The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competition has gradually become one of the most popular esports events, especially in Southeast Asia, thanks to the high viewership numbers in MPL Indonesia and the Philippines. Due to the high level of competitiveness and the continuous emergence of exciting new talents, MLBB teams from developing leagues in other regions are actively pursuing professionals from MPL ID and PH, enticing them with lucrative contracts and greater opportunities.
This trend has prompted many MLBB players in Indonesia and the Philippines to try their luck in their respective MPL leagues as a way to gain experience and improve their chances of joining international teams. However, not everyone is as fortunate as Muhammad Alfi Syahrin, also known as Learning, a student at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, who started his professional MLBB career in Egypt as the first Indonesian in MPL MENA.
“I’m currently the only Indonesian player in the MPL MENA competition,” the Occupy youngster said to Ulti.Asia. At the time, he did not see MLBB as anything beyond an outlet for him to unwind after a long day of college. “Initially, my friends and I played MLBB during our free time after class. We formed a squad called Team Evolved and played in the MENA region, specifically in Egypt. We happened to be playing when MPL MENA Season 1 was underway,” he said.
Like many professional esports teams, Team Evolved gradually transitioned from a hobby to a serious endeavor as they climbed the ladder in the MENA competition. Learning shared that Team Evolved started considering competing professionally after achieving numerous victories against teams from the MPL MENA Season 1 qualifiers.
“At the time, we had a 90 percent win streak in MENA ranked mode, with 86 consecutive victories. We quickly discovered that we were playing against teams that were competing in the MPL MENA Season 1 qualifiers. We had a good record against these opponents, which led us to consider entering competitions in the MENA region.”
However, their hopes were dashed as strict regulations for outside players prevented them from participating until MPL MENA Season 3. Eventually, Learning received an offer from Occupy Thrones, the MPL MENA champion and debutant in M4 (the fourth Mobile Legends world championship).
“Evolved’s win streak made us a big deal, and we were called ‘The Dark Horse of Egypt.’ As far as I can remember, 11 teams from the MPL MENA S1 qualifiers invited us to join at the time. However, due to league rules concerning nationality, we chose not to accept any bids.”
“A few months before MPL MENA Season 3, the league finally allowed outside players to compete. Once again, we received invitations from MPL MENA teams. In the end, Team Occupy approached us with significant offers. However, the regulations only permitted a maximum of two outside players, and since my teammate had an internal issue at the time, I was the only one who could join them.”
Learning explained that he assumed two roles on the team: team analyst and stand-in exp laner. He acknowledged that the MPL Indonesia and Philippines meta provided him with ideas to devise strategies to defeat his opponents in MPL MENA Season 3.
“I have multiple roles in the team: analyst and backup plan if any of our players encounter issues during MPL. Initially, I was hesitant due to the language barrier,” he explained. “Eventually, I adapted and introduced my teammates to the meta from MPL ID and PH, which I believe is the best at the moment. I think that’s how we improved faster than anyone in the league.”
He was not boasting, as the results speak for themselves. During the regular season, Team Occupy lost only once and ultimately emerged as the champions of MPL MENA Season 3. As the winners of the competition, they will compete in the MSC 2023 tournament for the first time in June. However, Learning expressed uncertainty about whether he could join his team in Cambodia, as the tournament coincides with his exams.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m extremely happy that we emerged as MENA’s representative at MSC 2023. However, I’m not sure if I will be able to make it to Cambodia and join my squad next month because I have exams during the same period,” Learning said. “After all, my education is my top priority.”
Stay tuned for our next story with Learning!
