By: Arjohn Roxas
Duane “Kelra” Pillas expressed confidence that his team can defend their M-series world title, even after navigating the lower bracket for the first time in two seasons following a loss to Team Liquid PH in the upper bracket semifinals.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Kelra shared that while the situation differs from their previous runs, his experience fighting through the lower bracket gives him the mindset to push forward.
“Hindi naman malungkot. Happy pa rin kasi nasa top 4 kami ngayon, pero yung feeling sobrang gigil manalo, bumawi,” Kelra said.
“Siguro pwede ko matulong sa kanila dito sa lower bracket, kasi sanay nga ko sa lower bracket. Kumbaga sa mentality lang.”
After facing his archrival Kiel “Oheb” Soriano once again, Kelra admitted that their matchup feels no different, despite the rise of fighter gold laners in the current meta. He emphasized that the real difference now lies in the mid lane, which he believes is the key to the current meta.
“Feeling ko same pa rin eh, kumbaga nagkakatalo na lang sa mid, yung mid ng team,” he added.
For the M6 Finals MVP, their golden rivalry remains unchanged despite the shift in meta, noting that both he and Oheb have adapted to playing fighters and marksmen alike.
“Iba kasi yung fighter gold lane, kailangan mo lang mag-fast clear, di mo kailangan lumamang sa lane,” he explained. “Tingin ko wala, parehas din naman kami nagfa-fighter at nagma-marksman.”
As they prepare to face TNC in the lower bracket, Kelra emphasized that discipline and their trademark aggression will be key to reclaiming their identity as defending world champions.
“Ine-expect ko na magiging mas disiplinado kami and mabalik namin yung pride, yung tapang, yung di natatakot na laro, playstyle,” he said.
Even with the tougher path ahead, the confidence that earned him the “Gold Standard” title remains intact.
“One-hundred pa rin,” Kelra declared, referring to his full confidence in defending their M-World title.
