Cover-Credits:
TNC Predator will be parting ways with its entire lineup for the first time since 2016 on 15th Sept 2021. This means that three stalwart members of the squad, namely Kim "Gabbi" Villafuerte, Armel "Armel" Paul Tabios, and Timothy "Tims" John Randrup, will also leave and become free agents. On TNC Predator's Facebook page, the three mainstays provided an exclusive look back at their time with the organization. Armel, Gabbi, and Tims shared Eric Redulfin's, the owner of the organization, sentiments, saying that TNC Predator was like a “family” to them, and they had learned a lot during the time spent there. The four of them shared a rather candid and heartfelt discussion, along with Eri "Eri" Neeman, as they bid adieu to each other.
Armel, Gabbi, and Tims look back on their time with the TNC Predator “family”
TNC's owner, Eric, referred to the players, Armel, Gabbi, and Tims, in the interview as a "family". Eric also added that the players would be evaluating and trying out for new teams in the future, but if they wanted to stay with TNC, the door would be open.
Armel, who officially joined TNC Predator in January 2018, also had similar thoughts when asked about his time with the organization.
“TNC really feels like a family. It’s true what Sir (Eric) said. We definitely treat each other like family here in TNC. I never felt uncomfortable here in this org. I really had a good relationship.”
The Philippines organization has helped Gabbi, who officially joined TNC Predator in November 2018, become a mature and improved version of himself.
“Same, I (Gabbi) feel like family here. I feel all of the players felt the same in TNC. I also improved here. Not only as a player but as a person as well because they taught a lot here. I became more matured and disciplined here in TNC. I was just really boring before. After I joined TNC, I changed into a new person.”
Tims also echoed his teammates' sentiments while also mentioning that the relationship with TNC went beyond the professional sphere. Tims is one of the longest-serving members of the organization, having joined in December 2016.
“Yes, I feel the same. It is really family feels. Then what’s great here in TNC is that you can open up to them about your personal problems, then they help you with it. Then they give everything you want for the team and for yourself.”
Tims also recalled an instance in which Eric told them he would help them start their own businesses once their careers as Dota 2 players came to an end.
Armel and Gabbi explain why they are excited about competing against each other in the future
Another interesting point of discussion was the fact that even though Gabbi and Armel are like a family, they mentioned that they are excited to compete against each other.
Gabbi explained that he had been teammates with Armel and Tims for the majority of his career and had never faced them in competition. So, there was also a sense of excitement as he is looking forward to the days when he may come up against his former teammates.
“Actually, that’s what I realize right now. Thinking one step ahead, I feel that eventually, we’ll go on our separate ways. They still will be the players that I will be competing against if ever. I feel excited. There’s no anger or jealousy with you guys. No hard feelings but I feel happy to compete against them for the first time in a competition.”
Armel also had similar views to Gabbi, and he also felt that it was time to move on now.
“Yes (same opinion as Gabbi regarding future competitors). For me, I feel like if we are still teammates, I think there is a chance that it won’t work. Because we have been teammates for so long and we already achieved a lot in our career together and I think for me, now it’s time for the next step.”
On the contrary, Tims is taking it easy at the moment and he mentioned that he does not necessarily have any ideas similar to Armel and Gabbi of playing against each other. While away from the competitive scene, Tims is spending time playing Dota 2 casually with family and friends.
Furthermore, as a result of the postponement of The International 10 (TI10), Eric discussed how it had become more difficult for not only the players but also the organization to plan for the upcoming season. The previous cycle of TI has resulted in players and organizations adjusting to their reformed forms following the conclusion of TI in August, but since TI10 is supposed to be held in October this year, the planning process is currently stalled for TNC Predator.
Eric's interview with the players revealed that there is not much to reveal about where each of them will end up and that more details will become available once TI10 concludes when other teams and players will be seeking new opportunities as well.
TI10 will be held from 7th-17th Oct, 2021, at the Arena Nationala Stadium, in Bucharest, Romania.
