Seeing Layla frequently in MLBB ranked games? Even Fnatic ONIC PH's Kelra, who made the milestone marksman pick in the M-series, was not immune to the trend.
The Layla effect in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is real.
And not even Grant "Kelra" Pillas, who made the milestone marksman pick in the M-series, was immune.
"Kahit ako, nung nag-RG (ranked game) ako nung nakaraan, naiinis din ako eh," Kelra told One Sports on Wednesday, December 11, after Fnatic ONIC PH won in the Upper Bracket Finals.
"Sabi ko, puro Layla kasi finir-first pick doon sa mga nilaro ko kahapon. Laging first two picks," he chuckled.
Kelra made history in the M-series, when he made the Layla pick in their first game against the North American BloodThirstyKings of the M6 Swiss Stage.
It was the first time that Layla was drafted in the M-series and it was enough to secure the win with a 5-0-4 KDA.
It pushed Layla's popularity in ranked games--much to the chagrin of some players.
Still, the Philippine gold laner had a hard time countering the hero himself.
"Kahit ako naiinis eh. Hindi ko alam kung paano papatayin eh. Kasi ang sakit eh, ang layo ng range," he shared, chuckling.
Kelra shared that he got the inspiration by watching the stream of Muhammad "CikuGais" Fuad, a two-time MPL Malaysia Finals MVP.
"Tas naisip ko lang na pwedeng panapat kay Bruno," Kelra recounted. "Kaya sinuggest ko lang kay coach. And nagtiwala naman siya."
It has paid off, as Fnatic ONIC PH is now in the Grand Finals and at the brink of extending the Philippines' dominance in the M-series.
The Grand Finals will take place on Sunday, December 15.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports)