Chell and Cinny Open Up About Grief, Growth, and Global Spotlight
Photo from Team Vitality
Chell and Cinny Open Up About Grief, Growth, and Global Spotlight
MANILA — Even through a screen, Michelle Denise “Chell” Siswanto and Cindy Laurent “Cinny” Siswanto radiate a calm energy that betrays the whirlwind year they’ve had. The Indonesian sisters, who played gold laner and midlaner respectively for Team Vitality’s MLBB women’s team, recently became the center of global attention.
However, it is not just for their elite gameplay, but for their heartfelt appearance in Amazon Prime’s docuseries Esports World Cup: Level Up.
In 2024, the duo played a vital role as their team rolled through the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) in Riyadh. But their tournament run wasn’t just defined by what happened inside the Land of Dawn—it was marked by personal tragedy: the loss of their grandfather, which they learned of just before a key day at the tournament.
Carrying Grief into the Arena
“I was actually preparing to go to sleep at that time,” Chell recalls. “And when I heard the news, I just, you know, like, crashed. And the next morning, I had to do media day. I was doing my makeup while crying.”
Cinny, in another room that night, found out from their mother. “I took a shower for 40 minutes because of lots of crying,” she says. “Then for media day, I wore contact lenses with different prescriptions, but I used the same ones for both eyes. I really couldn’t focus.”
Despite the heartbreak, the two marched forward, reaching the grand finals against Smart Omega Empress. It wasn’t the ending they hoped for, but their resilience became the heart of their episode.
More Than Just a Team
When asked about being featured in the documentary, both sisters admit they were surprised. “We kind of felt confused,” Chell shares. “We didn’t really think we had any stories to tell—but turns out, we had.”
The experience became more than just filming, as it became an opportunity to represent women in esports and tell a story they didn’t know they were already living.
“It’s really important for us,” Chell explains. “Mobile Legends Women is the only female division at the Esports World Cup. We were honored to get that chance, not just for us, but to represent all the ladies in esports.”
Unexpected Fame
The docuseries followed the sisters across Indonesia and Riyadh. Though cameras were ever-present, the crew became a welcome presence, and they found comfort in the kindness of the production team.
“They were really, really nice,” Chell says. “But when we had to actually focus on the game, we just ignored them.”
Cinny adds, “Most of the time they followed us, but we talked to them a lot. They were nice.”
As for being the stars of a documentary watched by millions? The feeling is still sinking in. “It feels kind of weird, obviously,” Chell admits. “But I think we’ve got a pretty interesting story to tell.”
Reflections, Lessons, and the Road Ahead
Their journey has brought support and tears, not just from fans, but from close friends. “Our friends who watched it said they cried a lot,” Chell says. “They’re rooting for us to win it this year.”
Cinny, ever grounded, adds that things haven’t changed much. “Just our close friends who’ve watched it. That’s all.”
As for their preparations in 2025, Chell makes it clear: “I already know what was wrong last year. This year, I’ll make sure those things are fixed before EWC”
Rising From the Pain
Their message to viewers? Simple, but powerful. “Please watch it,” Cinny says. “You’ll feel the same emotion as us. It’s really, really painful to watch.”
Painful—but worth telling. Because the story of Chell and Cinny isn’t just one of loss. It’s about rising, playing through heartbreak, and finding strength in each other as they carry not just their team—but an entire scene—on their shoulders.
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