For Duane "Kelra" Pillas to finally win the world championship, is a perfect way to defy the curse laid down on him. No longer is he the mechanical maestro who would just wow audiences during the regular season and only win an MSC trophy, as he is now an M-Series champ.
And he managed to carve a legacy alongside a cast of players who were discarded by their former teams, overlooked despite their potential, and suffered at the bottom of the standings, only for these band of nobodies to prove their world class status.
Such feats could inspire individuals to pursue their dreams despite the setbacks that they'll encounter, which is a narrative that a bar passer named Allan Chester Prado Acosta expressed in a public Facebook group.
He has been following Kelra and Ch4knu since their journey from Execration.
"Hello mga ka Sonics! Sharing this journey of mine on how Fnatic Onic Philippines helped me in conquering the 2024 bar examination. I'm a silent viewer of Onic Philippines since season 13, but a diehard fan of Kelra and Ch4knu. Kelra's journey from Execration to Smart Omega is sure a rollercoaster," he started.
But ever since they won the MSC 2022 trophy with Execration, both Ch4knu and Kelra suffered from a lot of heartbreaks, from their playoff loss in MSC the following season, which saw Patrick James "E2MAX" Caidic in tears, all the way to the frustrating MPL seasons.
Similar to Ch4knu and Kelra, Acosta had sudden doubts within himself.
"During the bar exam review season (MPL Season 13), I've seen how the team's journey ended early during the first round of the playoffs, same as them I kept on doubting my potential. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, baka hindi ko kakayanin to. It left me with a deep wound."
Season 14 triumph
Eventually Kelra decided to leave Smart Omega and join ONIC PH back in Season 13. Initially his attempts were futile as his new team failed to win the championship despite a very promising first-half.
But Season 14 was the time when Kelra and Fnatic ONIC made a statement where they won their very first MPL PH trophy. Upon seeing them lift the trophy, tears flowed towards Acosta's eyes.
This event likewise inspired Acosta to keep pushing forward.
"Here comes the entrance of MPL S14 with FNOP's newly established roster. With their line up, no one's expected this team's chemistry and dominance. Kahit nung exam days (September 8, 11, and 15) I managed to watch their matches cheering from behind."
"When they clinched the MPL S14 championship I cried as hard as Kelra's. Sobrang saya ko para sa team na to. Salamat sa pag inspire sa akin na wag sumuko."
Congrats atty.
As Fnatic hustled and grinded in the M6 stage, Acosta hoped that his prayers will finally be answered.
Now did he end up passing the bar examination?
"These past few days, FNOP's a savage towards their M6 run while I'm at one side, anxious, worried, but hopeful with the results of the Bar examination announced to be released today (December 13). I prayed and petitioned our Lord to grant me the "ATTY" and FNOP's first M-world championship," he started.
"Today, our God answered my first prayer, I do hope that FNOP will win this World Championship."
It turns out his hopes became a reality as Fnatic ONIC likewise won the M6 crown, where they completely dismantled Team Liquid ID. As his dreams were fulfilled, Acosta expressed his gratitude to the team, for serving as an inspiration.
"Katulad ninyo, first timer ako, walang experience at walang ibang kinakapitan kung hindi ang talent na binigay ni Lord. Kunin niyo na 'tong championship para sa PIlipinas. Salamat sa inspirasyon, K1NGKONG, Super Frince, Kelra, Kirk, at Brusko. Abogado na ako PINAS LANG PINAKAMALAKAS!"
In return the members of Fnatic ONIC congratulated Acosta for his hardwork.
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