We talk with Taxstump, one of the men behind the scenes for EVOS Glory’s rise in MPL Indonesia S13, on the importance of managers.
An established esports scene like Mobile Legends badly needed something like 
EVOS Glory’s rise in MPL Indonesia Season 13. A mix of veterans and rising superstars filled The White Tigers lineup and secured a ticket to MSC 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At one point, they were rock bottom in the regular season before being one of the Grand Finalists.
Everybody needed to give kudos to all the players and coaching staff who were able to enact this inspiring run in MPL ID Season 13. However, one factor sometimes forgotten from the spotlight is the manager, Taxstump’s role in EVOS Glory. Today, we talked to Taxstump about his daily routine and how a manager is integral to an esports team.
As a manager of an esports team, what is your daily routine?
My daily routine consists of working out, playing games, securing the players’ tournament needs, and finding a scrim partner for EVOS Glory. I also bridged EVOS Glory to other divisions, such as talent, brand, and upper management. I also check the players' discipline, such as their sleep quality, because a good rest is really important for an athlete. I also check their nutrition to help them prevent illness.
How important is a manager for an esports team? What would happen if a team didn’t have one?
I think a manager is needed to tidy the players' schedule and be the bridge between the players, upper management, and, of course, external stakeholders like tournament organisers and the media. If a manager can’t be all of those, the team will not perform at its maximum potential.
In your opinion, what must a good manager have?
A good manager can take responsibility for their actions, be a great role model for the players, be fair to everyone, and have honesty. They also need to be a friend and a good listener for the players.
Are there any difficulties or engaging experiences when managing EVOS Glory’s players?
I don’t think there are any difficulties because everyone in EVOS Glory is really understanding and well-behaved. As their manager, I had the best experience securing an MSC slot in Riyadh together from the bottom.
How about your relationship with the coaching staff? How do you help them with their work?
I tried to help them with scrim necessities, like when they needed a scrim and whether the partner already fit their plan. We make a reasonable schedule, like when to train, off days, and team bonding time. I also helped discuss in-game issues with the coaches as I have experience as a former player and coach.
How big has your experience as a former player and coach helped your work?
It really helped a lot! I have already been in the esports industry for ten years or so. My colleagues from all those times were great references for my work right now. Because of these experiences, I am probably more understanding of everyone’s point of view in EVOS Glory, so I tend to find the middle ground between them.
EVOS Glory was the runner-up of MPL Indonesia Season 13 after their meteoric rise in the regular season's second half. Their outstanding performance was also displayed when they beat the tournament’s favourite, 
Bigetron Alpha, 3-1 and secured the Grand Final when they defeated MPL Indonesia Season 12 runner-up, Geek Fam, with a 3-2 scoreline.
EVOS Glory will compete in the Mid Season Cup 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Esports World Cup alongside 
Fnatic ONIC. Taxstump will accompany the players and ensure they are at their best. Their fans are excited to see whether the team can perform as well in MSC 2024 as they did in MPL Indonesia Season 13.
