Hiko: “I adapt and pick heroes based on the meta; I play for the team. I’m just doing my job.”
Team Spirit gold laner Anton “Hiko” Pak, in an interview with the organizers of the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2026, discussed the current relevance of fighter heroes in the gold lane and highlighted the positive aspects of the team’s boot camp in Malaysia.
On choosing fighters for the gold lane
I think it’s a good strategy because yesterday Team Liquid PH lost to Aurora Gaming, whose gold laner played Pakito and Freya. The advantage of picking fighters is that marksmen can’t do much against assassins like Ling and Fanny, whereas fighters like Pakito and Freya can hold their own. Moreover, fighters aren’t that easy to kill on the Gold Lane.
On My Own Preferences
I adapt. This isn’t a big deal for me. I adapt and pick heroes based on the meta; I play for the team. I’m just doing my job. Maybe you’ll see me playing fighters, or maybe marksmen—I don’t know.
On the team’s boot camp in Malaysia
We learned a lot thanks to the bootcamp in Malaysia. We were able to create meta-based drafts, find ways to counter other teams, and learn many useful things. Our team is well-prepared for this competition, and we’re confident in our abilities.
At the time of this publication, Team Spirit is facing Team Vamos in the Group A upper bracket semifinals. The series stands at 0–1 in favor of the Malaysian team. The team that wins this match will advance to the championship playoffs, while the losing team will move to the lower bracket and face Guangzhou Gaming on July 26.
Photo: Esports Foundation.
