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The ‘veteran rookie’ is out to show that he’s more than ready for the MPL stage.
After cutting his teeth in the MDL for years, Omega Esports’ new Mid Laner Minguin is finally getting his chance on the professional stage. And he’s making his debut in a big way too, as he’s also taking the lead as Omega’s team captain in his rookie season.
While having a rookie captain may sound crazy, it makes more sense when you look at Carl “Minguin” Gallantes’ record. He consistently had podium finishes in the MDL under RRQ and was part of their legendary perfect season run. This led him to be part of the national team sent to the 2024 IESF World Esports Championships, where they earned silver. With his accolades, Minguin is a rookie in name but a veteran in spirit.
“I will take it as a privilege na maging captain para sa team,” said Omega Esports’ Minguin in an interview with the media. “Ang pwede kong gawin para sa team ay sa synergy namin. Dapat in good terms kami lahat kasi lahat naman kami alam na paano maglaro. Hindi na kailangan ng captain doon, more on outside the game talaga ang nakikita ko para makatulong sa team ko.”
A sound strategy coming from the veteran-rookie-captain. Still, it’s not everyday you get someone with as much experience as Minguin entering the pro-league as a rookie. When asked if he feels any pressure entering the MPL for the first time, he admits that it’s still there.
“Kahit na marami akong na experience sa MDL and sa IESF, hindi ko pwede sabihin na enough na siya. Syempre, sa MPL PH, iba yung level dito – hindi siya basta-basta,” explained Omega Esports’ Miguin.
“Sa ibang countries and regions, yung MPL PH is talagang tinatangi na pinaka-mahirap na region. So siguro ang maidadala ko sa team is kahit rookie ako, hindi nila makikita na pressured ako. Nakaabot na ako ng international, tapos na-handle ko naman siya ng maayos.”
We’ll see just how well he can handle the MPL stage once season 17 starts.
Banner photo credit: SIBOL.