The King of the Land of Dawn: The Rise of the Most Paid Filipino MLBB Player

From Barangay Courts to Battle Arenas

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang isn’t just a game in the Philippines — it’s a lifestyle, a community, and for some, a career. Almost every barkada has that one friend na laging nagso-solo lord, that one tank who never backs down, and of course — that one carry na laging MVP.

But what if I told you that for some Pinoys, MLBB is more than just late-night ranked games and trashtalk sa GC? For a select few, it's a passport to financial freedom. And at the very top of that elite list is one name: Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno — widely considered the highest-paid Filipino Mobile Legends player as of recent years.

The Early Days: A Gamer’s Dream

Born in the Philippines, Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno, or Karltzy, grew up just like any other batang Pinoy — attending school by day, then rushing home to play with friends in online or mobile games. MLBB became his arena, his playground, and soon enough, his battlefield.

At an early age, he was already making waves in the amateur scene. His mechanical prowess and in-game awareness were above average — it was only a matter of time before pro teams noticed him.

He eventually joined Bren Esports — and that’s where the legend really began.

Karltzy’s Golden Era: M2 World Champion

In January 2021, the Philippines roared as Bren Esports conquered the world at M2 World Championship, held in Singapore. It was a historic win — and Karltzy? He didn’t just play a part in that victory.

He was MVP of the entire tournament.

Karltzy’s iconic Lancelot and Yi Sun-shin performances shocked the world. His fearlessness, decision-making, and surgical precision made analysts, fans, and haters alike drop their jaws. People from other regions asked, “Who is this kid?”

And we, the Filipino MLBB community, proudly said: “That’s our boy.”

The Financial Side of Glory

While exact figures aren’t always publicly disclosed, Karltzy’s reported earnings and brand value have skyrocketed since his M2 win.

Here’s a glimpse of what makes him arguably the most paid Filipino MLBB player:

• 🏆 M2 Championship Prize: Bren Esports took home $140,000 USD, and as MVP, Karltzy received a significant cut.

• 💼 Team Contracts: High-tier MPL teams offer monthly salaries that range from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000, depending on role and star power. As a franchise star, Karltzy easily commands top-tier rates.

• 📣 Sponsorships & Brand Deals: With millions of followers across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, Karltzy attracts big brands like Razer, TikTok Gaming, and local tech companies.

• 📺 Streaming Income: His live streams on Facebook Gaming draw thousands of viewers regularly, earning him monetization, stars, and brand collaborations.

• 🛍️ Merch and Appearances: His popularity gave rise to limited edition merch, event invitations, and collabs — all of which add to his net worth.

It’s not surprising to estimate that Karltzy earns over ₱500,000+ monthly, and this can double during tournament seasons or through brand campaigns.

Beyond the Money: Karltzy’s Impact on Pinoy MLBB

More than the fame and fortune, Karltzy’s real contribution is inspiration.

He proved to young Filipinos that esports is not a dead-end — it’s a path that, when taken seriously, can lead to international prestige and financial success.

He broke stereotypes about gamers being lazy or irresponsible. He showed the discipline required to stay on top — scrimming for hours, handling pressure from fans and critics, and staying grounded despite the attention.

His story is the dream of every young MLBB player grinding ranked games in the hope of one day making it to the big stage.

Changing Teams: From Bren to ECHO

After leaving Bren Esports in 2021, Karltzy made a move that shocked the MLBB community — he joined ECHO Philippines, another powerhouse team in the MPL. It was a controversial shift, but one that showed his growth and desire for continued success.

And it paid off. Under ECHO, Karltzy found renewed purpose. Together with other superstar players like Yawi, Sanford, and Bennyqt, they became one of the most feared rosters in the MPL.

The team went on to win M4 World Championship (2023), defeating Blacklist International in a historic all-Filipino grand finals. Karltzy made history as the first two-time MLBB World Champion — and again, his stock soared.

Is He Still on Top Today?

As of 2024 and into 2025, Karltzy remains one of the most influential figures in MLBB. While newer stars like Sanji, H2WO, or Renejay are also making waves, Karltzy’s combination of skill, track record, and brand value still places him at the top of the MLBB income ladder in the Philippines.

He continues to perform at a high level in MPL PH and remains a core presence in any team he joins.

Final Thoughts: Why Karltzy Matters

In the world of esports where fame is often fleeting, Karltzy has stayed relevant, skilled, and humble. He turned a passion for gaming into a profession. He took the MLBB community — not just in the Philippines but worldwide — by storm.

And he proved one thing:

You can make it big, even if you start small — basta puso, tiyaga, at galing.

TL;DR – Why Karltzy Is the Most Paid Filipino MLBB Player

• 🏆 2-time MLBB World Champion (M2 and M4)

• 💰 Estimated monthly income: ₱500,000+ (tournaments, salary, streaming, brand deals)

• 🎮 Former Bren Esports & current ECHO Philippines core player

• 👑 MVP-caliber performances and consistent gameplay

• 💡 A role model for aspiring Pinoy MLBB pros