Perkz: “OhMyV33nus Inspired Me”
For Blacklist International’s roamer John Sumawan, aka Perkz, their latest win wasn’t just about strategy, but inspiration. In an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR, the player shared his thoughts on how the unexpected triumph was shaped by the UBE Strategy and his admiration for one of Mobile Legends’ most iconic roamers, OhMyV33nus.
After enduring a series of losses, Perkz and his team had to rethink their approach. “Masaya and at the same time, unexpected yung panalo namin. Pinaghandaan talaga namin ang series na ito,” Perkz said. “Dahil puro kami talo, nag-transition kami sa UBE strategy.”
(I am happy and at the same time, our win was unexpected. We really prepared for this series. Because we had many losses, we transitioned to the UBE Strategy.)
The UBE Strategy, popularized by Blacklist International, stands for the “Ultimate Bonding Experience.” It emphasizes tight team coordination and pack huting, requiring players to work together as a unit. For Perkz and his team, this strategy was a game-changer, helping them secure a 3-0 sweep over Smart Omega, eliminating the latter on Day 1 of the MPL Philippines Season 14 Playoffs.
Perkz admits that despite not having much practice using the UBE approach, they relied on their mastery of specific mechanics to make it work. “Siguro sa mastery, kahit hindi namin pinapractice, kapag healer ka, kailangan mo ng magandang pwesto. Iyon lang,” Perkz explained.
(I guess in boiled down to mastery, even if we didn’t practice it, when you’re a healer, you have to know where to position yourself on the map. That’s it.)
He further emphasized the importance of proper positioning in the game, especially for a healer. Even with limited practice, understanding this fundamental aspect allowed Perkz to successfully fulfill the healer role and contribute to their victory.
Inspired by OhMyV33nus
Perkz didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for OhMyV33nus, widely regarded as the ultimate roamer in the Mobile Legends scene. “Na-inspire po ako ni Vee, sobra,” said Perkz. “Kaya nga after ng match, ginawa ko yung pose ni Vee. Nasiyahan lang ako na nakapag perform ako sa healer role ko saka na-inspire talaga ako kay Vee.”
(Vee really inspired me. That’s why after the match, I did Vee’s pose. I am happy I was able to pull off a healer role, I was really inspired by Vee.)
Perkz shared that watching OhMyV33nus’ games, especially during Season 7, has helped him develop his own playstyle. “Palagi ko po siya pinapanood,” (I always watch her) he admitted, highlighting how Vee’s mastery of utility heroes has been a source of inspiration.
Alongside OhMyV33nus, Perkz credited his former teammate, Milez, for teaching him how to handle utility heroes better.
“Saka dahil na rin naging ka-team ko si Milez, natutunan ko kung paano mag utility heroes. Natuto ako kay kay Vee pati kay Milez.”
(It’s also because I was teammates with Milez, I learned how to use utility heroes from him. I learned from Vee and Milez).
Blacklist International will face defending world champions Falcons AP BREN on October 17 in a best-of-five series.