In recent years Alfi “Learning” Syahrin, an Indonesian student at Al-Azhar University and professional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang player in Cairo, Egypt, has spent his time exploring Egyptian culture as well as strengthening his relations with the local MLBB community. And though he is starting to gain some attention from his native country, it seems he is not planning to leave the community any time soon.
Learning told Ulti Asia that he feels honored to have such amazing supporters behind his team, Team Occupy, especially during MPL MENA Season 3. He also feels happy to be part of the Egyptian MLBB community which he thought has grown rapidly over the last year.
“The MLBB fanbase in Egypt are cool! I remember after we returned from the MPL MENA grand final in Abu Dhabi, many fans of Team Occupy gathered and waiting for us at the airport.”
The Egypt community is rapidly growing, especially during the last MPL MENA S3. They regularly holding amateur competitions for any team, including outsiders like me. Even the tournaments in small coffee shops in Egypt are attended by many participants from MPL MENA.”
Learning admits that Egypt’s competitive culture, which differs from that of Southeast Asia, has made him closer with fans and players from the MENA competitive scene, which he describes as caring and supportive.
“You see, unlike the Southeast Asian league, you won’t see drama stuff like taunting or trash talking during the tournament. Even in the MPL MENA’s grand finals, everyone treated their opponent like their own brothers. The Arabs have a very strong friendship. I think they are the best kind of community.”
There will be a surprise
Learning and his teammates are currently preparing for the upcoming MSC 2023 in Cambodia which will be started in the next nine days. And when it comes to MSC, Learning acknowledges that many see Team Occupy as one of the weakest teams in the competition, considering they are coming from the place where the competition is not as tight as MPL Indonesia or Philippines.
Nonetheless, he believes his team has something special which may surprise their opponents in the MSC 2023.
“At the moment, our region (MPL MENA) is definitely not at the same level as Indonesia and Philippines. But I’m confident that underdogs, like us, could pull a little surprise,” he remarked. “If you watch the grand finals of MPL MENA Season 3, there are some movements that I have never seen in any tournament outside MENA.”
Learning certain that spectators will be cheering for teams from the MPL ID and PH, with the latter being considered as the best in the world. But he believes that eventually any team will improve and outplay them all.
“Of course, MPL ID and PH remain the standouts. In terms of regeneration, Filipinos are truly exceptional. Their young players are always ready to step up with their excellent mechanics and ideas. I think that’s why Philippines is the best in the game,” Learning explained. “We thoroughly studied them, and MPL ID as well. In fact, two of our players, Maro (Amr Khaled) and Lio (Mahmoud Mustofa), read the meta really well.”
“Competitors who learn a lot from the Indonesia and Philippines meta will eventually reach a level playing field. I believe the student will become the master.”
Learning stressed, though, that he and his squad do not have any ambitious plans for the upcoming MSC. He hopes that this competition will give them valuable insights to improve in the next MPL MENA and securing their chance for the M5 in Philippines. Apart from that, Learning expressed his support for the team from his birthplace as a candidate for the MSC 2023 title.
“Realistically, we don’t expect anything huge in MSC. Whatever happens, we will give it our all. And I’m confident that our experience in this competition will greatly provide us with insights ahead of our next tour,” he said. “I think it’s time for Indonesia to bring the MSC trophy back home. I’m rooting for Onic Esports. Indo Pride!”
