After previous setbacks due to inexperience and scheduling conflicts, Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya has finally realized his dream of wearing the national colors. He has officially been named to the Sibol Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster for the 2025 IESF World Esports Championship.
Inspired by the stellar performances of Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno and the 2019 SEA Games gold-medal team, Sanford had long aspired to represent the Philippines on the international stage.
“Yung unang nood ko kasi ng Sibol yung SEA Games nila Karl and Kenji and sobrang dun po talaga na-inspire na mag-pursue national team and yung emotions nila sobrang pure. Masarap kasi sa feeling na dating naglalaro-laro ka lang ng rig, ngayon nire-represent mo na ang Pilipinas sa ibang bansa,” shared Sanford in an exclusive interview.
Back then, as an emerging talent in the MLBB scene, he looked up to Kenneth “Kenji” Villa and the prodigious KarlTzy, hoping to emulate their gameplay and success.
“Nung SEA Games si Kenji, sobrang galing niya mag-Chou that time and si Karl, grabe mag-mage. Di ko na-expect magte-turn siya sa assassin kasi mage nung napanood ko siya. So sobrang na-impress talaga ko na kaya pala nilang gawin yung ganung mga bagay and makapaglaro sa high level competition.”
Fueled by admiration and motivation, Sanford began to dream of one day being part of the Sibol roster.
“Talagang nakita ko kasi sobrang saya tapos nasabi ko sa sarili ko na sana balang araw, ako rin,” he recalled.
(C) Moonton Games
In 2022, while playing for ECHO Loud, Sanford got his first shot at joining Sibol. However, the attempt fell short after he and his teammate Sanji lost to the Yue-led Maharlika Esports during tryouts.
“Before MPL po nag-start yun and since wala pa kami masyadong experience ni Sanji sa ganung level ng competition, natalo kami ng Maharlika, ng mga lason picks nila Yue. Talagang di namin sila napaghandaan,” he explained, noting how their lack of competitive experience led to the defeat.
A year later, Sanford finally earned a roster spot — but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with ECHO.
“Dati kasi ongoing yung MPL tapos may mga kailangang gawin and ayoko lang din maapektuhan yung practice namin (sa ECHO). Gustong gusto ko talagang ma-represent yung Pilipinas that time. Pero ayun, sa awa ng Diyos nabigyan ulit ng chance,” he shared.
However, his decision to step away from Sibol duties came with consequences. The Philippine Esports Organization issued a two-year ban for turning down the national team slot.
Determined not to let another opportunity slip away, Sanford made sure there would be no obstacles if he were to be selected again — and this time, everything aligned.
“Talagang tinignan ko talaga kung magkakaconflict ng schedule and wala naman. Kasama ko rin si Kelra kaya tingin ko di naman maaapektuhan kasi kung sakali, dalawang team ang maaapektuhan. Yung location din walking distance samin. Hindi talaga ko mahihirapan kaya tinanggap ko yung offer respectfully and sobrang willing talaga ako,” said Sanford.
Now 18 years old, the standout EXP laner is poised to play a crucial role as the Philippines looks to reclaim the IESF World Championship title, following a runner-up finish behind Indonesia in 2024.
