Week 1 of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia Season 17 has immediately presented a real test for Alter Ego Esports. Amid the overarching theme “Find the Formula,” Alter Ego has come in as one of the teams that has already looked closest to achieving its ideal playstyle.

As the runner-up of MPL ID Season 16 and the M7 World Championship, Alter Ego has not made many roster changes. That stability has become their primary foundation, combined with an aggressive gameplay identity and strong durability in teamfights—both of which have already proven effective in the previous season.

However, the real challenge has not taken long to arrive.

In the opening week, Alter Ego has been set to face two tough matches: the “Derbi STM” against Bigetron Esports and a heated rematch against ONIC Esports—the team that had denied them the MPL ID S16 title in the Grand Final.

Behind these two matches, one name has stood out as the main highlight: Arifudin Dingarai Putra, also known as Arfy.

Defining Clash: Arfy vs Two Filipino Powerhouses

This opening week has not been an ordinary set of matches for Arfy. He has been directly matched against two world-class gold laners: John Paul Salonga from Bigetron and Kelra, who has now been playing under ONIC.

This matchup has not been just about mechanics—it has been a stage of validation.

After delivering an impressive performance up to the M7 Grand Final, Arfy has now been tested to step into the next level—potentially becoming the new “Gold Standard” in MPL ID. This status has not been given instantly; it has had to be earned through consistency, flexibility, and the ability to read an ever-evolving META.

Interestingly, Arfy has embraced this challenge with strong enthusiasm.

"I’m really excited to meet both of them."

Beyond confidence, Arfy has also shown curiosity toward the playstyles of his opponents—especially the potential surprises they could bring into the Land of Dawn.

"I’m curious about what fighter heroes EMANN might bring out next. But I’m more curious about Kelra, since he has just moved to Indonesia and I have never faced him before," Arfy said.

Not Just About Winning Lane, It’s About Identity

What has set Arfy apart has not only been his mechanics in lane, but also his flexibility in adapting to the team’s needs. While the META has not always favored traditional marksmen, he has consistently performed well using Fighter heroes in the gold lane.

This has not been mere improvisation—it has been part of Alter Ego’s formula.

With this approach, Alter Ego has become one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. They have not been locked into a rigid META template, but have instead created pressure through various draft scenarios.

However, one key detail has stood out: Arfy has not claimed that formula as entirely his own.

"It depends on what Xepher wants me to play. I’m ready to pick any hero," Arfy stated.

This has highlighted an important point—Arfy’s flexibility has not only been about individual skill, but also the result of a system built by his coach, Yeb.

A Bigger Ambition Beyond Week 1

While the spotlight has been on his clashes against EMANN and Kelra, Arfy’s goals have extended far beyond just winning the opening matches. He has not only aimed for domestic success, but also for a larger international stage.

His confidence has been at its peak, backed by valuable experience from MPL ID S16 and M7.

"Honestly, I feel very confident and more than ready for MPL ID S17, because my goal is not only to become a champion here, but also to win the EWC (Esports World Cup)," he said.

This ambition has shown that Alter Ego has not been thinking short-term. They have been building momentum not just for the local league, but for global competition.

The “Gold Standard” Still Has to Be Proven

Despite the growing narrative that has labeled Arfy as the new “Gold Standard,” the player has remained grounded. For him, that title cannot be claimed without the most concrete proof: a championship trophy.

"In my opinion, as long as I haven’t won a title, I can’t really be called the ‘Gold Standard’ yet," Arfy said.

This statement has drawn a clear line between hype and reality. Arfy has understood that strong performances alone are not enough—there must be results to validate them.

Early Test That Has Defined the Season’s Direction

Week 1 of MPL ID S17 has not been just an opening—it has served as an early indicator of whether Alter Ego’s formula has truly been ready to compete at the highest level.

Two strong opponents, two contrasting playstyles, and two elite gold laners have become the benchmark for how far Arfy can go this season.

If he manages to overcome EMANN and Kelra, the “Gold Standard” narrative will no longer be just speculation—it will have become the beginning of legitimacy.

Otherwise, the search for the perfect formula will still be far from complete.

One thing is certain: all eyes have been locked onto Alter Ego’s gold lane in this opening week.