Gaimin Gladiators NICHOLETTE on putting NA in the MLBB esports map: “You can keep hating, and we’ll keep winning.”

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Gaimin Gladiators’ player Nicholette discusses the journey of her team, transforming from a neglected region into MWI 2025 underdogs, eager to demonstrate that North America holds substance rather than being a mere jest.

In the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational 2025 at the Esports World Cup, North America (NA) was often seen as a laughing stock. It was a region that people would joke about when they needed an easy target, a region that lacked the prestige of Southeast Asia. However, the Gaimin Gladiators are tired of these jokes, and they’re determined to ensure that North America will never be the subject of laughter again.

The North American representative made a surprising journey to the finals, overcoming defending champions NAVI PH, who were formerly under Omega Empress. This victory earned them a spot in the Grand Finals. However, their challenge ended against the invincible Team Vitality, who proved too strong during the final series, sweeping Gaimin Gladiators and ending their unexpected success story. Despite not winning the championship, they became the first North American team to advance this far in an international Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament.

During a special conversation with Xpsp, the talented player Nicole “NICHOLETTE” Huang from Gaimin Gladiators opened up about their team’s remarkable journey. She discussed how being underestimated gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and shatter the belief that North American teams aren’t capable of competing at the pinnacle level.

From a joke to underdogs

At MWI 2025’s EWC, Gaimin Gladiators began uncertainly, losing 0-2 to NAVI MY in their initial match. This setback placed them in the Lower Bracket, necessitating a battle for survival. However, fortune had more plans for them. Team Liquid triumphed over NAVI MY in the upper bracket final, descending into the lower bracket, setting up an eagerly awaited rematch. After conquering Tidal Legends Gaming, Gaimin Gladiators met NAVI MY again. This time, they stepped up to the challenge, securing a 2-1 triumph and qualifying for the Knockouts.

Overlooking one’s capabilities by opponents isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. For Gaimin Gladiators NICHOLETTE and her team, this oversight served as motivation instead.

In that 0-2 series against them, I didn’t play at my peak, but they underestimated us badly. We’re more skilled than they think, and they failed to appreciate our roster of champions, our strategies, every bit of it.

With unshakable assurance, she brushed off the hurt, instead using it to fuel her determination. Instead of allowing the uncertainty to weigh her down, she transformed it into motivation. The Gaimin Gladiators left their opponents awestruck, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, strategic map control, and tactical boldness. Not only did they defeat last year’s champions, NAVI PH, in the quarterfinals of the Knockouts, but they did so with a flawless sweep.

When asked about her future beyond the Invitational, NICHOLETTE kept it real.

She joked about becoming wealthy, but in truth, she earnestly desires us to succeed this year. Our chances are strong if we remain well-prepared throughout and give our all during matches.

This year, they didn’t take home the MWI trophy. Yet, their performance indicates that the NA scene in MLBB esports isn’t over for them just yet. Additionally, she discussed the prospect of participating in higher-tier or mixed-gender tournaments. Although her gaming duties aren’t her sole focus due to obligations outside of gaming, the idea remains a consideration for the future.

“If a team asked me, and we had synergy, I’d consider it,” she said.

Previously, she was a member of the Blood Thirsty Kings, participating in mixed-gender competitions. This team boasted some of North America’s most renowned players, including Michael “MobaZane” Cosgun and Ian “FwydChickn” Hohl. For a while, she held the mid laner position before deciding to switch to all-female tournaments.

From self-doubt to self-belief

In the early stages of her MLBB journey, NICHOLETTE faced issues with self-confidence. Her advice to her younger self is straightforward yet impactful: “Just believe in yourself. Don’t let the presence of other players intimidate you. If you know you’re skilled, play your game.

The shift from playing mid lane to jungling wasn’t a breeze for her, but she managed to pull it off nonetheless. Her stellar performance in critical moments even earned her the MVP award for Day 4 at MWI 2025. Despite this, there are some who remain skeptical about North America’s ability to compete on a global scale.

For anyone who remains uncertain about North America and Gaimin Gladiators, here’s a straightforward statement: “Feel free to continue with your skepticism, while we relish in our victories. We’ve just defeated the former champions.

However, for Gaimin Gladiators’ Nicholette, it isn’t merely a matter of quelling criticism. Instead, her focus is on inspiring the upcoming generation of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players, particularly those diligently practicing in regions that often receive little attention, where the limelight seldom reaches.

Regardless of whether people think you don’t stand a chance or you’re considered the less likely winner, continue to fight. In any setting – be it a rated competition, a casual game, or something not part of an official tournament – always give it your all. Miraculous outcomes are possible.

Transforming from a meme-worthy team to a serious title contender, Gaimin Gladiators are playing a significant role in reshaping the perception of North American representation on the global stage.

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2025-07-21 22:11