Filipino Mobile Legends star calls it quits after decorated career

MANILA, Philippines — One of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)’s most accomplished players is officially hanging up his jersey.

Edward "Edward" Dapadap announced his retirement from professional MLBB esports through a farewell video released by Aurora Gaming PH on Tuesday, bringing an end to a career that spanned seven years and produced multiple MPL Philippines championships, two world titles, and a place among the game's most decorated players.

"About naman doon sa retirement ko, pinag-isipan ko talaga siya nang mabuti. Pinag-isipan ko siya ng matagal. Parang gusto ko na lang din magkaroon muna ng time sa na-miss ko dati na sa sarili. Kasi at a young age, nag-work agad ako. Parang ngayon gusto ko munang mag-travel, chill-chill muna kasi sobrang naging stressful yung seven years. Siguro naman sa six years na yun, or seven years, malaki na yun na naimbag ko sa [scene].  Tinetreasure ko yun, kung ano naman yung na-achieve ko that time and yung mga milestone na narating ko and nakuha ko. Sobrang happy ako sa sa naging run ko,” Dapadap said in his farewell video.

The retirement marks the end of a storied journey that began when Dapadap first discovered MLBB as a student.

"Casual gamer lang talaga ako. Kumbaga, laro-laro lang," he recalled.

What began as a hobby eventually turned into a professional career after he caught the attention of established players and competed in amateur tournaments before making his way to the MPL Philippines.

At just 15 years old, Dapadap traveled alone to Manila to pursue opportunities in the scene.

"Medyo nagkanda ligaw-ligaw ako. Lowbat ako noon. May dala akong power bank na lowbat din. Nag-charge ako doon sa CR, tinapat ko sa exhaust muna. Nag-charge muna ako and then kinontak ko sila. So yun yung mga challenges ko before ako mag-pro," he said.

Dapadap entered the MPL during Season 5 and soon became one of the league's brightest young stars.

He eventually emerged as a cornerstone of Blacklist International's dynasty, helping the team secure MPL Philippines championships in Seasons 7, 8 and 10 while establishing himself as one of the premier EXP laners in the region.

His crowning achievement with the organization came in 2021 when Blacklist captured the M3 World Championship title.

Looking back, Dapadap admitted he did not immediately grasp the magnitude of winning on the world stage.

"Wala akong alam dati sa M Series tsaka MSC. Nung nanalo lang kami saka ko lang na-realize na sobrang halaga pala noon kasi worlds," said Dapadap.

His impact on the scene extended beyond championships. In 2023, Dapadap was inducted into the MPL Philippines Hall of Legends, joining an exclusive group of players recognized for their contributions to the league.

"Akala ko dati wala lang ito. Sobrang prestigious nung title na ito kasi iilan lang yung meron nito sa MPL. Grabe, sobrang na-appreciate ko siya ngayon." recalled Dapadap.

After four years with Blacklist International, Dapadap parted ways with the organization in July 2024 and later joined Aurora Gaming.

The move paid off as Aurora stunned the competition en route to winning the M7 World Championship, giving Dapadap his second world title and cementing his status among the game's all-time greats.

"Itong M7, parang underdog kami nito kasi ang minamatahan ng mga tao yung TL, yung ONIC, yung SRG, so biglang sumulpot yung Aurora. Sobrang saya kasi nakuha ko yung second world title ko. Akala ko hindi na ako magcha-champion ulit kasi ilang years din bago ulit ako nag-champion. Second world title eh. Kumbaga hindi tsamba yung una eh. Naka-dalawang beses." said Dapadap.

As he steps away from competitive play, Dapadap thanked the coaches, teammates and supporters who were part of his journey.

"Magmula sa mga naging supporters namin dyan, magmula nung Blacklist days na nakasuporta pa rin hanggang maging Aurora ako, maraming maraming salamat. Sana suportahan nyo pa rin ako sa susunod kong kabanata." he said.

With championships, individual accolades and a Hall of Legends induction to his name, Dapadap closes the curtain on a career that helped shape one of the most successful eras in Philippine MLBB history.

"This is Edward signing off. Thank you for being part of the best years of my life. Maybe this is the last time na makikita niyo akong wearing a pro jersey. Pero sa lahat ng support niyo, I will carry it with me forever,” said  Dapadap.