RSG Philippines is one of the most consistent MPL Philippines teams, having qualified for the upper bracket playoffs for five straight seasons.
In Season 13, they were very close after taking the opener against Falcons AP.Bren but succumbed to comeback losses in the next two games as the defending champions doused their momentum.
“Wala talagang butas sa gameplay nila other than yung late game. One percent lang kulang. And because of that one percent, we didn’t get that MSC slot,” said RSG head coach Brian “Panda” Lim about their loss to AP.Bren.
“Hindi ako galit, hindi ako malungkot. Nasasayangan lang ako.”
Panda was left feeling dejected after his team failed to capitalize on superior early game leads and faltered late against the reigning M-series world champions.
“Early game, midgame, we were so dominant. Actually, all our games were winnable. What we lacked was that one percent, either sa diskarte, sa discipline, or communication, whatever. Just that one percent. And that one percent makes the biggest difference in the world. That is why a champion and second place, sobrang laki ng difference,” he added.
“Second and third place, walang masyadong difference. But because of that one percent, you become second or third. Because of that one percent, you’re either a champion or not.”
Out of all the past seasons since their MSC 2022 conquest, this season was the closest RSG came to securing their slot for an international tournament.
And the thought of how close they were stings so much for Panda.
“I was really ready this season. I had the best players I could ever wish for. Our preparation was good. Practice was good. Confident kami lahat. Sayang lang. I just want to say the players fought their asses off. They really played well, commendable,” he said.
“It really hurts if it’s just one percent. If you know na better ang kalaban in terms of skills and gameplay compared to you, then when you lose, you will say, ‘Yes, malakas sila.’ Pero for that one percent, parang, ‘Malakas sila pero mas malakas tayo sana if it wasn’t for that one percent.’ Kaya mas masakit talaga yung loss na ‘to this season.”
Despite the heartbreaks, Panda vows to continue striving for that one percent in pursuit of his third MPL Philippines title and another international tournament appearance.
“I’m not giving up. I never will,” declared Panda.
