“I really miss the guys” — an in-depth interview with Vren about leaving Team Spirit, his time with Team Falcons, and China
During the group stage of MSC 2026, we had the chance to speak with Team Falcons PH analyst and former Team Spirit coach Vrendon “Vren” Pesebre. In this interview with OFFSTAGE, he discussed his departure from the “Dragons,” his work in China, and his return to his home region.
Hi! To start off with a general question—how’s the tournament going for you? What can you say about the change in the MSC venue?
This is my first trip to Europe. The weather here is perfect for players from Asia. I think moving the tournament to Paris was the right move on the organizers’ part, given the current situation in Saudi Arabia.
There’s a trend in the pro scene where the world champion struggles the following season. Why do you think Aurora Gaming PH wasn’t able to compete for the top spots in MPL Philippines Season 17 after winning the M7 World Championship?
There’s often talk in the community about the “curse” of the M-Series tournaments. I believe in it, but if you think about it logically, teams from our region are simply burning with the desire to defeat the reigning world champion. Competition is always fierce in the MPL Philippines, and many teams strive to represent their country well on the international stage.
Which tournament—the M-Series or the MSC—do you think is objectively more difficult?
I think teams pay more attention to the MSC than to the M-Series tournaments simply because of the difference in prize money. Of course, every region may have its own unique characteristics, but in the Philippines, everyone focuses solely on winning, regardless of whether the championship is organized by MOONTON Games or the Esports Foundation.
Two years ago, you attended the MSC with Team Spirit. What can you say about the team now? Do you follow their results and the EECA region in general?
I really miss the guys. We spent a whole year together. I often talk to the players and see them from time to time here in Paris. I’m glad they were able to qualify for the MSC.
As for the region, teams from EECA are making progress and consistently participating in international tournaments. This shows that they’re capable of developing even without the help of foreign specialists.
It seemed that after making it to the top 4 at the M6 World Championship, the “Dragons” under your leadership would be preparing for MSC 2025 as well, but you left the team in the spring. Can you explain why that happened?
Before the MSC, I had a conversation with the team, during which we came to the conclusion that I had already passed on all my knowledge to the players. They needed a different approach and a new coach. I think that’s why we parted ways. Soon after, I was signed by a Chinese team. The transition went smoothly.
What are your impressions of working in China? Is this region similar to EECA in terms of development pace and other factors?
Teams from Russia have been competing in MLBB tournaments for much longer than teams from China. Consequently, the pro scene in China is still underdeveloped. As for the work itself, people in both regions are pleasant to work with. I had a great time at both Team Spirit and Guangzhou Gaming.
Did you return to the Philippines by choice, or did you simply not have any better career options?
Returning to my home region turned out to be difficult and painful because I simply didn’t have any other good offers. To be honest, I had planned to stay in China for a few more seasons, but they introduced a ban on foreign players there. Fortunately, at that time, Team Falcons PH was looking for a new coach. Their representatives contacted my organization and worked out the transfer. As it turned out, I ended up returning to my former team.
You’ve already coached teams in at least three regions. Where would you like to work in the future?
I think I’d choose to return to teams I’ve worked with before—for example, Team Spirit, if they need my help, or Guangzhou Gaming.
Given your unique experience working in several regions, what can you say about China in general? Is the attitude toward MLBB and the players’ mindset very different there?
Even though China is a relatively new region in MLBB, the local pro scene is very competitive. Teams always give it their all and spend a lot of time striving to improve.
You previously worked at Spirit, and now you’re an analyst for the Philippine team Falcons. Can you tell us how these two well-known and large organizations differ?
I think both organizations are very professional, and their staff know their stuff. I can’t say anything bad about them. They’re respected and quite similar organizations that are a pleasure to work for.
Before the Mid-Season Cup began, your team was considered one of the top favorites. Does that put any pressure on you, or does it actually motivate you?
Being among the best motivates me. To be honest, I don’t feel any pressure at all. For me, this tournament is just another work shift where I want to achieve the best possible result. If any of the players are nervous or demotivated, my job is to calm them down and prepare them properly for the matches.
You’re a very experienced coach who’s won an M-Series tournament. Can you tell us how you motivate your players before events?
We’ve kept the same roster that won the M5 World Championship, so it’s easier to work with the players. Of course, we also have some newcomers whom we motivate—for example, Coach Moody and our backup explainer, Ferdz.
Right now, our team is in the lower bracket [The interview was recorded before the team advanced to the playoffs. — Ed.]. I’ll try to take all the pressure off the players and boost their confidence so they can perform at their best in the upcoming matches.
Can you tell us more about your preparation for this tournament? For example, which team’s gameplay was the most difficult to analyze? What do you focus on most during your post-game reviews?
I think the hardest part was preparing for the Turkish team Aurora Gaming, since their players have a very large hero pool. As for my work, I always focus first and foremost on calculating the early game—every second counts there. It’s also important for me to make sure I correctly understand my players’ thoughts and actions.
Recently, your coach, Coach Moody, mentioned that psychological preparation for opponents is very important for the Falcons. How much does it help the players? Do you consider it effective?
Of course, MLBB is a game where everything depends on psychology. Often, the winner is the one who is well-prepared and confident. If we can’t tell that one of our players is in a bad state, we’ll see problems with teamplay and missed skills on the server… In short, it’ll cost us dearly.
After this tournament, you’ll head straight to Kazakhstan for the Games of the Future. How did you decide to participate in this championship? Are you confident that such a hectic schedule won’t affect the players’ condition?
When we discussed participating in this tournament, many players said they were on board, since they already have experience competing in several events in a row. So regardless of how tired we are, we have to be ready to play and win.
