He’s got two PKL championships and two finals MVP awards but Karlll knows that there’s still more that he can do.
The legend of BOOM Esports’ veteran Jungler Karl “Karlll” Bautista continues to grow as he once again distinguishes himself in the Philippine Kings League Spring 2026 playoffs. He once again claimed the title of finals MVP, making him two for two for the award.
When it comes to top Junglers in the PKL, the conversation is always between Karlll and Blacklist International’s Justine “Juschie” Tan. Some even say that the GOAT debate in the Philippines’ Honor of Kings professional scene boils down to these two.
However, Karlll doesn’t even consider himself as part of that conversation.
“Kasi without my teammates or my coaches, hindi ko kaya kunin siya mag-isa,” BOOM Esports’ Karlll told The GAME in an exclusive interview. “Pero tingin ko, dahil nagka-champion na kami, pwede sabihin na we’re each the best sa roles namin sa PH.”
He says all this with a sheepish smile. Karlll has always been thankful for the efforts of his teammates but he also knows that he has a long way to go before he can even think about being called a GOAT.
“Tingin ko kailangan ko pa ng ilang championship, or finals MVP, or international tournaments. Then pwede na.”
At least he won’t have to wait too long for the chance to keep proving himself. As the PKL Spring 2026 champions, BOOM have a spot in the HoK Challenger Cup 2026 taking place in China this April. Then they’re going all the way to Riyadh later this July for the HoK World Cup 2026.
The Philippines has always been so painfully close to making a podium finish in international tournaments. Many are hoping this might finally be out time, but Karlll and the team are keeping their expectations in check.
“Sa Challengers Cup, feel ko malayo pa tayo doon. Lalo na kasi sa China gaganap ‘yun,” admits BOOM Esports’ Karlll. “Kahit sino sa amin alam na malayo pa. Pero yung mga learnings na makukuha namin doon, going into EWC, magagamit namin ng sobra. So hopefully magagamit namin siya ng maayos.”
Banner image courtesy of Level Infinite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Karl “Karlll” Bautista is a veteran Filipino esports athlete who serves as the starting Jungler for BOOM Esports’ Honor of Kings division. He is a two-time PKL champion and a back-to-back Finals MVP recipient.
The domestic Honor of Kings greatest of all time (GOAT) debate primarily centers on BOOM Esports’ star player Karlll and Blacklist International’s team captain and elite Jungler, Justine “Juschie” Tan.
Despite his local accolades, Karlll states he needs to capture additional domestic championships, earn more individual Finals MVP awards, and secure deep international tournament podium finishes before he can be considered the definitive GOAT.
The international Honor of Kings Challenger Cup 2026 took place in China during April 2026. The elite global competition brought together top regional qualifiers, including the Philippines’ top-seeded representatives, BOOM Esports.
BOOM Esports earned a direct seed to represent the Philippines at the high-stakes Honor of Kings World Cup 2026, held as part of the massive Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during July 2026.
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