As he flew to Malaysia for the M6 World Championship, first-timer Duane ‘Kelra’ Pillas carried with him valuable lessons from his former teammates—lessons that forged the path to the biggest stage of his career.
Criticized early in his career for various controversial actions, the 19-year-old Kelra quietly worked on improving himself—both in and out of the game—eventually becoming one of the most idolized players today.
(C) MPL PH
He made sure to express gratitude to everyone who guided him along the right path and vowed to carry those lessons forward ahead of the most important tournament of his life.
“Kaya siguro naging mahalaga sa’kin ‘yun dahil din ang dami ko ng naranasan na pagkakamali,” said Kelra in an interview Tiebreaker Times, just hours before MPL PH champion Fnatic ONIC headed to Malaysia last Friday.
“Sobrang halaga nun kasi kung babalikan mo ako kung paano ako nung Execration days sa ngayon, sobrang malayo talaga,” he added, reflecting on his immaturity during his rookie season with Execration.
(C) MPL PH
Kelra said that his time with Execration and Smart Omega, where he got the chance to form a special bond with players such as Patrick “E2max” Caidic, Billy “Z4pnu” Alfonso, Renz “Renzio” Cadua, Kielvj “Kielvj” Hernandez, and Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog, prepared him for this moment.
The reigning MPL PH Finals MVP actually started this dream with the players mentioned above.
And while they are no longer with him on this campaign, Kelra promised to honor each one of them throughout this journey.
“Oo, dine-dedicate ko talaga ‘to sa lahat ng nakasama ko sa ML and syempre sa family ko,” said Kelra.
“Yung ibang pagkakamali ko, natama ko na. ‘Yung mga iba kong kailangan gawin, parang nangyari na sa experience ko before kaya mas nagiging madali para sa akin ngayon. Ang dami ko rin kasing napulot na aral sa mga naging teammates ko eh,” he added.
Kelra also paid tribute to another former teammate, one who played a major role in shaping the player and person that he is today.
(C) MPL PH
“Si Marky ’yung tao na ’yun,” he said when asked about the individual who left the biggest impact on his career.
“Kasi siya ’yung pinaka naghuhubog talaga sa akin eh, kaya naging pro player ako. Siya ’yung nag-push sa akin sa mga ginagawa ko, lalo na kapag nagkakamali ako—nagagalit talaga ’yun dati,” Kelra said, referring to Marky, who guided him throughout his amateur days and continues to do so to this day.”
The former MSC MVP and the rest of Fnatic ONIC PH are in for a tough assignment to start the M6 World Championship, going up against reigning MPL Indonesia champion Team Liquid PH in the opening round of the swiss stage.
Armed with lessons learned from former teammates, the unwavering support of his family, and the determination to prove himself on the grandest stage of his career, Kelra vowed to give his all and make everyone who believed in him and never gave up on him proud.
