Echo’s Bennyqt named first MPL Press Corps Player of the Week

Echo gold laner Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales has been named the first Razer Gold-MPL PH Press Corps Player of the Week as the reigning world champions remained undefeated in Season 11.

Echo nixed the M-series curse to open its MPL Philippines Season 11 campaign and became the first world champion to win its first two regular season assignments in the succeeding MPL season.

The Orcas came out unscathed in the opening week, sweeping all of their assignments. They first asserted their mastery over defending MPL PH champion Blacklist International last Friday before claiming revenge on Bren Esports, the same team that took them down in the SIBOL qualifiers.

Echo’s main five continued their fine showings, but it was M4 Finals Most Valuable Player Bennyqt’s steady performance in the gold lane that powered the team’s statement showing in Week 1.

The former Execration star averaged 6.50 kills, 5.75 assists, and 2.0 deaths for a 6.13 KDA against Blacklist International and Bren Esports.

He recorded a total of 26 kills, 23 assists, and eight deaths usin Beatrix, Brody, Lunox, and Harith throughout the week, showing his deep hero pool.

For his efforts, Bennyqt was named the first Razer Gold-MPL PH Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 16 to 22. The 21-year-old gold laner will receive a Razer Barracuda courtesy of Razer Gold, the leading virtual credit for gamers worldwide.

“Masaya po ako sa performance namin this week. Isa na ring rason kasi yung natalo namin, Blacklist international na defending champion and also Bren Esports na contender din ngayong season,” said Bennyqt.

“Mahalaga talaga ‘to para sa akin at sa team namin na mag-start kami ng sweep sa first week kasi alam natin na importante talaga yung momentum. Once na maganda simula namin, mag-tutuloy tuloy talaga,” he added.

("I'm happy with our performance this week. Among the reasons is we beat Blacklist International, the defending champions, and also Bren Esports, which is a contender this season.... It's important for me and for my team that we start with a sweep in the first week because we we know how important momentum is. Once we get off to a good start, it will continue.")

Bennyqt edged his teammate Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera and RSG Slate PH gold laner Eman “EMANN” Sangco for the weekly award handed out by print and online media covering the MPL PH beat, as well as the league’s broadcasters and operations team.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News