FIVE MPL-PH veterans taking a break for Season 9 leaves an important question mark for the community: Why is there a sudden flood of players who want to take a break from the league?
It started with Ashley Marco “Killuash” Cruz stepping away from the competitive scene in Season 8, though he eventually announced his return in Season 9.
Then in Season 9, the number of players taking a break increased. Gone are the likes of Carlito “Ribo” Ribo, Jr., Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario, Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, Joshwell Christian “Iy4knu” Manaog, and Adrian “Toshi” Bacallo.
With a raft of veterans sitting out for Season 9, RSG PH head coach Brian “Panda” Lim shared his insights on why these players have decided to take a rest.
“Well I think the amount of pressure and stress level is pretty much similar to other seasons. It is just that some players get burned out because of continuous seasons, so at the end they’re treating ML like their work instead of some 'kilig' passion,” he said.
Coach Panda believes esports burnout is real
Compare that to an amateur player just bursting onto the scene.
“New players from amateur leagues are so hungry because it's their first time to strive for achievements,” he reflected. “Their passion and fire is all there without needing any input. But for veterans their strive for MPL is not the same as the new players.”
Panda should know: He experienced that very same thing with Iy4knu.
“Si Iy4knu told me he wants to find ML fun again like the days when he first played so that's why he is taking a rest.”
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