KarlTzy: Indo-PH Rivalry Is Long Dead

For years, the Philippines versus Indonesia rivalry was MLBB esports’ most reliable storyline. It was noisy, emotional, and fueled by back-and-forth world championship battles that defined entire eras of the game. But at M7, that rivalry no longer feels alive. It feels remembered.

MLBB GOAT and Team Liquid’s superstar Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno said it plainly, without clouding the truth.

“Sa tingin ko naman po, matagal nang walang rivalry. Kasi lagi na lang Pilipinas ang nasa finals. Ang Indonesia, matagal na talaga siyang wala.”

(“I think the rivalry has been gone for a long time now. The Philippines is always the one in the finals. Indonesia, on the other hand, has been absent for quite a while.”)

It’s a blunt assessment, but one grounded in results. At M7, both Indonesian representatives found themselves in the lower bracket for the first time in World Championship history, a moment that symbolized a long decline rather than a sudden collapse. Meanwhile, the Philippines has made consistency its calling card, repeatedly placing teams in deep playoff runs and grand finals.

The regular absence of Indonesia in the business end of Worlds has slowly drained the rivalry of its competitive meaning. Rivalries thrive on balance; they die when outcomes become predictable.

KarlTzy also touched on why Indonesian teams continue to fall short internationally, despite having the skill to match PH teams.

“Sa tingin ko naman, hindi sila mahihirapan na babalagbagin sila ng PH teams, kayang kaya nilang sumabay. Sadyang nagkukulang lang talaga sila kapag sa international.”

(“I think they wouldn’t really struggle against PH teams, they can definitely keep up with us. They just tend to fall short when it comes to international tournaments.”)

That gap, small but persistent, has been the difference. Indonesia can compete, but competing is no longer enough at the world level. The Philippines, meanwhile, has learned how to survive Worlds pressure year after year.

At M7, the Indo-PH rivalry simply faded, overshadowed by time, results, and the sustained dominance of the MLBB’s new regional powerhouse Malaysia, alongside the Philippines.

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