By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
After Duanne “Kelra” Pillas secured his first-ever MPL championship title with Fnatic ONIC Philippines on October 20 and helped the team qualify for the Challenge Season of the ESL Snapdragon Pro Series Season 6 APAC, his excitement grew as the team prepares to represent the Philippines at the M6 World Championship.
In addition to the local championship title, Kelra was also named the Finals MVP of MPL Philippines Season 14 on the same day.
However, the 19-year-old gold laner remains humble, crediting his recent achievements to the collective effort of the Fnatic ONIC squad.
“Siguro sa Finals MVP ko, medyo hindi ko na iniisip eh. Kasi lima naman kami doon na naglalaro, parang wala lang sa akin, masaya lang. Pero mas masaya ako noong ire-represent namin yung Pilipinas sa darating na M6, tsaka syempre pangarap din namin lahat na ma-represent yung bansa,” Kelra said in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times.
“Noong natalo yung Bren, parang pabiro kong sinabi na ‘Kailangan tayo ng Pilipinas ah’. Pabiro lang ‘yon, parang trip-trip lang,” he continued.
If Fnatic ONIC Philippines wins the M6 World Championship, Kelra would make history as the second player in the world to hold titles from the MPL, MSC, and M-Series tournaments.
While such an accomplishment would be a major milestone, Kelra remains more focused on his team’s success than on any individual accolades.
“Para sa akin, hindi ko ‘yon iniisip eh. Yung ako yung unang player na makakakuha ng ganon, iniisip ko lang talaga is kung ano yung makakamit ng team,” he said.
As Fnatic ONIC Philippines and Aurora prepare to compete in the M6 World Championship starting on November 28 (Swiss Stage), Kelra is confident that the title will stay with the Philippines.
“Sobrang confident ako kahit sa anong bagay, hindi lang ako, kaming lahat. Kasi confident kaming lahat sa mga laruan namin, kaya alam namin sa sarili namin na Pilipinas pa rin ang mananalo sa M6,” he concluded.
