Having displayed notable progress over a span of three years, Onic Esports has clinched nearly every major accolade in the professional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competition, solidifying their position as one of the leading entities in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. And this achievement has garnered acclaim from MLBB observers who attribute it to their bold and effective transfer strategies.
In July 2022, the Yellow Porcupines surprised the MPL Indonesia scene by initiating the transfer of player and coach from Philippines competition, Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol and Paul “Yeb” Denver. Although there was a considerable hype surrounding the Filipino competition at the time, certain criticisms emerged from the Indonesian MLBB community regarding their ‘Indo pride’ identity and anticipated difficulties in their adjustment to Indonesian culture.
Gradually, they dispelled these concerns by showcasing improvement each season. Their impressive performances were duly acknowledged with victories in major tournaments, motivating other Indonesian teams to adopt similar transfer strategies. In a short span, these two individuals garnered immense adulation from Onic’s loyal fan base, emerging as key figures within the team.
However, personnel changes are an inherent part of the industry, and the future of Kairi and Yeb’s stay with the team remains uncertain. Considering their stellar performances last year, it would be challenging to retain them, as significant teams outside Indonesia are likely to present enticing offers. This concern has not escaped the attention of Onic Esports CEO Justin Widjaja, who emphasized the unpredictability of the future, especially Kairi.
“For now, I cannot give you any concrete details about their future. We need to consult with the coaching team and take other factors into account,” he stated during an MPL ID S12 media interview. “However, I can affirm that we are committed to retaining our top performers.”
Recognizing this possibility, Justin outlined the potential for substantial changes in the team composition, including the prospect of forming a squad solely comprising Indonesian players or sourcing talent from regions beyond Indonesia and Philippines, notably the highly anticipated Chinese market. If this scenario materializes, Onic Esports could pioneer a new trend in the MPL ID transfer market.
“In the coming three or four years, who knows, we might introduce players from other regions or opt for an all-Indonesian lineup,” he explained. “We are also keeping an eye on the Chinese region, as their MLBB competition is about to commence. We acknowledge the talent potential in that region and will closely monitor any promising players. But I think it’s still too early to consider them with the new competitive scene forming. We shall wait for a year and see.”
The MPL ID kings will continue their pursuit of the final major trophy of 2023 by representing Indonesia at the forthcoming M5 in Philippines this November. An unprecedented triumph would be bestowed upon Yeb and Kairi should they secure the championship in their hometown.
