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After nearly a decade of competing, KarlTzy has achieved everything there is to achieve in pro MLBB. So what is it that keeps someone so young so driven?
If you’re even casually familiar with competitive Mobile Legends, you’ve likely heard of the name KarlTzy — the face of MLBB and the shining star of Philippine MLBB esports.
At 21 years old, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno is one of the most decorated players in the scene: a part of the Philippines’ maiden M-Series title run in 2021, the first two-time MLBB World Champion, and a two-time Southeast Asian gold medalist.
He’s been part of the MLBB esports scene since the very beginning, playing and winning in amateur tournaments before turning professional. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as video games were one of Karl’s favorite past times growing up.
“Masasabi ko na sakto lang,” Karl told The GAME when we asked him what his childhood was like before MLBB. “Masaya ako. Nag-aaral lang at naglalaro ng mga games. Kahit bata pa ako gustong-gusto ko na maglaro ng mga games.”
Even at an early age, KarlTzy loved competitive multiplayer video games. He played computer shop classics like Dota 2 and Counter Strike, which is why he fit in easily when MLBB started gaining momentum in the Philippines.
The Rise of the Young GOAT
It was 2018 when KarlTzy became one of the youngest players to play in the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) when he joined Finesse Solid. Only 14 at the time, it was a whirlwind period for KarlTzy, who even had to place his studies on hold to play at the national level.
“Hindi ko kaya i-explain nang maayos kasi parang sobrang bilis ng mga nangyari. Nag-qualifiers kami tapos diretso sa MPL. Sobrang wala akong alam sa ginagawa ko noon,” said Karl with a smile. Understandable, as he was a teenager at the time and he only had one thing in his mind.
“Talagang naglalaro lang ako kasi hindi ko na akalain na big league na ‘yung MPL. Nage-enjoy lang ako sa paglalaro and alam ko na tournament siya so kailangan ko galingan maglaro.”
Finesse Solid finished third in their debut season. Not a bad start for the young KarlTzy, but his big break didn’t start until he was selected for the national MLBB team in the 30th SEA Games. This is where Bren Esports’ world championship-winning lineup traces its roots, and it would be another year before Karltzy made history at the M2 World Championship.
Keeping the Fire Burning
KarlTzy would only continue to rise in prominence as his career went on, competing in numerous high-level tournaments, along with playing and facing many of his fellow legends in the MLBB professional scene. Since debuting in 2018, Karl has won five MPL PH titles, tied for the most with Kiel “Oheb” Soriano and Jaypee Dela Cruz.
He’s essentially grown up alongside the MLBB pro scene, and he’s found one thing that really keeps him going.
“Noong una, ‘yung nagdri-drive sa akin is ‘yung love of the game. Pero habang tumatagal, mas nangingibabaw ‘yung drive ko mag-compete.”
While KarlTzy still takes MLBB seriously, he admits that he always makes sure to take time off the game. Whether that’s playing other games or vacationing abroad, KarlTzy believes that it’s important for him to completely step back from MLBB to recharge his batteries.
“Kapag MLBB ka lang all day, nakakapagod,” said Karl. “Pag tapos na ‘yung tournament, talagang hindi ko hinawakan ‘yung MLBB. Bumbalik din ‘yung drive ko maglaro ng MLBB pag hindi ako naglalaro.”
But one thing’s for sure: KarlTzy is a world class competitor at heart. As he’s already said, it’s the competition – to play on the biggest stages with the highest stakes and thousands of eyes watching your every move – that keeps him going.
“‘Yung feeling na nanalo at ‘yung feeling na nandun ka sa stage. Pag intense ‘yung laban, ‘yun ‘yung palagi ko hinahanap. Para sa akin, doon ko lang nafe-feel ‘yung ganun na adrenaline. Doon sa mga crucial moments sa biggest stages, doon talaga ako nage-enjoy.”
Always Something to Prove
Despite all the glitz and glory, KarlTzy’s hasn’t been a smooth ride to the top. He’s endured many pitfalls, with his most challenging one being his slump during MPL PH Season 14. That was his first year with Team Liquid, and there was an adjustment period working with such a prestigious esports organization.
Add to that the pro meta shifting away from KarlTzy’s strengths, and you get a disappointing first round exit in the playoffs.
“‘Yun ‘yung sinu-sub out na ako. Gusto ko na umalis sa team or mag-retire na,” Karl admits.
That would have been a sad note to end his career on but thankfully he held on thanks to the support of his partner, Katelein Arsolon.
“Matagal na kami magkasama. Sa mga mabigat na decisions na ganun, siya ‘yung tinatanong ko. Sabi niya OK lang basta palagi ko ginagalingan para i-prove ‘yung sarili ko – kasi sa mundong ito, lagi mayroon kang kailangan i-prove,” Karl said of Katelein’s support.
Prove himself he did as 2025 became one of the most successful years in KarlTzy’s career.
After ruling MPL PH Season 15 and 16 with Team Liquid, Karl added an elusive Mid-Season Cup trophy to his title case. Plus, let’s not forget the 33rd SEA Games, where he helped the Philippines bag their fourth MLBB gold.
It just goes to show that no matter what you throw at him, KarlTzy can always rise to the occasion.
The Next Steps Forward
On February 3, 2026, KarlTzy successfully proposed to Katelein, marking another big milestone in his life. Soon he’ll be a married man, and while that won’t necessarily change anything in his career, it has prompted him to think about the future.
“Gusto ko lang maging sobrang financially stable na kahit wala na akong gawin, kahit matanda na ako, nae-enjoy ko ‘yung buhay ko. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto ko ma-reach,” said Karl. “Tapos ‘yung mga ibang bagay, like ‘yung pagkuha ng bahay, magka-business, pinagiisipan ko din yon. Gusto ko lang mag-chill.”
If there’s anyone in the scene who deserves a well earned rest, it’s KarlTzy. However, he still has a team that relies on him and a few records that he can still break.
“Kaya ko pa naman sumabay at madami pa rin ‘yung maambon ko sa team,” said Karl, and based on his recent performances, we can definitely say that he’s playing at his peak.
Still, he has entertained the thought of retiring so we asked who he thought could take his place as the GOAT of MLBB. He was quiet for a while before finally responding.
“Sa ngayon, wala akong nakikita na may ganong attitude. Siguro si [Grant “Kelra” Pillas], kung kailan man.”
The discourse is going to be fierce if and when KarlTzy decides to move on from competing. Regardless, nothing will change the fact that KarlTzy will always be the first GOAT of MLBB.
Banner images taken by Excel Panlaque/KLIQ Inc.
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