During the
League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Finals held in Madrid,
Sheep Esports had the opportunity to interview
Charo Villarejo, mother of
Alex “Myrwn” Villarejo Pastor and legend within the Spanish
League of Legends community. Throughout this interview, Charo talks about how Myrwn got started playing video games, how she lives her son's achievements and difficult moments, her involvement in social media, as well as the overall pride she feels for her son.
How were Myrwn's first steps in the world of video games and esports? Were you opposed to it at first?
Charo Villarejo: "Alex started playing video games because his brother plays too. We saw how he got increasily more hooked and competitive, to the point where video games were all he cared about. He was extremely determined. He didn't want to do anything else in the world, he just wanted to be a gamer. Obviously, as a parent it keeps you awake at night. Parents today know more about this job, but we didn't know anything back then.
I was very worried, because if my eldest son, who was studying a degree, was working at a McDonald's, what were we going to do with Alex, who didn't want to study? In the end, Alex finished secondary school, tried to continue with his studies, but it didn't work out. So, I was the one who told him that enough was enough. He had to stop wasting his time. I gave him a couple of years to give gaming a try, and he told me that that was more than enough time to prove us he was good enough... And here we are! We have come so far!
Do you remember any specific moments when his determination convinced you further, or any pivotal moments that completely changed the plot?
Charo Villarejo: He was extremely convinced that gaming was his thing from a very young age. The only thing I remember probably was the time he was offered his first contract. At that point, I thought that this was getting a little more serious, even though they were still allowing him to continue studying. Actually, it was my eldest son who told me: “Let him give it a try, he's very talented.” So, if one told me he wanted to pursue this and the other one told me he was very good, then they must both be right. So, I let him try and see what would happen.
Myrwn must be a completely different person since then. How do you think esports have changed him?
Charo Villarejo: The truth is that it has been a lesson in maturity all this time. The good things have been very positive for him. And the bad things have also been very positive. I wish they hadn't happened, but they were good learning moments. For example, not getting paid at Bisons and having to work knowing that he wouldn't get paid was difficult. But he had his honor and his own standards, he kept playing because his honor was more worth than the money they owed him. All this, being 18-19 years old is difficult to manage, and the truth is that he managed it surprisingly well.
He doesn't like Berlin, but there are always things you don't like. He's pursuing the career that he wants to pursue, and he has to understand that he's privileged in that sense. Not everyone has the opportunity to have their dream job. He does. He is where he wants to be, even if there are negative aspects.
You are incredibly invested within the Spanish community on social media. Do you think it's important not only to support your son, but also to help him with his personal brand?
Charo Villarejo: Well, we have helped him in the past, but now he doesn't need any help, because everything you see is his own brand. Obviously, education starts from an early age, which is what his brother and I have always tried to instill in him. He should never forget—and I would always like him to respect this, no matter how high he rises—that there have been many people who have helped him when he was nobody, and that he should always be there for them. I believe that if you have that foundation, you can grow as a person to infinity and beyond.
You're very active on Twitter and interact a lot with the community. How does it feel being Alex's mum, while being MotherMyrwn on Twitter at the same time?
Charo Villarejo: There's always going to be people who criticize you, and I think that's a good thing. In my opinion, it's good for everyone, so that they keep working harder. Life's not a bed of roses; criticism is fine. However, when insults start to arise, or people make fun of your appearance... I mean, what are you going to say to that poor guy? You know what I mean? Nothing. It just defines you as a person. I'm already spending a lot of time on Twitter. I won't waste any more time on someone like that, sorry. Let them go back to their cave for a while and they'll come out when they lose. That's all there is.
This year was the first year that Myrwn lifted the LEC trophy. How did you live that moment?
Charo Villarejo: It was very exciting. We were lucky to be in Berlin, thanks to my colleague who sacrificed to cover for me. It was very exciting for them, for the whole team. They deserved it and they silenced a lot of critics. They had been heavily criticized. Everyone thought they were a team who would always talk around, but wouldn't obtain any results. And hey, look, their instinct kicked in and they won. These guys are extremely lucky, they're bad at League but they win the LEC.
Seeing the trajectory of these guys has been incredible. They must be thrilled of going to Worlds, right?
Charo Villarejo: It's their dream come true. I'm really proud of them, to be honest.
You have previously criticized the fact that MKOI are sometimes looked down upon within the LEC for being a Spanish team or for being Ibai Llanos's team. Do you think the situation is changing?
Charo Villarejo: I think the situation is much better this year. The community isn't as toxic as it used to be. The first year was awful. It's also true that people either love Ibai or hate him. So the fans always take sides. While they would praise any other player for their gameplay, they would say that exact player is bad if it were Ibai's. But I think this year they are more stable. They have been playing much better and I haven't been so stressed out. Last year I was stressed out, but this year I've been pretty calm.
Last year they went to Worlds, in Berlin. This year they've attended both MSI and EWC, and now they're heading to China. How does it feel not knowing exactly where your son is?
Charo Villarejo: It's hard, you know. When he's in Berlin, I know he's there. But when he goes to internationals, I'm always checking the app to see if the flight has arrived or not. But the same thing applies to his older brother when he goes on vacation to Japan, it's normal as a parent to worry. But I know that he's really into it and that he loves it. That calms me down. Parents always suffer for their children. It's better to be worried for things like this, that make them happy."
Header Photo Credit: Charo Villarejo
