on Sunday night that he’s more than ready to fill the huge void left by the 21-year-old former BSB stalwart.
Exort finished with two kills and a game-high eight assists on Kadita in RSG PH’s Game One win over ONIC PH before delivering a 3-29 KDA line on Pharsa in Game Two to complete the sweep.
“Ginagawa ko siyang motivation since MSC pa nung nag-champion sila. Yun talaga yung goal ko, yung mahigitan siya.”
