RWKD’s Fleur: ‘I want to be known as me’
Photo from HOK Global Esports
RWKD’s Fleur: ‘I want to be known as me’
PASIG – In a scene still finding its footing, it takes more than skill to stand out in Honor of Kings. It takes presence, purpose — and a blooming name worth remembering.
That name is Homer “Fleur” Matol.
RWE Kadiliman’s roamer has become one of the unexpected revelations of the Philippine Kings League, earning praise for macro plays, signature support picks, and a voice that resonates far beyond shot calls. But the road to recognition didn’t start with HOK. It began with heartbreak — and reinvention.
From Wild Rift to the Kings League
Before becoming known for pocket picks and clean engages, Fleur was one of the top names in the Wild Rift community.
Known then as “Margaux,” they competed in both amateur and professional circuits and came within reach of the WRL Asia Finals Season 2 with NAOS Esports — a dream cut short when Riot Games discontinued Wild Rift’s competitive ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
That could’ve been the end. But instead, it was a pivot.
“Actually, yung HOK, na-discover ko siya bago pa siya ma-global release,” Fleur shared, referring to the Chinese version of the game. With prior knowledge and a background in other MOBAs, the transition was smoother than expected.
“Technical-wise kasi across different MOBAs, meron silang similarities. Roles, kits, systems — ‘yung idea na ‘ito counter ay ganito.’ Feeling ko ‘yung knowledge ko na yun, nag-translate siya horizontally into HOK.”
Fleur said the key was mindset: to treat HOK as a new challenge rather than a direct comparison to past games. “If you keep an open mind and don’t cling to old habits, mas easier siya i-explore and ma-adapt ‘yung fundamentals.”
Rising from the qualifiers
RWE Kadiliman — then still playing under the name Rough World Era — was barely expected to qualify during the HOK Invitational S3. Yet through sharp macro, timely rotations, and resilience, she not only made it through but helped eliminate favorites like BOOM Esports in the process.
Fleur’s presence was undeniable. From Cai Yan to Sun Bin to the unconventional Dolia, the support-main brought versatility and precision to the role — helping the team earn its place in the Philippine Kings League’s top-tier ranks despite coming from qualifiers.
“Nakaka-flatter,” said Fleur about the rising attention, “pero hindi ko siya pinapa-akyat sa ulo. My main goal is to be a champion.”
Fleur also acknowledged the growing fan support. “Super thankful and grateful ako. Lalo na sa mga nagko-comment at nagcha-chat lagi sa page ko — sobrang na-appreciate ko ‘yun.”
Not just visibility — representation
As one of the few openly LGBTQ personalities in the HOK Philippines scene, Fleur sees her presence not just as representation, but as purpose. For many, being gay in a male-dominated esports title still comes with stigma and outdated stereotypes.
“I want to be known as someone with substance,” said Fleur. “Kasi I’m gay, tapos parang ‘yung stereotype is gays are funny people. Gusto ko mag-add more into it, especially na nire-represent ko ‘yung mga katulad ko.”
For Fleur, identity comes with strength — not struggle. “I think ‘yung pinaka-advantage ko being LGBTQ is I’m resilient. Willing akong mag-adjust, mag-adapt. I’ve been through different teammates, metas, and environments.”
Still, she didn’t downplay the challenges. “It’s sad, pero common ‘yung mga hurtful experiences sa community. But I think those made me stronger.”
More than a comparison
With Fleur’s growing impact in-game and online, comparisons to Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna — a three-time league champion and MPL Philippines icon — quickly surfaced. Both are vocal, strategy-first roamers, playing support-heavy roles with a flair for unconventional picks.
“It’s very obvious na pagpasok ko sa esports scene, makukumpara talaga ako kay V33,” Fleur admitted. “Same role, same gender, kahit different games kami. And I super admire V33 — isa siya sa nag-inspire sa akin sa previous game ko.”
But Fleur isn’t here to follow someone else’s blueprint.
“I want to build a name for myself. I want to be known as Fleur, to have my own individuality. I want to be known as me.”
Looking ahead
The journey is still unfolding. But with each match played and each fan gained, Fleur isn’t just chasing a trophy — she’s defining a space for themselves and for those who see parts of her story in them.
“To everyone supporting me and the team — thank you. Your support means so much. It gives us drive, motivation. Sana suportahan niyo kami, always.”
In a scene still finding its roots, Fleur isn’t just growing — she’s blooming. And in a field where names are easy to forget, hers stands out not for echoing someone else’s, but for flourishing with a story all its own.
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