Kairi: The GOAT Debate Was Settled Long Ago
When Team Liquid Philippines clinched the MSC 2025 championship in Riyadh, the long-running debate over the greatest Mobile Legends player of all time reached its natural conclusion—at least for some.
Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno finally lifted the one trophy that had eluded him, and with it came a moment of quiet vindication.
“I’m just really happy and really proud of myself that I became the GOAT,” KarlTzy said moments after the win. “Yes. If there are a lot of people backing me up saying I am the GOAT, then I agree with them,” he told ALL-STAR.
But even before the finals were played, one of his fiercest rivals—ONIC Indonesia’s Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol—had already settled the score in his own mind.
Still, the Filipino import didn’t mince words when he followed up with a challenge:
“I think he still is (number 1), but after I beat him up, I’ll become number one,” said Kairi before their matchup with TLPH at MSC 2025.
After ONIC Indonesia was soundly defeated by Team Liquid PH however, Kairi revealed he only wanted to agitate KarlTzy in order for him to show his best performance.
“Matagal naman na settled yung GOAT debate,” Kairi told SLIKE. “Pero pinainit ko lang si Karl. Gusto ko kasi makalaban si Karl na nasa peak performance niya. Kasi alam ko, kapag uminit si Karl, gumaganda laro niya. Malakas naman talaga si Karl, matagal na. Wala naman po talagang debate sa GOAT, si Karl naman talaga.”
(“The GOAT debate was settled a long time ago. I just lit a fire under Karl. I really wanted to face him at his peak because I know that when Karl heats up, he plays even better. He’s been strong for a long time. There’s really no debate about the GOAT—it’s Karl, no question.”)
KarlTzy, ever composed, responded with a mix of admiration and disappointment:
“I have a lot of respect for Kairi, and I’m happy he considers me as number one,” he said. “But I’m disappointed that he said that after he beats me up, he’ll be number one.”
This respectful yet fiery exchange encapsulates what MSC 2025 has been all about—legacy, rivalry, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness. While KarlTzy has earned the right to wear the crown, the throne will always be contested by those coming for it next.
For now, though, the GOAT stands undisputed.
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