Breaking into the competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports scene can be a tough journey. But, for players looking to transition from casual play to the pro ranks, there is hope. In this exclusive interview, FlapTzy, a decorated pro with multiple trophies to his name, shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in MLBB esports. From essential skill-building to cultivating a strong mindset, he offers practical advice for aspiring players aiming to rise to the top.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports can be a challenging scene to break into. It requires a high level of determination, skill, and attitude. As a casual player hoping to turn pro, developing these traits may be unattainable, but it is very much possible. All you need to begin with is the right motivation and areas of your skill set you want to improve on.
David "FlapTzy" Canon is arguably the most successful player in the competitive MLBB space. The EXP Laner for the Philippines-based team, Falcons AP.Bren, has an impressive trophy cabinet after first-place finishes in several competitions such as the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines and the Snapdragon Pro Series. He also won 2023’s MLBB M5 World Championship, which earned him the MVP award.
We interviewed him to understand how a casual player can become a top-level MLBB player, the skills they need to develop, and how a resilient mindset can lead to better performances. He draws upon his history and personal experience in the esports scene to offer advice to hopeful players.
Start Sharpening Important Skills That Separate Pros From Casuals
Professional players showcase a refined skill set that sets them apart from a casual group of players. At the forefront is communication and teamwork.
“When playing professionally, our comms are important so we can execute a strategy properly,” says FlapTzy. This collaboration goes hand in hand with a heightened game sense and precise decision-making that is incredibly pivotal for any successful player and team.
Another important thing is to avoid prioritizing kills and overly aggressive plays, which is quite a common mistake the everyday player makes. “Casual players tend to focus too much on getting kills instead of getting the objectives they need. Also, pushing alone when they don't have enough support.”
Performing at the highest level of MLBB esports requires you to make your decisions based on the team’s overall game strategy and match objectives, rather than just minor wins that ultimately don’t contribute to the game’s outcome. Playing smart by coordinating with your teammates ensures that everyone is involved. After all, MLBB is a team sport and no one can single-handedly win a match without any support.
Cultivate A Mindset That’s Resistant To Pressure And Hardship
Winning matches takes more than just skill – it requires you to master your nerves under pressure and build a resilient attitude.
When asked how he manages his mindset, FlapTzy answered “I try to think I am only playing a ranked game so I won't feel pressured. My advice to casual players is to try joining small tournaments and play more ranked games.” He added, “Build a squad with your friends, join online communities, and sign up for tournaments.”
This method kills two birds with one stone as you not only gain valuable experience in a competitive environment but also get to refine how well you perform under pressure.
The world’s largest multi-title mobile esports ecosystem, the Snapdragon Pro Series, has been a popular competition for new players, particularly in the Southeast Asia region, to participate in MLBB esports. Players worldwide who sign up for the Snapdragon Pro Series have the chance to rise from local qualifiers to a large-scale, international esports stage. The Snapdragon Pro Series launched and operates an MLBB women’s league in the Asia-Pacific and Japan to create new opportunities for women competitors to turn pro.
Now, as a casual player venturing into the world of MLBB esports, it can sometimes feel like you’re struggling to improve your skills. FlapTzy encourages you to find a role you’re comfortable in and focus on improving a small hero pool first and expand on it later. According to him, “Don't focus on the rank, focus on improving the skills first.”
To build upon this, you will need a practice routine that also prioritizes your health. “We have scrims with other teams. Personally, I play ranked games alone or with friends when we don't have official training schedules. We have gym time too. It's not always game time, we also put importance on our physical health. Our coaches and managers help manage our time, but casual players can do it for themselves by setting aside time to practice and learn more about the game”, FlapTzy explained.
He also recommends you tune into the many MLBB content creators and streamers who share their strategies and create helpful tutorials.
Failure and hardship are a part of your journey to becoming a pro player. Obstacles will undoubtedly appear and it’s important to know how to deal with them. In this case, start small and work your way up. The workload will be more manageable and scaleable than if you rushed your skill development in a disorganized fashion.
Pro MLBB Teams Look For Other Traits Beyond Just Skill Level
You might have the skills and mindset to perform well in an MLBB competition, but that alone is not enough to get a call from an esports team. You will need other crucial personality traits that make you a good fit in a professional environment.
“One, good attitude and personality. No organization will want to get a toxic player. Two, professionalism. There are other things we need to do when playing professionally like sponsor commitments, content creation, and more. There are times when we get tired but we still need to do them, and we try our best to do it so other people can do their jobs right. And last, adaptability. The meta will keep changing, you need to know how to keep up. People can criticize you anytime. You need to learn how to handle it”, FlapTzy describes what teams look for in potential recruits.
With all of this in mind, your journey to becoming a pro player starts now. For many, visibility can be a game-changer in how they are noticed by teams. In FlapTzy’s experience, “Streaming was the key for me. In my case, I did a 24-hour stream. But you don't have to do that extreme stream to be noticed. Some coaches scout new players through streams or amateur tournaments. So, always show your best skills and attitude when playing.”