Just a few weeks ago, Jann “Kirk” Gutierrez faced heavy criticism following ONIC Philippines’ third-place finish in the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025.
Fans repeatedly singled out his Game 5 performance against Selangor Red Giants OG in the semifinals, where he tallied six deaths, two assists, and zero kills.
But for Kirk, that setback became fuel heading into MPL Philippines Season 16 with razor-sharp focus.
“Gusto ko lang bumawi ngayong season kasi nagkulang ako sa last performance ko. Kaya ang goal ko ngayon maging consistent,” a determined Kirk declared.
In their second match of the season, he delivered, earning game MVP honors as ONIC Philippines secured its second straight sweep victory.
Across the two-game series, Kirk averaged 4.0 kills, 8.5 assists, and just 1.0 death.
Even fellow ONIC PH exp laner Nowee “Ryota” Macasa has noticed Kirk’s steady rise since joining the squad after a one-season stint in MPL Indonesia.
“Simula nung Day 1 ko sa ONIC PH, malayo na yung pinagkaiba (ng laro ni Kirk). Mas nag-improve siya,” Ryota said of his teammate.
“Sa tingin ko sa lahat nag-improve siya; pagdating sa laning, sa teamfight, at pati na rin sa comms.”
With Kirk’s renewed motivation and improved consistency, ONIC PH looks poised for another deep run — aiming to make history as the first team ever to win back-to-back M-Series titles.
