In this interview, we sit down with famed Indonesian caster, Frederick Handy "Mirko" Loho, to talk about his rise in the industry, his approach to casting, and what it truly means to be a part of the MLBB esports family.
In the electrifying world of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports, where split-second plays and clutch ultimates can decide the fate of champions, one voice has consistently commentated through the biggest arenas and livestreams — Mirko.
Known for his infectious energy, razor-sharp play-by-play casting, and deep passion for the game, Mirko has become more than just a caster. He’s a storyteller, a hype machine, and to many fans, the voice of MLBB esports.
As MLBB continues to grow on a global scale, Mirko’s journey from local tournaments to the grandest stages offers a unique glimpse into what it takes to succeed behind the mic.
Early Beginnings in the Esports Scene
Mirko’s love for gaming began early, but the moment that urged him to chase a career in esports came under heartbreaking circumstances.
“I've always been a gamer and I love esports,” He shared. At a young age, Mirko started playing Minecraft and then found his competitive spark in League of Legends. He even went semi-pro in Indonesia before the scene died down.
What pushed me to look for a career in esports ASAP at the age of 19 was because my mom got sick. She was my inspiration.
As he was looking for opportunities in the esports scene, a friend had recommended that he audition for the MPL Indonesia English broadcast team — an opportunity he grabbed at the very last second — and, in his own words, “The rest is history.”
Falling in Love With the Game—and the Cast
While gameplay was the original draw, it was the storytelling and commentary that truly captured his imagination.
“Back then, the iconic plays made by players in different games and the storylines of each esport were so unique and fresh,” Mirko recalled. “Now it’s the iconic casts that really hit me. ‘Jumping double from COLD’ from Counter-Strike is up there as my favorite.”
The first major event he cast was the M3 World Championship at the end of 2021, a moment that was as challenging as it was monumental.
“I had only done online and domestic events before. I was 19, and the experience was weird because it was during COVID. We had to go through 14-day quarantines, full masks, and acrylic separators during casts,” he described.
It was during this time that, unfortunately, his mother passed away. However, Mirko pushed forward, using her aspirations for him to succeed as fuel.
What kept me going was a dream my mom had told me — she dreamt of seeing me in a world championship. At the time I thought it meant I’d be playing, but at M3, I knew this was the biggest opportunity for me to make my mom’s dream come true.
Looking back, he feels proud of his younger self and how well he was handling all the challenges that he faced, both in growing up and in becoming a professional caster.
Evolving as a Caster
Mirko’s style of casting has transformed over the years into one that’s instantly recognizable. You can feel his passion for the game through the energy he brings and the deep game knowledge he possesses. But, this didn’t come out of nowhere.
I've had several mentors over the years, most notably MomoChan, who helped me and all the Indonesian English casters improve on the fundamentals of casting. The evolution has been about controlling the hype and playing with my tone to make the energy pop even more.
He also cited Laphel, Gideon, Leo, Wolf, and Mara as those who helped him dive deeper into what it means to be a good caster. On top of that, he acknowledged that none of the commentary would be possible without the help of the behind-the-scenes crew.
Mirko also maintains close connections with the teams and players to gain insights for his commentary.
“I have good relationships with a lot of players and coaches, and I ask them about things I can use in my casts,” he explained.
When asked about what advice he has for other aspiring casters, Mirko simply said: confidence. “You can have all the knowledge, skill & personality but without confidence all that is nothing,” He stated.
Casting at SPS Mobile Masters 2025
With Snapdragon Pro Series (SPS) Mobile Masters 2025, the first-ever global SPS MLBB title, set to take place from April 11-13, Mirko is eager for what’s in store.
I’m excited to see a world-level SPS. In the past, we’ve only had regional tournaments. Now we get to see all the other regions compete with teams from the Asia-Pacific. I hope the competition is close.
In preparation for the highly-anticipated event, he has been casting in MPL ID S15, closely following MPL PH S15, and researching all the competing teams.
“I’m ready for whatever SPS Mobile Masters has for me,” he said confidently.
As for the event’s location, Jakarta, Mirko believes it’s the perfect place to host a prestigious international tournament.
“The best place in MLBB to have an event is Indonesia,” he declared. “The local community loves it, and they’ve been waiting for another major international event in Indonesia.”
The Road Ahead for Mirko
Despite the demanding travel schedule and his fears of losing his voice during events, Mirko wouldn’t trade his life as a caster for anything.
“The best thing [about being a caster] is getting to work with my fellow colleagues. The bond that we have is amazing and it’s unlike any other work environment,” he explained.
Looking forward, Mirko has no plans of slowing down.
I just want to keep doing what I love — casting and creating content for the community. I'd like to work on perfecting my play-by-play even more because I’ve got to make those iconic in-game moments memorable.
Mirko’s career is certainly full of moments he’ll never forget such as casting for the M3 World Championship and fulfilling his mother’s dream. Given everything that he’s been through, there’s no doubt in his mind and in those around him that he has a bright future ahead.