FNATIC ONIC PH worked like a well-oiled machine, earning a perfect 4-0 record in the MPL Philippines Season 14 Regular Season after pulling off a reverse sweep over Aurora Gaming on Friday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
The Northern Lights stunned Fnatic Onic PH in the opening game, posing a threat to the winning streak of Fnatic ONIC PH, but the Hedgehogs stood their ground and rallied to reverse the series.
“Naging true lang kami sa playstyle namin. I’ve been talking about ‘yung mental fortitude ng players. Despite losing the first game, we shrug it off as a team. It doesn’t really matter, so one game at a time,” head coach Anthony Dennis “Ynot” Senedrin revealed how Fnatic ONIC PH copes under pressure.
What set Fnatic ONIC PH apart from their opponents was not just their mental fortitude but also the strong family-like bond they shared.
“Going there, play as [a] family. Make sure na ‘yung role mo gampanan mo as an individual. At the end of the day, making sure it fits the system we build,” coach Ynot said, fulfilling each of their roles to make the dream work.
Learning from the comp shop culture
The family-like bond that defines Fnatic ONIC PH's culture traces its roots back to Coach Ynot, who originally developed it in humble computer shops that shaped him.
“Nanggaling kasi ako sa generation ng gamers na ganoon. From mga computer shops before, DOTA 1, Ragnarok. I can confidently say na ‘yung mga nakalaro ko then, ‘di man kami lagi naguusap, it’s still there,” coach Ynot recalled.
“Na-instill na sa akin ‘yung ganoon, whenever I meet like-minded individuals such as this group, na parang infectious na lang siya. You run with your family; kahit na anong banggain niyo, it’s fine as long as you stick together,” coach Ynot said, conquering challenges with individuals he treats as family.
Even with Fnatic ONIC PH’s dominant start in the early stages of the regular season, Coach Ynot is not letting his guard down.
“Mahaba pa kasi ‘yung season. It’s never safe. At the end of the day, mahalaga na nasasagot pa rin namin, ‘yung tanong na “Nag improve ba kami ngayong araw?” “Ano ‘yung gagawin namin bukas para mag improve pa kami as an individual, as a team? ”Coach Ynot said, refusing to be complacent and directing his attention toward refining their game.
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