LOOKING BACK at MPL Season 11, fans may notice RSG Philippines entering the stage, showcasing random football celebrations.
From Cristiano Ronaldo touching his heart as a sign of admiration and respect to Manchester United fans, to Lionel Messi pointing the skies, RSG seem to show their affection for the beautiful game.
Even the team's fanbase would also join in the celebrations, showing memes of Lexie Yambao screaming like Kylian Mbappe or making theories on which player the team should showcase in the succeeding weeks.
But besides their pre-match poses, RSG's football roots can also be seen during their livestream sessions.
Former RSG player, John "Perkz" Sumawan was seen playing MLBB using the IGN, RSG.Benzema, a nod to Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema.
It may seem RSG has a deeper connection with football, which traces all the way back when Eman "EMANN" Sangco was a young lad, gracing the local football academies with his skill.
Before he was a gold laner in the MPL, EMANN was an attacking midfielder for Kaya FC-Gawad Kalinga.

Where it all began
EMANN didn't immediately 'touch grass' when he started his football journey as he was enticed to play a game of futsal with his peers.
Living in Tatalon, exposed to poverty, EMANN decided to try a new sport.
"Sa Tatalon, may Gawad Kalinga po dun, maraming naglalaro ng futsal tapos na-enganyo lang rin akong maglaro kase yung mga kaibigan ko naglalaro rin," revealed EMANN to SPIN.ph
Given the small space as well as the emphasis on flair and trickery, compared to football's slow paced nature, futsal was a draining experience for EMANN.
"Masaya naman, mas nakakapagod siya kaysa sa football. Malaki yung pagkakaiba nila," reflected the RSG gold laner.
However his skills in futsal meant that EMANN gained the technical craft in controlling the ball. The grindy nature of the game likewise aided EMANN in his stamina, which ultimately helped him transition to football.
Eventually he decided to join the big leagues.
"Nagtry-out ako sa Kaya FC tapos nakuha kami noon. May tawag sa amin noon, GK-Kaya po iyun e. GK po kami pero naglalaro rin kami sa Kaya FC Academy."
With EMANN joining one of the biggest football organizations in the Philippines, comes the opportunity for him to learn from the best. During his stay with Kaya FC's grassroots program, he met Ghanian footballer and former Kaya FC striker, Jordan Mintah.
However the transition to Kaya also proved to be a challenge for the future MLBB star.
"Masaya kase yung mga kalaro ko, mga iba-ibang lahi, iba-ibang mukha, tsaka medyo mahirap kase sa comms nila, nag-e-English sila e. Sobrang dami kong natutunan," narrated EMANN to Spin.ph.
Yet despite the early struggles he had, EMANN had the chance to mesh well with his teammates and join tournaments such as the Youth Football League (YFL), Alaska Cup, and he even competed all the way in Europe, specifically in France.
Unfortunately things changed when the COVID pandemic came.

Soaring high with Amihan Esports
The early parts of the pandemic was definitely a huge blow for traditional sports as orgs were forced to halt their activities, which even included the biggest leagues like the English Premier League, LaLiga, and UEFA Champions League.
However not everything stopped during the pandemic as esports and gaming managed to squeeze their way given their indoor nature.
Despite the cancellation of the MSC 2020, The MPL Philippines was able to find ways to finish Season 5, while pushing through with Season 6.
And this was also the time when the grassroots and amateur scene reached the next stage as fans got more time to assess up-and-coming prospects.
With no football action, EMANN decided to try his hands on Mobile Legends.
"Noong pandemic, nawalan ng practice. Doon ako nagsimulang maglaro ng mobile games. Nakita ko sa pinsan ko naglalaro ng ML kaya na-enganyo akong maglaro," said Sangco.
Just like with Kaya FC, the competitive drive that EMANN had likewise translated to the Land of Dawn. With Amihan looking for players, it was time for EMANN to showcase his skills.
"Nag-tryout po kami ng mga kaibigan ko kase yung mga kaibigan kong naglalaro ng football, parang yung boss niya naghahanap ng ML team. Tapos yung lima kami, ni-refer niya kami, tapos nag-tryout kami sa Amihan, natanggap po kami," said the future MSC finals MVP.
And the rest was history as EMANN was eventually discovered by RSG Philippines, where he slowly rose to fame.
Similar to his transition to Kaya FC, his first season with RSG was an adjustment phase as he had to learn more about the scene from the bench.
Then came the MPL Invitational 2021, where he was given the chance to showcase his prowess, which ultimately translated well in Season 9 and MSC 2022.

RSG Philippines FC
Despite his career centered on the MOONTON's MOBA gaming title, EMANN still finds time to integrate football in his MLBB career.
During the height of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he stayed up late to watch the games, hoping that his team, Spain, or his idol, Lionel Messi would win the prestigious trophy.
His wish was granted as Argentina won the World Cup, with Lionel Messi silencing his doubters, carrying his country to the biggest stage in football.
But he wasn't alone is watching the World Cup as his teammates Dylan "Light" Catipon and Perkz also sat beside him and joined the festivities.
Then as Season 11 commenced, it was Light who asked for suggestions on who among the football players should they pay tribute before the games.
"Si Light, nagtatanong siya sa akin, parang siya na gumagawa. Siya na yung nagsu-suggest kung anong gagawin natin sa entrance poses," revealed EMANN.
And as Season 12 begins, perhaps we could see more football poses from EMANN and his teammates. Maybe the history making Filipinas that competed in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup could be in the books for the Raiders.
EMANN expressed his admiration on them saying: "Sobrang laking bagay sa Pilipinas sa history natin."
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