Meet the Filipino Dota 2 player from the eyes of his father
Background Image © Romell Tabios
Armel was just 10 years old when he started playing Dota in 2010. Back then he would often cut classes just to play. His mom and I never knew about it until we were notified by the school authorities regarding his behavior. He is a good son. He is mature and loving despite being the youngest of our three sons. But as parents who wished for a bright future for their children, we never really wanted Armel to play Dota.
Our dream for Armel someday was for him to become an engineer or maybe a seaman. We tried transferring him to multiple Catholic schools for our ambition for him to come true but he would rather chase his own dream. He made his mother cry a lot and I would get angry at him for abandoning his studies. We were worried that he might not succeed in life.
He never went home late in the night because he would always come home early in the morning, that is if he comes home at all. Then one day, Armel told us that he had been recruited by a Dota 2 team called Acion Arena. We rarely saw him that time because he was already training and playing for different Southeast Asian open qualifiers, even before he informed us that he was already playing for a professional Dota 2 team. I was worried about him and for what could happen if we let him do what he wanted, even though I know for a fact that we can’t do anything except to let him be.
By October 2016, he asked for my permission to move to Malaysia and join Clutch Gamers. I immediately refused because first of all, he was just 16 years old back then, there were no contracts, and I didn’t even know who he was going with. One month later, Mr. Jaseem Khan, Co-founder and Director of Clutch Gamers, talked to me. He showed me a formal contract and convinced me into giving Armel a shot at being a professional Dota 2 player.
I finally gave Armel my permission to go to Malaysia and pursue his dream but with conditions. If nothing happened in one year, he will go back to school and finish his studies. He agreed.
We supported him from then on. Even though his mom and I know nothing about Dota 2 then, we would still stay up late just to support him and watch his games. We are his solid fans. Win or lose, we are proud to have a son who is brave enough to move to Malaysia on his own for the fulfillment of his dream as a professional Dota 2 player.
That’s why I used to get frustrated at those people who would belittle and disregard Armel’s efforts. They don’t know how much work Armel puts into each game just to win with his team. He never gives up even though they are clearly outmatched or outdrafted. He gives everything he can just to win the game.
As much as we are proud of having a professional esports athlete for a son, it’s still disappointing that he had to do it far away from us. We miss him so much and the only time we can be with him is after practice. But I’m no longer scared for him as I was in the past because Armel is mature enough to recognize what’s good for him.
For those parents with a child who wants to pursue a career in professional gaming, don’t be afraid. If that’s what they really want, guide and support them because not everyone can afford the chance to chase after their dream.
For young aspiring esports players, be patient. List down your priorities and make sure that one of them is allotted for your studies. If you want to be a professional esports player, God will make a way, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. Seek guidance from your parents. Being an esports player requires a lot of discipline.
Finally, for my son Armel, your long-time dream of attending The International has finally come true. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but always remember that no matter what, your mom and I are here for you always.
