FIVE WEEKS have passed and Omega Esports seem destined to hit rock bottom as their regular season campaign has been in shambles.
Desperate to make the playoffs, they decided to bring reinforcements from their MDL roster, which included their former superstar, Joshua "Ch4knu" Mangilog, though it can be argued that things are already too late.
But as Week 6 came, Omega suddenly experienced a resurgence. Under Ch4knu's leadership, the Barangay secured two massive victories over the likes of Blacklist International and the defending MPL PH champs, AP.Bren, giving them a glimmer of hope of reaching the playoffs.
With only a week remaining, Omega still has a chance to make a miraculous comeback in Season 13, though their fate will depend on Blacklist's performance. If Blacklist wins a single game, Omega is out of playoff contention.
But as of now, there is hope especially with Ch4knu leading the charge.
Ch4knu is the answer
"Ang ganda ng pagkadagdag ni Ch4knu sa composition namin sa players kasi siya talaga yung nagpapakalma sa players kapag in-game na. Sobrang smooth ng call, hindi masyadong hype. Yun yung naging problema namin noong nakaraang laban is lumalamang kami pero hindi kami nakatapos," revealed Coach Lemuel "Lembot" Lucban in a post-match press interview.
He added: "Parang nahirapan kami at some point, yung comms nagiging problema. So ngayon na-solusyonan na iyon sa pagdating ni Ch4knu."
This was also the same thoughts that Jayson "Ukir" Alupit had about Ch4knu.
"Yung mentality na nananalo, syempre galing kami sa talo e. Yung presence niya noong nasa MPL na siya, parang nadala niya sa team. Siya rin yung reason nang pagpapakalma kapag crucial game na, kung papaano kami mag-e-end, pinapakalma niya yung team kung paano mag-isip ng maayos."
Lembot and Ukir's comments on Ch4knu highlighted the importance of a veteran presence in the team and it likewise helped that the Mamba has something to prove this season.
"Kapag ikukumpara mo sa last season na nilalaro niya, mas malakas talaga siya ngayon. Parang bumabalik yung prime niya this season," as stated by his former teammate Duane "Kelra" Pillas.
As of now Omega has 10 points, six points below Blacklist International who are also fighting for the final playoff spot. Omega needs to win the rest of their matches and hope that Blacklist suffers 0-2 defeats against the likes of ECHO and RSG.
While the clock is ticking for Omega, Ch4knu revealed that there is no pressure on his end.
"Siguro hindi ako na-pressure kasi may nagsabi na, ‘Kahit anong mangyari ok lang, kumbaga magiging practice ko ulit ito e.”
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