Ashley Marco "Killuash" Cruz will not be seeing action in the upcoming MPL Philippines Season 8.
This was confirmed by Killuash himself to Manila Bulletin on Sunday, July 11, citing loss of hunger to play and win as the reason for his shocking decision.
"Last last season ko pa po ayaw maglaro. Medyo nawawalan na po ako ng gana at nawawala na 'yung gutom ko manalo palagi tuwing gigising ako," the 22-year-old EXP laner said in an online chat with Bulletin.
"Kaya po napag-desisyunan kong huminto muna ngayon at baka next season po bumalik 'yung gutom ko sa paglalaro at manalo," he added.
Killuash is a two-time MPL champion, first with ArkAngel in Season 3 then with Sunsparks in Season 5.
The pride of Malabon City and Aura PH (which acquired Sunsparks) were not able to defend their throne and seize a record-setting third title after losing to rival Onic PH in the first round of playoffs in Season 6.
Roster changes were made for Season 7, with Kiel VJ "Kielvj" Hernandez and Renz "Renzio" Cadua getting replaced by Benedict "Bennyqt" Gonzales and Mark "Lord Hadess" Lazaro.
Unfortunately, Aura once again came up short in reclaiming glory as it finished third behind Execration and eventual champion Blacklist International. Aura was ironically beaten via a 3-0 sweep by the Kielvj and Renzio-powered Execration in the lower bracket finals.
Killuash's decision to take a breather came a day after former Aura PH manager Mitch Liwanag told Bulletin that they will not be playing for the Indonesian esports organization's banner but instead for a soon to be revealed org in Season 8.
With Killuash out and barring any other future offseason moves, the ex-Aura still has Chan "Rafflesia" Fajura, Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz, Allen "Greed" Baloy, Bennyqt and Lord Hadess under head coach Michael Angelo "Arcadia" Bocado and strategic mentor Steven "DaleDalus" Vitug.