Former Onic Philippines midlaner Jaylord “Hate” Gonzales is taking his act overseas, becoming the first Filipino player to play as an import in MPL Malaysia after signing with Team SMG.
Hate is only the second player to play as a reinforcement, following the footsteps of former Onic PH teammate Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol who is now with the Onic Esports in the MPL Indonesia.
“Thank you sa SMG kinuha pa din ako kahit medyo late na. Thank you sa mga naka support pa din kahit nasa ibang bansa na ko. Mas gagalingan ko pa,” said Hate in a Facebook post following the roster reveal of Team SMG.
Hate played for five seasons in MPL Philippines and spent his first two seasons with Execration in Seasons 5 and 6. He then moved to Onic Philippines, highlighted by a runner-up finishes in MPL PH S8 and eventually the M3 World Championship.
Onic then failed to book a return trip to the finals in Season 9 and placed fourth in the tournament. During the offseason, Onic went on a full revamp in its roster and released Hate along with other Onic main five members.
In Team SMG, Hate is expected to join forces with Malaysian star Lu “Sasa” Khai Bean along with Hadiazwan “Box” Rozli, Muhammad “ZAIMSEMPOI” Zaim and Aelif “Smooth” Adam.
The team is coming off a championship in Season 8, securing a seat in the M3 World Championship where it finished 13th – 16th. Team SMG however failed to defend its title in Season 9, settling for a fourth place finish in the tournament.
