More talents in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene have been honored for their excellent performance. The Coach of the Year award goes to the most influential coach who shaped both the in-game performance and real-life qualities of pro players. Meanwhile, the Rookie of the Year award goes to the outstanding Youngblood who stood tall despite all the odds. Both awarded talents shall receive their accolades in the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) Press Corps Awards Night set to be held on 8th March.
Panda hailed as SMART Coach of the Year; Sanji bags Rookie of the Year
While some coaches excelled to the point where they altered the nature of the sport, very few had a lasting impact on the lives of their players.
That is the exact guiding principle of Brian "Panda" Lim, head coach of RSG Slate PH, who not only became the driving force behind his team's success in the previous season but also instilled discipline, sportsmanship, and competitiveness, allowing his players to flourish outside of the game.
With his remarkable drafts and strategies, the two-time MPL Philippines champion and tactician proved his unquestionable coaching acumen and paved the road for RSG's ascent to the MPL PH Season 9 and MLBB Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2022 thrones.
Coach Panda was named the SMART Coach of the Year by the MPL PH Press Corps for the success of his team and his inspirational leadership.
Alston "Sanji" Pabico, an ECHO amateur standout who is also up for the SMART Rookie of the Year award, is the player who exemplified elegance under duress and showed maturity beyond his years.
In Season 10, the 17-year-old Mid Laner replaced the seasoned veteran Jankurt "KurtTzy" Matira in the main five and quickly showed that he belonged in the top division. The Orcas rookie didn't flee from the spotlight but rather thoroughly embraced it as he was a crucial component of ECHO's M4 World Championship bid.
Panda and Sanji will take the stage on 8th March at the Amelie Hotel to accept their honors during the MPL PH Press Corps Awards Night, powered by SMART and also sponsored by Razor Gold and Evident Integrated Marketing and PR.