After leading ONIC Philippines to a dominant sweep over Team Liquid PH in the upper bracket finals and punching their ticket to MSC 2025, Duane “Kelra” Pillas already has one particular opponent in mind for the international showdown.
“Gusto ko makatapat namin si E2MAX,” said Kelra when asked what he’s looking forward to the most in his MSC return.
Kelra and E2MAX share a rich history, having played side by side for six seasons in the MPL Philippines.
Representing Execration in 2021, the duo captured the MSC title, with Kelra earning Grand Finals MVP honors. A year later, they returned to the tournament under Smart Omega and secured a third-place finish.
Now, E2MAX has taken on a new role as head coach of Bigetron Esports in MPL Indonesia. With his squad finishing third in the regular season, their chances of qualifying for MSC 2025 remain high.
For the 20-year-old gold laner, this year’s MSC qualification holds a deeper meaning compared to his breakout run in 2021.
“Nilook forward ko talaga siya. Minanifest ko talaga na kailangan makapasok ako dito sa EWC, hindi lang dahil sa prize kundi para may mapatunayan ako sa sarili ko at yung team namin,” shared Kelra in an exclusive interview.
Kelra also acknowledged that his MSC return will be a whole new challenge, especially with international teams steadily closing the gap with MPL Philippines squads.
“Nung 2021 at 2022 kasi medyo expected na na mananalo ang Pinas kasi hindi pa gaanong malakas yung ibang region. Ngayong 2025, sobrang competitive na talaga.”
Interestingly, the last two times the Philippines brought home the MSC crown were the same years Kelra competed.
Perhaps Kelra is the lucky charm the country needs to reclaim the MSC title once again.
