“In my eyes, if esports were to die, Team Liquid will be the last to go out,” says ECHO and AURA co-founder Daniel Santoso

In light of the rapidly growing popularity of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), many global esports brands have peered into Southeast Asia, home to some of the best MLBB teams in the world. Team Liquid is one of those brands that had recently acquired ECHO and AURA Esports along their MLBB teams from Indonesia and Philippines respectively, as part of its mission to grab a foothold of the ever-expanding Southeast Asian esports market.

The existing staff, management, and players of ECHO and AURA Esports will now operate under Team Liquid. Much work needs to be done ahead of their next major undertaking — the 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC). Esports.gg had the opportunity to speak with ECHO and AURA's co-founder, Daniel "Dansan" Santoso, regarding the acquisition.

Congratulations on the recent acquisition by Team Liquid. What kind of emotions are running through you and your team right now?

Daniel: "A lot of emotions are running right now. For me, I'm more excited because Team Liquid is a team that I've looked up to since I first started esports with AURA in 2018 and ECHO 2019. So, it's a dream come true to be able to work with them. And I hope that I can help build Team Liquid to a bigger presence here in Southeast Asia."

How long did this progress take you? Can you please share what you had to go through to make this happen?

Daniel: "I don't know if I can reveal too much, but it's been in the talks for quite some time now. We just had to communicate as there were a lot of hoops and bounds for something like this to happen. There [was] so much preparation and we had to check everything. A lot of sleepless nights, of course. We also had to make sure that all the data that we provided was accurate so that there's proof for everything."

Since this is an acquisition, can you tell us what happens to the AURA or ECHO name and the ownership of your team?

Daniel: "During the MPL playoffs [Mobile Legends Professional League Season 13], and if we make it to EWC, we will be using the name Liquid Aura and Liquid Echo. Later in the new season, this will change completely. Liquid Aura will become Team Liquid ID and Liquid Echo will become Team Liquid PH."

AURA is one of the most prominent esports teams in Indonesia. Tell us how you were able to grow so quickly to draw Team Liquid's attention.

Daniel: "I think if we look at when we first started in 2018, Indonesia esports was still in its infancy. When we first started, we took a multi-prong approach and competed in as many games as possible. We were in Counter-Strike, Point Blank, and even Dota. I think we ran eight games."

"But then we quickly realized that PC games don't really work in Indonesia. And mobile games are basically the way to go. The reason for our huge success is mainly attributed to that. We focused and doubled down on building a team in Mobile Legends, PUBG, and Free Fire. Now, we focus solely on Mobile Legends."

Dansan: "Mobile Legends is now the second most watched esports in the world if you look at Esports Charts. We were the sixth most watched team in 2023. And we only competed in Mobile Legends! The viewership speaks for itself, and that was why Team Liquid wanted to work with us."

We also heard from sources that Natus Vincere sought you out. We know you said you've looked up to Team Liquid. But can you elaborate more on why you chose to work with them?

Daniel: "Team Liquid is one of the oldest teams so they have a lot of experience and have competed in so many games. When I talked to their co-CEOs, I can tell that they know what their vision is and are able to align it to the very talented people in their organization. Also, in my eyes, if esports were to die, Team Liquid will be the last to go out."

That is a hot take! Besides that, how do you think Team Liquid can help in furthering your goals?

Daniel: "I'm sure that there's a lot of expertise and knowledge that they can share, being in so many different games. Building fandom is another important thing for us. Sharing that type of knowledge and helping us expand quickly in Indonesia and Philippines will definitely be possible with them."

Let's talk about MLBB. There's been a huge influx of international teams acquiring MLBB teams in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Can you tell us why, in your opinion?

Daniel: "I think mainly it's because the best teams in MLBB are in Indonesia. I believe three or four of them are the top 10 MLBB teams in the world. But it all goes back to the viewership of Mobile Legends. As I mentioned, it's the second most watched esports right now. I think that's another big reason why Team Liquid wanted to work with us. Because if we combine our viewership, we will become the number one most watched esports team in the world."

EWC will host the MSC 2024 (MLBB Mid Season Cup) featuring a prize pool of $3 million. Liquid Aura and Liquid Echo will be competing in the MPL Season 13 playoffs on June 5 for the Indonesian and Philippines qualifications. How confident do you feel about this tournament?

Daniel: "I would say with our current team right now, I'm the most confident compared to any other previous teams that we had. I think this is the biggest chance we'll have so far. We have a mix between rookie and experienced players, and I can feel the players' hunger to win."

Who would you say are your biggest competitors right now?

Daniel: "In Indonesia, I would say Fnatic Onic and Bigetron Esports in Indonesia. For the Philippines, it would be AP.Bren Falcons."

What would you do if you win MSC 2024?

Daniel: "Definitely reinvest into the team. Maybe open up another game? At the end of the day, the reason we joined Team Liquid is that we want to make Team Liquid global — especially in Southeast Asia."

Finally, what would you like to say to your fans?

Daniel: "I hope you guys will support us and Team Liquid. I'm sure that there are going to be a lot of stuff that we'll be cooking together. And I can't wait to share with everybody — whether you're a fan or not. We want to be the ones to propel the growth of esports to higher levels. We are committed to winning, committed to building a fan base. I hope you'll stop by and see it for yourself. Judge it for yourself if this is a team that fits with you. As I'm quite confident that this team and everything that it has to offer will be a home for many fans."

Well said. Thank you, Daniel. We wish you all the best on your new venture with Team Liquid.

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