The conclusion of all MLBB Pro League competitions across regions in Southeast Asia has left a heated debate between the two biggest regions, Indonesia and Philippines, who are set to meet in the M5 competition in Philippines next December.
In recent weeks, the MLBB communities in Indonesia and Philippines have been arguing about the rise of Onic Esports and Geek Fam, both of which are currently reinforced by several personnel from Philippines. The latter claims that Indonesian teams have been growing solely due to the increasing number of Filipino personnel joining the MPL ID, thus elevating the level of competition in the region.
This debate has intensified with various opinions from icons in the MLBB competitive scene, including Johnmar “OHMYV33NUS” Villaluna, Danerie “Wise” Rosario, and Gustian “Rekt,” who doubt that Indonesian teams will be able to last longer in the M5 without Filipino personnel. However, one caster from the MLBB competitive scene in North America, H.B “Trex” Wagner, feels that this is simply a psywar for the Indonesian teams to lose their focus.
During a live streaming session on his YouTube channel, he admitted to hearing the debate and felt that what the MLBB PH community is doing is nothing more than a coping mechanism related to the strong performance of Indonesian teams, especially Onic Esports, who set a new record in the MLBB competitive scene a few weeks ago.
“Here’s the fact. You know the Kairi esports thing in Indo, these Philippines (community) commentaries? It’s all fear. They fear that Indonesia is getting stronger and could beat PH soon. And PH can’t accept that!” said Trex. “It’s sort of a mental defense. They see how well Indo played this season, so then if PH does lose, they have valid excuses.”
Notably, there was a time when he expressed skepticism about Onic Esports during the MSC 2023, claiming they couldn’t defeat Blacklist International back then. However, considering this season’s achievements, it’s understandable that other experts, such as Trex, have reevaluated Onic Esports as a contender in M5.
Their accomplishments this season, coupled with the improved performance of key members such as Nicky “Kiboy” Fernando, Gilang “Sanz,” and Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol, have established the Yellow Porcupines as a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Nevertheless, Onic Esports won’t be the sole Indonesian team commanding attention. Joining them as representatives from Indonesia in the upcoming M5 is Geek Fam, the runner-up of MPL ID S12, who also boasts two Filipino star players, Allen “Baloyskie” Baloy and Mark “Markyyy” Capacio. Their outstanding mindset displayed over the last couple of months undoubtedly positions them as a formidable underdog.
