[EXCLUSIVE] Twisted Minds PH came into MPL Philippines Season 15 as the underdogs. A new name. A new team. No loud expectations.
But behind that quiet entrance was a familiar force. Headed by Coach Kristoffer “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza, the man behind Blacklist International’s legendary rise. With him were players who once wore the Blacklist jersey, joined by returning MPL veterans and a promising rookie.
From the start, the team wasn’t taken seriously.
“Sa simula pa lang, sobrang minamaliit kami ng ibang fans, ng ibang tao,” Bon Chan said. “Pero sabi ko sa kanila, hindi disadvantage ’yan. Wala silang expectations sa atin. So kung makakagawa tayo ng something unexpected, mas makikilala kayo.”
Twisted Minds showed their fight. They made the playoffs and went head-to-head with defending world champions ONIC Philippines. They pushed the series to Game 5. It was close.
“Walang regrets,” Bon Chan said after the loss. “Nabigay nila lahat ng kaya nila.”
For Bon Chan, Season 15 wasn’t just about making it to the playoffs. It was about building belief.
“Ako, natutunan ko this season na kahit sino pa ’yung nasa roster mo, hindi mo dapat isipin na mahina ang team mo,” he said. “Bilang coach, trabaho mong hanapan ng solusyon ’yung mga kahinaan ng players mo at i-convert ’yon into strength.”
Even in defeat, they earned the respect of their opponents. ONIC, the reigning champs, acknowledged the threat Twisted Minds posed.
“Nakakatuwa na nire-recognize nila kami kahit sila ’yung defending,” Bon Chan said. “I think may mga natutunan din sila sa series na ’yon.”
But what stood out the most was Bon Chan’s message to his team. A reminder of what it truly means to compete.
“Proud ako sa kanila,” he said. “Hindi mo masasabing talunan ang isang natalo kung hindi siya nag-quit. Talunan ka lang talaga kapag natalo ka tapos tumigil ka na.”
