TNC ESPORTS: "For me, it's okay. It's like a business. Sometimes, you don't have time. So, don't quit," Redulfin said. "Just continue with your goal. Your goal is to win."
Winning that elusive trophy in the Philippines' most popular mobile esports league may take some more time and effort. TNC Pro Team's best playoff performance was in Season 9 when they placed third. Since then, the road to victory has been rough, with the team finishing last for four straight MPL Philippines seasons despite trying different strategies and roster changes.
This recently concluded MPL Philippines Season 13 was no exception. Despite moving Ben "Benthings" Maglaque to the coaching position last season and a vital opening win, the team has had limited success. TNC Pro Team's MLBB also just announced the release of analyst Robee "Yasuwo" Pormocille from the team. Redulfin says this is one of the adjustments fans can expect from TNC this season.
Redulfin first told Fragster that one of the changes is a coaching change for TNC Pro Team's MLBB squad, focusing on one main roster and an extra sub.
"Of course, we haven't hit the chemistry of the team yet. But hopefully, this year, we'll be able to improve. It's not really good if you look at it. But are we going to stop? Of course not. So, we want to go there. It's not just our time," Redulfin said.
Redulfin also revealed exclusively to Fragster that he was offered by at least three Esports World Cup teams to loan the TNC Pro Team franchise slot in MPL Philippines. Boss Eric revealed that he refused all three offers, sticking to keeping his slot under the TNC Pro Team's ownership.
"It's not good for the sports community. Because, of course, we've been here. We are protecting the industry," Redulfin said in the vernacular. "We are one of the organizations that gives the image of esports in the Philippines. And suddenly, that (giving away your slot) happens. For me, it's not yet time. I'm not closing my doors, but for now, as far as I can, we will fight for it."
He explains that running this team is like taking a gamble in business.
"I want to make people realize that no matter what effort you put in if you don't give it time, you won't be successful. The lesson here is the same as the one about business. Not because you run a business, you're sure that you'll make a profit. But it would help if you didn't quit that easily," Mr. Redulfin revealed.
The same holds for TNC's Dota 2 team, now known as TNC Predator. Formed in 2013, their last TI (The International) appearance was in 2019, where they placed 9th to 12th. The team has gone through several iterations and roster changes, and in December 2022, it announced a break from the competitive scene.
Almost two years later, TNC Predator is prepared for a comeback, this time acquiring key experienced players for its squad: Jinn "Palos" Rumatao, Yuri "Yowe" Pacana, Joshua "Kokz" Mariano, John Rey "Jing" Duyan, and the returning Carlo "Kuku" Palad. Redulfin reveals his goal of bringing home an Aegis is still alive but with a different strategy in rebuilding the legendary TNC Predator name in Dota 2 esports.
"So, what happened was, we'll try (again); what we should do is find new talents. What happened was that these players, Kuku, already knew Kuku. He approached us."
"When I discussed it with them, it's like they're agreeing. It would help if you only wanted to win. You don't have any other focus other than winning. If that's what you want, we'll support you. So, what's happening to us here is a partnership," Redulfin says, adding that he's not a fan of cherry-picking players just because of their skills.
Redulfin believes that while money is a motivator, he's looking for players who can share the same mindset of growing and learning with the team together to form his esports squads.
"Automatically, you'll be motivated by money. But for you to perform at the top level is something else," he says.
Reaching the top level may remain a dream or become a reality, as the first half of the year's major tournaments are either concluding or just beginning. TNC's MLBB team is competing at the ESL Snapdragon Pro Series Open Finals, while the TNC Predator Dota 2 team is competing at the Riyadh Open Qualifiers.
Despite the noise, Sir Eric, known in the TNC family as "EMR," says his core motivation is to set an example for a Filipino esports company to make it to the world stage.
"I want to make an example," he says. "We're fighting, rising like the proverbial phoenix, rising from the dead."
When asked if he still hopes his esports teams can win either the Sunburst Shield of MLBB or Dota 2's Aegis, EMR only had one answer in mind.
"I guarantee them, the community, that's for sure. In the NBA, one team even took 40 years to win."
Whether TNC's teams in MLBB and Dota 2 can replicate what the Golden State Warriors did in 2020 remains to be seen as their teams gear up for local and international competitions.
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