By: George Torno
As the MPL Philippines Season 16 playoffs approach, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno is ready to let his fire burn brighter than ever.
“Magwawala ako,” declared the Team Liquid PH jungler, determined to make his mark as the league heads into its most crucial stage.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, KarlTzy admitted that while the competition heading into the playoffs is intense, he remains unfazed. Instead, he’s channeling the pressure into hunger — a hunger to win, to dominate, and to prove why he’s still among the best in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
For KarlTzy, shedding the mindset of being the defending champions has made Team Liquid PH even more grounded and focused.
“Tingin ko kapag inisip namin na kami ‘yung defending champions or kami ‘yung pinaka-nasa taas, parang nababawasan ‘yung apoy ng team,” he explained. “Kaya tingin ko talaga, kapag inisip namin na kami ‘yung mahina, kami ‘yung naghahabol sa kanila, mas lumalakas kami.”
He believes that maintaining an underdog mentality keeps the team hungry, pushing them to grind harder and never settle. It’s that relentless mindset, he said, that continues to fuel their drive to improve every game.
Despite being hailed as the MLBB G.O.A.T., the 21-year-old remains wary of the fierce competition awaiting them. He pointed to Aurora PH and ONIC Philippines as two of the toughest opponents in the bracket — and acknowledged Team Falcons’ impressive rise this season.
“Tingin ko ‘yung pinaka-magpapahirap sa amin na team is Falcons, Aurora, [at] Onic,” KarlTzy shared.
With the playoffs promising an unpredictable path ahead, KarlTzy remains focused and ready to face every challenge that comes his way.
Team Liquid PH is set to battle Team Falcons in the opening match of the MPL Philippines Season 16 play-ins on October 22 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“Message ko sa sarili ko ngayong playoffs, gagalingan ko pa lalo — magwawala ako,” KarlTzy vowed with conviction.
