If we earned a peso every time our moms yelled at us for spending too much time playing video games, we’d probably be milionnaires by now. Seriously, older people nagging them is probably a universal experience for gamers, reinforcing antiquated beliefs about the supposed negative effects of gaming on young people.
But then you get the occasional feel-good story about gamers actually making something of themselves. Like Reniel Causing Encisa, who is more well-known as Honda Beast among local esports circles. Honda Beast used to play competitively in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with the team Blacklist International but has reportedly retired from the professional circuit. He now streams his games online and has a YouTube channel where he shares tutorials for beginner players.
On Tuesday, Honda Beast proudly posted this photo on his Facebook and Instagram pages:
Honda Beast promised to let his fans and viewers know how he was able to purchase his dream home in an upcoming vlog.
In case you're not aware, professional gaming competitions are extremely lucrative, with cash prizes running into the millions of pesos. For example, Season 7 of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), said to be the Philippines’ largest mobile esports league, carries a grand prize of $120,000 (P5.84 million). Ten of the country's best esports teams are expected to duke it out for bragging rights and the cash prize, including Aura PH, Onic PH, Cignal Ultra, Work Auster Force, Smart Omega Esports, Execration, Blacklist International, Nexplay Solid, Laus Auto Group Playbook Esports, and defending champion Bren Esports. According to estimates, there are over 43 million esports enthusiasts in the country today.
We’re happy for Honda Beast and wish him more success. And the next time your parents ever nag you about playing ML, show them this story and tell them about Honda Beast. They’ll probably encourage you to practice some more.
