Shooting for the Moon, Staying Grounded: Yue’s Story
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
Shooting for the Moon, Staying Grounded: Yue’s Story
MAKATI— Inside the Green Sun Hotel, the crowd erupted as Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo pulled off the first savage of his professional career. His Kimmy dove straight into AP.Bren’s base at the end of the game, shredding through their defenses, and the 21-year-old midlaner let instinct take over.
“Di-nive ko na. Sabi ko, ‘akin, akin, akin,’” Yue recalled with a laugh during the post-match press conference.
It was an unusual sight for MPL Philippines fans. For years, Yue had been known for his composure and safe, calculated play. This time, however, he threw caution aside — and reminded everyone that the Aurora midlaner was more than capable of making the highlight reels.
From Play Safe to Playmaker
Yue admitted that aggression wasn’t his natural instinct.
“Hindi ako yung masyadong aggressive,” he told Fulcrum Esports in an exclusive interview. “Ang laruan ko before is more on play safe na may kaunting aggression lang. Masyadong mataas yung map awareness ko. Nakatingin lang ako sa mga kalaban na papatay sa akin.”
Even his in-game name reflects his calm but watchful nature. “Yue” comes from the Chinese word 月亮 (Yuèliàng), meaning “moon,” inspired by his favorite hero, Chang’e. Like the moon, he preferred to quietly influence the game from a distance rather than recklessly dive into fights.
Starting with Sinag Pilipinas, and then with MHRLK Esports, Yue built his reputation as a reliable mage player in the amateur circuit, in a team where some players grew and find their way to the bigger stage, such as then RRQ Kaito’s Cymond “Cy” Torres and former Aurora Hunters’ Neil Aldrin “Dr1nsanity” Fontanilla.
Shot-calling wasn’t his forte back then, either. He described himself as a follower rather than a leader.
“Mas nagsasalita na ako ngayon kaysa dati. Dati kasi, tahimik lang talaga ako maglaro. Follower lang ako sa mga shot call ng kakampi ko, sumusunod lang ako,” Yue admitted. “Hindi ako nagsasalita ng ibang (instructions) kung di ako ang nagsa-shot call.”
Despite being a varsity athlete in school, he said that leadership didn’t translate in-game. Instead, he carried over something just as vital: trust.
“Ang na-translate ko is yung tiwala ko sa kakampi,” Yue said. “Kapag nagtiwala ako sa kakampi ko, solid, hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip. Kung ano yung kino-call nila na play, 100% na support ako.”
The Breakthrough with SIBOL
That trust was tested and refined during the SIBOL 2022 qualifiers for the IESF World Esports Championship. Yue and his teammates stunned ECHO in the semifinals and pushed Blacklist International — fielding their M3-winning lineup — to the limit.
Though they eventually fell short, Yue was drafted to represent the Philippines in Bali, joining Blacklist’s main five along with then-MHRLK teammate Joshua Kyle “Jade” Villarde. The squad secured silver, and Yue returned to MHRLK with newfound confidence.
Little did he know that SIBOL stint would open the door to his breakthrough.
Rookie of the Year and the Blacklist Standard
In 2023, Yue joined Blacklist International, instantly making waves. He claimed the Rookie of the Season award, ranked among the league’s top five in kill participation, damage per gold, and KDA.
He credited much of his growth to the legendary V33wise duo.
“Noong naging kakampi ko sila (V33wise), nakita ko kung paano sila maging leader ng isang team,” Yue said. “Tapos kung paano nila i-maintain ang composure yung isang team kung sakaling may nagkakamali.”
From macro decisions to mechanical mastery, he evolved into one of MPL’s premier “mage gods.”
“Mas nag-improve yung galawan ko, at kung paano ako mag-isip. Tsaka yung sa macro at micro ko mismo, nag-improve yun sa ilang taong nasa pro ako,” he reflected.
Chasing the Present, Not the Future
Now on his third straight season with Aurora Gaming, Yue has settled into his role as the steady core of the roster. With Aurora shaping up as a title contender in MPL Philippines Season 16 and aiming for an M7 World Championship berth, Yue remains grounded.
“Kung suswertihin ako, apat. Pero kapag minalas, wala,” he said candidly.
Why such realism? His answer was simple.
“Para sa’kin kasi, hindi muna ako tumitingin sa future. Kung ano muna yung meron sa present, doon lang ako naka-focus,” Yue explained.
Words for the Next Generation
To those inspired by his journey — from amateur standouts to SIBOL representative, from Blacklist rookie to Aurora mainstay — Yue offered encouragement.
“Ipagpatuloy lang ang ginagawa ninyo. More hard work, grind lang ng grind. And huwag panghinaan ang loob. Kasi pag napanghihinaan ka ng loob, matatalo ka,” he said with a smile.
From Valenzuela’s amateur halls to the biggest stages of MPL Philippines, Yue has carved out a reputation as one of the most feared midlaners in the world. He has earned respect through consistency, humility, and growth.
His in-game name may mean “moon,” and while Yue aspires to shoot that high, he never loses sight of the ground he stands on. Savage plays and trophies may be within reach, but his gaze remains steady — not on what’s ahead, but on what’s right in front of him.
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