Athlete

Demonkite Reveals Two Powerful Lessons Every Champion Knows

Aurora’s Jonard Cedrix Caranto, better known as “Demonkite,” has been around. He’s tasted plenty of defeats and humbling letdowns, he now sees esports as a path filled with hard-earned lessons on resilience and humility. After a tough series against Fnatic Onic that could have crowned him champion once more, Demonkite shared insights not just as a player, but as a person who’s constantly growing.

Demonkite reveals why Aurora is a dangerous team

Demonkite
Photo: MPL Philippines

Reflecting on the recent series, Demonkite revealed what many people failed to notice about Aurora. They are playing the patience game, just like how Blacklist International did at its UBE heydays: “Kung ano yung maliliit na butas, gusto namin iexploit at maximize. Nag-upgrade lang kami,” said Demonkite. It was evident in their 7-game thriller with Onic, which quite frankly, many people expected to be a lopsided match in favor of Onic. 

But it wasn’t. 

It was a scary game for ONIC, thanks to Demonkite’s pummeling punishments minute after minute of every game. His game had clearly evolved. But when we asked him what’s the most important change he’s gone through in his career, his answer caught us by surprise. 

“Ang biggest change ko ay bilang si John Cedrix, hindi bilang si Demonkite,” he said. 

“Marami akong pinagbago,” he shared, signaling that the changes he’s undergone go beyond the game screen. He has recently become a father, and that has clearly played a role in the sense of maturity and sportsmanship we’re seeing in DK now. 

In fact, among Aurora’s players, it was only Demonkite who radiated with a smile when he entered the press room for the post-match interview. This earned him the second moniker, “The Smiling Demon.”

Demonkite: “Always look toward a brighter future.”

Demonkite
Photo: MPL Philippines

For Demonkite, the grand finals against Fnatic Onic was about more than victory or defeat. “Win or lose, I am very proud of my team,” he told ALL-STAR

“Anuman ang result ng grand finals, wala naman sa akin iyon, ine-enjoy ko lang yung moment. Gusto ko lang gawin yung best ko,” he added. 

As he spoke, Renejay was on his right and Yue was on his left. The former was uncharacteristically listless and was wiping tears moments before. Meanwhile, the latter was staring into space, unsure of what to do. 

“You’ve been in this situation many times,” we told Demonkite. “How would you comfort your teammates?”

He heaved with a sigh and spoke with empathy. 

“Ganitong ganito rin yung nararamdaman ko noong puro top 3 ako, hindi ako nananalo,” said Demonkite. 

“Hindi ako makapag-champion at hindi ako makapag internationals. Nararamdaman ko yung nararamdaman nila pero para sa akin, there’s always good journey ahead, lagi lang heads up and always  look toward a brighter future.”

The most valuable lessons Demonkite learned through the years

Demonkite
Photo: MPL Philippines

Demonkite’s career has taught him valuable lessons that he carries into every match. 

“Number one is huwag kang panghihinaan ng loob,” he says, emphasizing the importance of having faith in himself. But it’s his second insight that reveals the intensity of his dedication: 

“If you really want to be a champion, make sure na yung normal na pro player, doble sa kanya yung ginagawa mo.” It’s this grit that Demonkite leans on, reminding his teammates and fans alike that setbacks don’t define them. For Demonkite, it’s not enough to meet the standard; he aims to set it higher.