By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Duanne “Kelra” Pillas is now one step closer to achieving his long-awaited MPL Philippines championship after Fnatic ONIC Philippines defeated Falcons AP.Bren in a 3-1 semifinal victory on Friday.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Kelra remained humble despite his team’s stellar season. He emphasized that he isn’t fixating on the possibility of winning the title, instead focusing on his team’s development as they prepare for the grand finals on Sunday.
“Pakiramdam ko kasi… Hindi ko iniisip na magcha-champion na ako. Kumbaga, hindi ko siya masyadong iniisip. Basta focus lang ako sa kung paano kami maglalaro as a team and kung paano pa kami magi-improve para sa finals,” said the 19-year-old gold laner.
“Hindi ko iniisip na magcha-champion na, one step na lang, basta focus lang sa game.”
Since beginning his professional career in Season 7 with Smart Omega, Kelra has yet to experience the thrill of becoming an MPL champion. His first grand finals appearance in Season 9 ended in heartbreak, as his team fell to Blacklist International in a tight 4-3 series.
However, that same season also marked Kelra’s first international title when he represented the Philippines at MSC 2021. In a twist of fate, his team avenged their local loss by defeating Blacklist International in the MSC grand finals, winning the championship 4-1. Kelra was later named the MSC 2021 Finals MVP.
This season, Kelra dedicates Fnatic ONIC Philippines’ remarkable run to his family, supporters, and even those who doubted the team’s potential. He also noted that the team is motivated to fulfill the aspirations of Rafael Sanchez, Fnatic ONIC Philippines’ Country Manager, who dreams of seeing the squad become champions.
“Naging motivation ko talaga yung family ko, yung mga sumusuporta, and yung mga hindi naniniwala sa amin. Gusto rin kasi namin matupad yung pangarap ng boss namin na si Sir Raf—na makapag-international and unang-una mag-champion,” he shared.
The recently named All-Star Team 1 gold laner believes his team has what it takes to reach their ultimate goal this season. He also warned that complacency could be their biggest obstacle.
“Siguro dapat naming gawin is ipagpatuloy lang yung magagandang gawain and good habits namin,” Kelra concluded.
“Siguro matatalo na lang kami dahil sa sarili namin, kumbaga, kapag naging kumpiyansa nang makakapag MSC or M6.”
