Carlito “Ribo” Ribo Jr. is out to prove that he still has what it takes to compete with the young guns when he returns to the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines Season 12 set to kick off on 8 September at Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City.
Ribo said he is making a return because he wants to prove to his doubters that he can still win over young, more aggressive and more strategic players.
Touted as the ‘GOAT’ (greatest of all time) in the local Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competitive scene, Ribo has won all major titles.
He, however, was not around from Seasons 9 to 11 as he briefly retired to join minor tournaments with ZOL Esports.
“I want to prove that I can still keep up with young players,” Ribo said.
“I have been belittled so I want to get back. I just really want to try again, and if I do not have it anymore, then that’s it.”
The 28-year-old Ribo used to be a staple of the then powerhouse Bren Esports.
He served as key player when the team won MPL Season 6 in 2020 before winning the M2 Mobile Legends World Championship three months later.
Things then took a turn from MPL Season 7 onward as Bren Esports struggled to find its form, failing to keep its momentum from winning the prior season and a world championship.
Having teased retirement several times in the past, Ribo soldiered on for one more season before finally calling it quits, at least for a time being, in professional Esports.
Having won an MPL, Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup, SEA Games, and an M-Series world championship, Ribo made a good amount of money from his competitive days to the point that he no longer sought to play for teams abroad.
“I do not want to play abroad because my life here is good,” Ribo said, adding that he will join Omega Esports due to his friendship with some of the players.
“I chose to play for Omega Esports because I am close with the players so I tried out. Hopefully (I am the secret weapon of Omega Esports).”
Aside from Ribo also part of Omega roster are Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas, Patrick James “E2MAX” Caidic, Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog, Jomari “Jowm” Pingol, Nowee “Ryota” Cabailo, Andrew “ANDORYUUU” Lew, and prospect Ezequiel “Spidey” Cauilan.
Still, all eyes will be on the veteran Ribo and whether he can still make an impact remains to be seen.
