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Teddy has had to take in a lot in his rookie season but he has a technique that helps him stay focused.
It’s been an incredibly wild rookie season on Team Liquid for Dave “Teddy” Viaña as he’s gone from the amateur league to international competition in just six months. His career has only gone straight up, a fact that hasn’t settled in yet for the young Gold Laner.
“To be honest, anytime meron ako akong bagong naa-achieve, hindi ko lini-look forward yung susunod na mangyayari. Nagfo-focus lang ako sa bawat match ko,” said Teddy to The GAME. “And hindi pa siya nagsi-sink in para sa akin na nasa grand finals ako sa rookie season ko at pupunta ako sa [Esports World Cup]. Baka pag-uwi ko, doon ko mare-realize.”
Still, the expectations that suddenly fell on Teddy’s shoulders when he joined Team Liquid are quite extreme. Not only did he replace Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, one of the best Gold Laners in the Philippines, he’s now also representing the country in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. It’s a lot to adjust to mentally, and that’s something he’s struggling with even now.
“‘Yung mental fortitude ko hindi pa siya ganun kaganda. As a person, medyo overthinking talaga ako and napre-pressure ako doon. Pero dahil sa team and coaches ko, natutulungan nila ako. Meron din akong ginagawang meditations before the match. Nakakatulong talaga siya sa akin.”
Those meditations are breathing exercises and prayers before every match. It’s a simple trick, but one that helps Teddy center himself through the constantly mounting storm of competition.
“Kinakalma ko lang ‘yung sarili ko before every game kasi first time ko dito sa playoffs. Iba talaga ‘yung pressure and ‘yung aura ng mga fans compared sa regular season. Medyo nakaka-overwhelm pero thankfully nakakapag-adjust ako.”
Hopefully Steady Teddy can keep up the good work as it’ll only get harder from here on out.
Images from MPL Philippines on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave “Teddy” Viaña is the rookie Gold Laner for Team Liquid, having rapidly transitioned from amateur leagues to competing in international grand finals within six months.
Teddy replaced Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, who is widely regarded as one of the top Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Gold Laners in the Philippines.
Teddy manages high-stakes tournament pressure by practicing deep breathing exercises and saying prayers, utilizing these specific meditation techniques before entering every match.
Following a highly successful rookie season, Teddy is set to represent the Philippines at the Esports World Cup and the upcoming 2026 Asian Games.
Teddy relies heavily on the support of his Team Liquid teammates and coaching staff to overcome overthinking and adapt to overwhelming stage environments.