Bittersweet as his time may be with RSG PH, up-and-coming EXP laner Jann “Kirk” Guttierez believes that it was his stint with the former MPL PH champions that prepared him to deliver on the big stage.
Unknown to many, Kirk actually began his career with the Raiders back in Season 11. However, he found it difficult to secure playing time, as star EXP laner Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo remained a dominant force in the starting unit.
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Spending his entire rookie season riding the bench was undeniably challenging, but the young EXP laner—who made the leap to the pros after tirelessly climbing the ranks in ranked games—used the opportunity to learn the ropes by closely observing his veteran teammates.
“Siguro na-adapt ko ‘yung mga ginagawa nila as a pro kasi bago lang ako nu’n. ‘Di ko alam kung anong dapat gawin kunwari simula paggising, ‘yung mga habits nila (na-adapt) ko lang,” Kirk said.
While the RSG main five were busy with the team’s campaign, Kirk focused on learning from the sidelines—carefully taking notes, analyzing gameplay, and studying his teammates in preparation for his much-awaited playing opportunity.
Unfortunately, his chance never came with RSG PH.
Kirk’s stint was cut short as he found himself without a team the following season after being let go by the Raiders. But instead of dwelling on the setback, he used it as fuel for a major bounce-back.
He teamed up with different pro players, including Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera, in ranked games during the course of MPL PH Season 12 and worked tirelessly to make his comeback. His hard work soon paid off when Minana Esports scouted him and signed him for Season 13.
“Ako ‘yung naging motivation ko, gusto ko talagang maglaro kasi nakikita ko sila maglaro parang ang gaan sa pakiramdam eh na makapag-main five,” said Kirk.
“Kaya ayun, nag-ranked game ako nang nag-ranked game, top global, ganun. Kalaro ko lagi si Yawi nun eh,” he added.
Kirk was able to showcase what he had been working on with Minana Esports, but the team suddenly folded in the following season. However, his strong performance—especially after not getting the chance to play in his previous squad—was enough to catch the attention of other teams.
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“Tuwang tuwa ako kasi pagkapasok ko, starting five na kaagad ako eh. Excited talaga ako maglaro nun, sobrang saya ko. Siguro main factor din ‘yung naging main five ako kasi parang ‘di na ako kinakabahan kada game. Confident ako kapag naglalaro,” he said.
Fnatic ONIC, still in search of the right pieces to complement stars Duane “Kelra” Pillas and King “K1NGKONG” Perez, recognized Kirk’s potential and quickly made their move to bring him on board.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Kirk, along with fellow newcomer Borris “Brusko” Parro and holdover Frince “Super Frince” Ramirez, proved to be the perfect fit alongside Kelra and K1NGKONG, forming a formidable core that went on to dominate the scene.
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The rising EXP laner played a pivotal role in Fnatic ONIC’s journey to the MPL PH Season 14 championship, and later to the M6 World Championship, where they went on an undefeated streak to claim the title.
Though he didn’t get his chance to play with RSG PH, Kirk carried valuable lessons from his time with the team, and the lack of playing opportunity with the Raiders ignited a fire within him that fueled his determination and made everything he’s achieved today possible.
For that, he’s forever grateful.
