On starting out on the MLBB pro scene, interviews, and the game’s community—highlights from the podcast with Denisse and Thea
Tournament hosts Denisse “Denisse” Valdesanch and Altea “Thea” Franco appeared on the 8G podcast series on the Wolf Casts YouTube channel. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights in our article.
On starting out in esports and developing an interest in commentary
Before they started commentating on esports tournaments, the future hosts were studying at university and working as sports reporters. Altea and Denisse also recalled their surprise upon entering the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang pro scene—players and casters communicated freely and casually, while the women were accustomed to a strict and businesslike tone. Denisse talked about the process of changing her communication style and admitted that she literally had to relearn how to talk to people.
The casters hadn’t originally planned to work in this field. Denisse was studying biochemistry, and Thea was initially interested in chemical engineering. Shortly after starting their studies, the girls realized they didn’t want to tie their lives to their chosen fields and began looking for other pursuits. Thus, Valdesanch and Franco entered the field of journalism and realized they truly enjoyed it. After some time, the girls received invitations to commentate on mobile MOBA esports tournaments.
On challenges during interviews
Denisse shared the difficulties she faces when interviewing players. Esports players, who are often quite young, struggle to provide quality content. Thea also suggested a possible reason for this—the players’ shyness in front of the cameras and their tendency to repeat memorized answers. The hosts concluded that it is necessary to ask direct and simple questions so that the esports player isn’t afraid or doesn’t drag out the broadcast with long pauses.
The women admitted that they feel uneasy when talking to the losing players. Valdesanchó recalled her first interview with the losers and described the feelings she experienced while talking to them—a sense of heaviness and sadness. The players held back their emotions during the interview, and it was difficult for Denisse to stay positive and keep the conversation light.
On learning about the pro scene and the MLBB community
At first, Denisse was excited to work with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, but later she realized she needed to quickly familiarize herself with the history of the MPL Philippines league, as well as the teams and players. Before landing this new job, Denisse had played completely different games, such as Call of Duty, and had no interest in mobile MOBA. This became a challenge for the host, one she continues to tackle today.
Valdesanche was struck by the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang community’s attitude toward the lighting crew and other talent. Denisse didn’t expect such intense and constant attention, as she had previously worked as a sports journalist, where people were only interested in the personalities of those being interviewed. The girls were delighted by the community’s support and noted that it can sometimes be incredibly encouraging.
Read also:
- Denisse: “At one point, I found out about the MPL Philippines tournaments and decided to try streaming” (first part of the podcast).
- Denisse: “I’m not just a host. People are interested in me, too. They follow not only the game but also me” (second part of the podcast).
- Thea: “I realized that coverage can vary greatly across different segments of our work” (third part of the podcast).
Earlier in the 8G podcast, Team Liquid PH players Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya and Alston “Sanji” Pabico took part. You can read about the team’s performance at the M7 World Championship, the budding friendship between the two esports players, and the strengthening of teams from other regions in our article.
Photo — Wolf Casts.
