The final gift from MLG's broadcast of their Vegas spectacular came during the winners' interview conducted by Alex "Goldenboy" Mendez. After initially talking to EnVyUs superstar DPS, Taimou, about his travel woes, the outspoken Finn claimed that he never lied - it was the perfect opportunity to get a straight answer on one of the fans most asked questions:
Goldenboy: So I don't want to put you on the spot OK?
Taimou: Mmhmmm
Goldenboy: But I know a lot of people online have been asking this question - "You guys picked up Mickie?"
You got two championships... I mean is he sticking around? I think we all love us some more Mickie!
Crowd: *CHEERS* We want Mickie!
Taimou: I think yes! We're gonna get Mickie! Hahaha!
hastr0: *appearing from the shadows and grabbing the mic* YES!
Goldenboy: There you go! Spoken from the boss himself, hastr0!
Scripted or not, the surprise announcement from the Team EnVyUs owner Mike "hastr0" Rufail was a great moment to end the event. The seed for Mickie's serendipitous arrival was sown at BlizzCon where INTERNETHULK and he exchanged Skype details. This was even before HULK learned that Talespin was on the way out, as he told Sideshow during his interview on Day 2 of MLG Vegas.
The advent of Mickie and the subsequent role shuffle has catapulted EnVyUs out of a slump. Starting by taking down old rivals Rogue on his official debut - knocking the then #1 team in the world out of APEX Season 1 Playoffs after aKm had singled them out. A timely meta shift played no small part in their change of fortunes, but Mickie has emerged as the world's best D. Va player, securing them their second title in three weeks and now earning himself a contract.
A move to Team EnVyUs's Charlotte, North Carolina base seems likely in the long run, but as defending APEX champions EnVyUs will almost certainly be returning to Korea in early 2017 when Season 2 kicks off.
#MLGVegas pic.twitter.com/NT3nBtmnb6
— Robert Paul @ MLG (@tempusrob) December 19, 2016
The Team EnVyUs roster is now officially:
- Jonathan "HarryHook" Tejedor Rua (DPS)
- Timo "Taimou" Kettunen (DPS)
- Pongphop "Mickie" Rattanasangohod (Flex)
- Christian "cocco" Jonsson (Tank)
- Sebastian "chipshajen" Widlund (Support)
- Dennis "INTERNETHULK" Hawelka (Support)