AN UNSUNG HERO, a perfect phrase to describe Aurora’s Dexter Louise “DEX STAR” Alaba.
Being a part of the coaching staff of Blacklist International during their prime years, DEX STAR was one of the architects of one of the most renowned tactics in MLBB esports, the Ultimate Bonding Experience.
Truly he is an inspiration for those who aspire to be professionals in the esports scene as Aurora’s analyst has enlightened the community that there is more to the scene than just competing as a pro player.
But before all of the success he had accumulated, there was a time when DEX STAR’s ego got in his way. This happened back in Season 6 when he was still a pro player for Blacklist International.
All it took was a sudden shift in the meta, forcing DEX STAR to sacrifice his starting role.
Relegated to the reserves
“Kase bago nag-start yung (Season 6) playoffs, nagkaroon kami ng meetings with Coach BON CHAN and ang suggestion niya, hati (kami ni ESON) sa scrim. Kasi nagkaroon ng bagong patch, focused on double fighter. Si ESON pati si KIL LER parehas silang offlaner. Si KIL LER yung offlaner namin during that time,” started Aurora’s assistant coach in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
He added: “Since yun yung na-patch, bakit hindi na lang sila pagsabayin tsaka si Aqua? Kesa naman na masayang yung playoffs namin na hati kami, kesa mag-adjust ako, ibigay na lang natin sa legit na offlaner.”
It may seem like the logical solution especially since DEX STAR is renowned as a support player while the likes of Mark Jayson “ESON” Gerardo and Archi “KIL LER” Valencia were natural offlaners.
But this decision bothered the former Blacklist support player.
“That time talaga sinabi ko kina Coach BON CHAN at Boss Rada na sobrang na-hurt ako noong in-open ni Coach BON CHAN yan sa akin kasi sarado pa utak ko noon. May ego ako e, may pride ako sa laro ko e. Alam ko na kaya ko pa.”
And to make matters worse, Blacklist International suffered a painful early playoff exit back in Season 6. As the team captain there was a huge burden on DEX STAR’s back, as he felt helpless watching his team lose while watching on the bench.
“Nandun yung regrets ko na hindi ako naglaro (noong Season 6 playoffs) kasi hindi pa kami nagsu-succeed noon. Nanghihinayang ako na hindi ako naglaro tapos nalaglag kami noong first round.”
“Sobrang hirap talaga, parang minumulto talaga ako. Nawalan talaga yung kompyansa ko after noong season 6.”
Confronting Boss Rada
His pride got the best of him and DEX STAR even went as far as confronting some of the heads in the organization.
When Elrasec “Rada” Ocampo heard his frustrations, he tried his best to motivate his disgruntled player.
“Natuwa siya na nag-open up ako, na may ganoon pala ako na hugot. Hindi niya sinabi sa team kung anong hugot yan, pero sinabi niya sa akin na, ‘Kapag nag-champion tayo dito may matutulungan tayo na isang tao,” reflected DEX STAR.
“Sabi niya (Rada) sa akin, ‘Magtiwala ka sa akin, i-work natin yung championship na yan.’ Tinanong pa nga ako e, ‘Kapag nag-champion tayo, sa tingin mo mawawala yung tinik mo?”
And by the grace of fate and their hardwork, DEX STAR became an MPL champion.
“Pero noong nag-champion kami noong Season 7, doon na ako nabunutan ako ng tinik. Ganoon pala yung pakiramdam na nag-champion.”
But it wasn’t as straightforward as one may expect as there were internal struggles that took place before DEX STAR could fully embrace his new role.
DEX STAR plus OhMyV33nus duo?
Before Season 7 began, Blacklist’s Tryke Gutierrez wanted to hire someone outside of the organization to serve as the team’s tactician, but it was DEX STAR who insisted that the team should utilize his capabilities.
“Si Boss Tryke during that time, naalala ko dahil nasanay siya sa Dota 2 na may analyst na veteran din sa esports. Eh di nag-volunteer na lang ako. Sabi ko, ‘Boss Tryke bakit ka naghahanap? Dati naman akong data analyst sa work ko dati.”
However, this wasn’t set in stone as back in Season 7, Blacklist tried to integrate a different dynamic especially with the royal duo of Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario being involved with the team.
There was even a point when DEX STAR was even considered as an alternative option, but eventually he knew what was best for the team.
“Season 7 maraming hindi nakakaalam nito pero dumating sa punto na si V33 gusto niya akong maging kakampi. Gusto niya yung nagko-command din ako, nababawasan yung responsibilities niya,” the former Blacklist player looked back.
“Kaso that time kasi, alpha ako, alpha rin siya. Sa tingin ko pagdating namin sa main stage, magsasapawan kami. Parehas kaming alpha ni V33, parehas din kaming leader. Kahit maganda yung ipinapakita namin sa scrim, kay ESON na lang.”
And looking back wondered what would happen had he let his ego control his emotions.
“Kung ininsist ko na maglalaro ako noong Season 6, kunwari naging effective yung scenario na ako yung naglaro tapos nakapasok kami ng playoffs, tingin ko hindi natin alam kung yung V33Wise mapupunta sa amin. Yung mga ganon na ‘what ifs.”
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