Nothing comes easy; TLPH manager Mitch Liwanag opens up on the team’s pursuit of greatness

Nothing comes easy; TLPH manager Mitch Liwanag opens up on the team’s pursuit of greatness

Recently at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, PH representatives Team Liquid PH finally won the elusive MSC title for the country, three years after RSG PH first did it in 2022.

It was a very special win for the whole team, as it became the first organization in a single country to win every trophy there is in the professional ML:BB scene.

But to achieve those trophies and successes that they enjoy right now, TLPH manager Mitch Liwanag reminded everyone something most people overlook.

“Hindi madali buhay behind the esports scene.”

In an exclusive interview, Liwanag shared the struggles and sacrifices her team went through to pursue greatness in esports.

First step

As an industry still in its development stage, esports is a career not everyone may get or understand fully well. In the Esports World Cup documentary that premiered before the tournament, stories of esports players like Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s, Liwanag compared Sanford’s story to his other fellow athletes. .

“Actually, for me malaki similarity paano nila mahalin at paano nila tinanggap na eto na talaga career ng mga anak nila,” she said.

“Kahit hindi nila maintindihan yung laro, ang importante masaya yung mga anak nila sa pangarap na gusto nila maging successful as an esports player,” she added.

Liwanag also shared that she went through the same ordeal.

“Lahat kami ganyan pinagdaanan. ‘Bakit ka nga ba naadik sa larong yan may mapupulot ka ba sa paglalaro mo starter pack’ kind of story,” she shared.

“Sobrang layo kase ng career ko sa hospitality industry versus esports. Ang stable ng job ko pero nirisk ko kasi gusto ko mag-focus sa esports. Sa laki ng sahod ko noon hindi matanggap ng family ko ipagpapalit ko yun sa passion ko.”

Having an understanding and supportive family made it easier for Mitch to take a step towards her passion.

“Sobrang close kase namin ng family ko especially mommy ko. Basta sabi ng mama ko mawala man esports saakin noon support sya. Sinigurado niya and ineducate nya family ko na eto papasukan ko. If mag-fail man or maging success, ang importante nandyan sila lage sa tabi ko,” she revealed.

“Sinugal namin kase eto pangarap namin.”

For TLPH, every win and loss, inside and outside the game, is what fuels their competitive drive.

“Sobrang hirap manalo sa pinas pero sobrang worth it. Kaya ganito kame ka-dedicated (kasi) sobrang competitive ng scene sa PH. Papasok ka sa butas ng karayom.”

“Pero alam mo yun, ang sarap irepresent (ng) PH dahil talagang pinaglaban ng team yung slot nila to represent PH.” she remarked.

Inspiring the next generation

Liwanag believes that their story can inspire a lot of hopefuls in the esports industry, noting the industry’s growing number of opportunities.

“Alam kong marami din gusto makarating sa position ng team ko. Baka one day etong nagbabasa ng sagot ko, makakasama ko sila makipag-compete din katulad ng team ko right now.”

“Sobrang hirap manalo sa pinas pero sobrang worth it. Kaya ganito kame ka-dedicated sobrang competitive ng scene sa PH,”, she added.

When the interview concluded, Mitch left with a reminder for everyone.

“May iba’t-ibang kwento at kulay ang buhay ng bawat player. The pressure and competition para lang makarating saan man sila ngayon? It’s an eye-opener din na hindi madali buhay behind the scene,” she said.