How an Old Game Boy Sparked Kirk’s Passion for Gaming
“I’m not much of a talker,” Kirk tells ALL-STAR. Even in interviews with Mara Aquino, Kirk’s reserved nature comes through. Aquino even joked about how hard it was to get more than a couple of words out of him. Despite being soft-spoken, his focus and determination speak volumes.
But his dedication to his craft is clear.
Kirk’s passion for gaming started young. As a child, he was hooked on Game Boy, spending countless hours playing Super Mario games.
“Sa kapatid ko yung Game Boy, luma na pero tumagal sa amin,” said Kirk. (“The Game Boy belongs to my brother, it’s old but it lasted with us.”)
That Game Boy wasn’t just a toy—it was the foundation of his gaming journey, shaping his interest and passion long before he stepped into the world of competitive esports. For Kirk, it all started with that little handheld console, which paved the way for his rise to stardom in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).
Although Game Boys are often associated with Millennials who grew up in the ’90s, Kirk, a Gen Z gamer, found himself captivated by the iconic handheld console. Despite being part of a generation known for mobile and online gaming, Kirk developed a deep love for the Game Boy, which he inherited from his older brother. While his peers were glued to modern platforms, Kirk spent hours playing classics like Super Mario and Pokémon. His connection to this millennial favorite became the foundation of his passion for gaming, bridging the gap between generations and leading him toward his esports career.
His love for gaming continued to grow, but it was during the pandemic that he discovered MLBB at just 14 years old.
“I’ve always loved gaming,” Kirk says, recalling how supportive his parents were when he decided to pursue esports. His skills didn’t go unnoticed—he was discovered by RBC Esports and later recruited by RSG, where he played for two seasons. After RSG, he joined Minana before moving on to Onic PH.
When asked how he broke into the MPL scene, Kirk humbly shared, “I was Top Global in RG, and RSG players scouted me.” The journey in the MPL taught him valuable lessons about the system and competitive play. But one moment stands out the most: “Our win streak and reaching the upper bracket for the first time—it feels surreal.”
Despite his quiet personality, Kirk is deeply grateful for his supporters, who have stood by him every step of the way. His current focus is clear: “My goal is to make it to M6. Step by step, I want to become a champion.”
For now, Kirk’s full attention is on honing his skills and building chemistry with his team. As he puts it, “The money is just a bonus—right now, it’s all about the game.”