Exclusive: KyleTzy Opens up About His Quest for Esports Excellence and Family Pride

AP.Bren, formerly renowned as Bren Esports, has embarked on a captivating journey within the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene. Since its resounding triumph at the M2 World Championship, the team encountered some challenges, including the departure of its iconic jungler, Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno, who now represents ECHO. While the void left by this legendary jungler posed a significant challenge, one player emerged as the perfect fit for the Killer Bees’ roster.

Michael "KyleTzy" Sayson has consistently demonstrated his prowess as a jungler for AP.Bren, contributing to the team's achievements. Notably, he was a pivotal part of the squad that brought honor to the Philippines during the 32nd Southeast Asia Games Men’s Tournament MLBB Division. Although many fans are familiar with KyleTzy's formidable skills, his personal motivations for pursuing excellence in the Land of Dawn remain relatively unexplored.

In an exclusive interview with AFK Gaming, KyleTzy provided unique insights into his life, shedding light on how he dealt with parental skepticism regarding gaming as a career path and what fuels his ambition to rise to the pinnacle of the Mobile Legends esports scene.

Coach Ducky and Pauloxpert paved the way for KyleTzy’s journey into the pro scene

Like most aspiring professional players, KyleTzy embarked on his journey within the esports scene as a member of an amateur team. He candidly shared that if he had failed to secure a place in the professional scene, he was prepared to pursue an entirely different path.

"When I was still an amateur, if I couldn't enter the pro scene, I was supposed to continue my studies," he revealed.

KyleTzy participated in tryouts for various pro teams. However, due to his active contract with an amateur team back then, he faced restrictions that prevented immediate team transitions.

"At first, I joined a tryout for RSG PH, but my contract presented a hurdle. I couldn't join another team while my contract was still active. So they had to conduct a buyout to secure my release," recounted KyleTzy.

Fortune smiled upon KyleTzy, as he received a message from the former AP.Bren coach, Jian "Pauloxpert" Munsayac, with an offer to join the team. He humorously reminisced about how he "guilt-tripped" the coach into recruiting him. The esports organization ultimately acquired his contract from the amateur team, officially inducting him into the roster for Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) PH Season 10.

During Season 10 and Season 11, AP.Bren faced challenges related to team chemistry. However, KyleTzy revealed that Coach Francis "Ducky" Glindro never wavered in his support.

"Coach Ducky believed in me; he was the driving force behind my presence here today. I am immensely grateful to him. If he hadn't placed his trust in me, I wouldn't have come this far," he expressed.

KyleTzy wants to provide a brighter future for his parents

Many young gamers can relate to the experience of being reprimanded by their parents for late-night gaming sessions. It is a common sentiment among parents that pursuing a career in professional gaming is an unstable livelihood. KyleTzy's parents shared this perspective, and he narrated how he used to hide his late-night gaming sessions from them.

"Back then, my parents were against my passion for gaming. It's understandable, as any parent would be concerned if they saw their child up all night and tired from playing video games," he explained.

The star jungler elaborated on how he disregarded his parents' pleas to sleep early, often pretending to be asleep when they checked on him.

"I used to ignore their requests to 'go to sleep.' I kept playing, using a blanket to conceal myself, so they wouldn't catch me. When I sensed they were coming to check on me, I'd hide my phone and pretend to be asleep," he shared.

KyleTzy revealed that his parents worked as vendors, with his mother rising as early as 3 AM to sell food. This circumstance motivated him to take his esports career seriously, with the ultimate goal of building a new home for his parents.

"Back when I was still an amateur player, I always thought about saving my earnings to build a house. The money I earn now, I save because it's not yet enough to achieve that goal," he disclosed.

KyleTzy’s wants parents to keep supporting their children’s dreams

Coming from a family that was initially skeptical about his esports career, KyleTzy hopes to encourage parents to provide their children with the opportunity to pursue their passions.

"My message to all parents who oppose their children's gaming pursuits: I understand your concerns because I've been there. However, please try to understand your children. If they have dreams, support them, as you never know, it might be the future they truly desire," he urged.

In this narrative of KyleTzy's rise into the big leagues, we witness a remarkable story of dedication, resilience, and the power of unwavering determination in the face of challenges. As he continues to make his mark in the world of Mobile Legends esports, KyleTzy remains an inspiration for aspiring players and a testament to the potential of pursuing one's dreams, no matter the obstacles encountered along the way.