The odds may have tipped in favor of the Cavalry’s charge, and another icon of equal stature being outclassed twice this season, KarlTzy still held Pheww in high regard.
“In terms of achievements, po mas lamang talaga siya (Pheww). Sobrang tinitingala ko talaga siya kahit nung kakampi ko pa siya,” KarlTzy said, staying humble and dismissing the notion of surpassing Pheww’s legacy.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Pheww and KarlTzy first became teammates during the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019. What was the Young GOAT’s reaction to meeting his idol?
“Siyempre, sobrang excited po talaga ako. Gusto ko ma-try kung paano siya maglaro ganun. Parang siya rin po yung nag-approach sa akin. So, parang di po ako masyadong na-starstruck sa kaniya,” KarlTzy explained in an exclusive interview with SPIN.ph, instantly connecting with Pheww from the start.
KarlTzy and Pheww also stood together as allies in AP.Bren (formerly Bren Esports) and even worked side by side to bring home the prestigious M2 World Championship title in 2020.
Although their journeys may have gone in different directions, how would KarlTzy describe Pheww given their history?
“Sa inside, sobrang mautak talaga siya. Parang siya yung nagco-call ng lahat ng mga play, kung ano yung gagawin. Tapos outside naman, sobrang kulit sa amin, pero sa ibang tao, hindi. Ganun siyang vibes. Tapos sobrang loyal,” KarlTzy said, revealing the duality of Pheww.
KarlTzy admires Pheww's shotcalling
“Napaka-flexible niyang player kasi sa Cignal [Ultra]; iba yung role niya. Nung sa DD [Digital Devils Pro] rin sila nun, iba rin role niya. Ngayon naman, mage. Talagang napakautak niya talaga sa laro,” he added, highlighting Pheww’s versatility as he changes roles through the seasons.
Pheww's leadership has been proven through countless seasons, and his greatness also motivated KarlTzy to improve as a player.
“Sobrang dami ko talaga natutuhan in terms of shotcalling po, tapos pakikipag-bonding din sa mga team. Sobrang dami ko talaga learning,” KarlTzy added.
KarlTzy not only yearns for the memories he created with Pheww but also deeply misses his former teammate, David “FlapTzy” Canon.
“Yung mga pangti-trip namin nun kay Flap. Madalas po namin ginugulat, tapos kung ano-ano lang po yung ginagawa namin sa Flap dati, kaya nakakaawa din. Nakaka-miss yung mga ganung times,” KarlTzy said, fondly remembering the pranks they used to play on FlapTzy.
It’s always inspiring to see former teammates prosper even when life takes them in separate directions, but KarlTzy stands ready to fight for his ambitions even if Pheww stands in his way.
“Galingan natin pareho tapos walang munang kaibi-kaibigan pero outside tropa tayo,” KarlTzy said, wishing Pheww good luck if they happen to meet once more in the playoffs.
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