{{Short description|Filipino professional esports player}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2025}} {{Infobox video game player | name = Pheww | image = | caption = | birth_name = Angelo Kyle Dalagan Arcangel | birth_date = | birth_place = Mandaluyong, Philippines | nationality = Filipino | nickname = Kids' Idol | role = Mid laner / Captain | team = EVOS Esports | games = ''Mobile Legends: Bang Bang'' | years1 = 2018 | team1 = Digital Devils Pro | years2 = 2018–2019 | team2 = Cignal Ultra | years3 = 2020–2024 | team3 = AP.Bren | years4 = 2025 | team4 = Team Falcons | years5 = 2026– present | team5 = EVOS Esports (loan) }}
'''Angelo Kyle Dalagan Arcangel''', better known as '''Pheww''', is a Filipino professional ''Mobile Legends: Bang Bang'' player who serves as the mid laner for EVOS Esports on loan from Team Falcons. He is best known for his time with AP.Bren (formerly Bren Esports), where he became a two-time M-Series World Champion (M2 and M5). Arcangel and KarlTzy are the only ''Mobile Legends'' player to win two Southeast Asian Games gold medals for the Philippines, with himself bagged gold in 2019 and 2023.
== Professional career ==
=== Early career === Arcangel began his professional esports career in 2018 during the inaugural season of the MPL Philippines.<ref name="Spin_History">{{cite news |last=Pineda |first=Carlos |title=ON THIS DAY: Z4pnu, Ribo, and Pheww headlined the beginning of the MPL |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/on-this-day-z4pnu-ribo-and-pheww-headlined-the-beginning-of-the-mpl-a4858-20230512 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=May 12, 2023}}</ref> Playing for Digital Devils Pro alongside teammates such as John "Yakou" Magno, his team finished as the runners-up in Season 1, losing to Aether Main in the finals.<ref name="Spin_History" /><ref name="TBT_Era">{{cite news |last=Montevirgen |first=Jan Marcus |title=Pheww stays hungry as he enters new era with Team Falcons |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-stays-hungry-as-he-enters-new-era-with-team-falcons/329422 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=March 4, 2025}}</ref> Following this, he joined Cignal Ultra, where he played from Season 2 to Season 4.<ref name="TBT_Era" /> During his tenure with Cignal Ultra, Arcangel secured his first MPL championship title in Season 2.<ref name="TBT_Era" />
=== Bren Esports / AP.Bren === ==== 2020–2021: M2 World Championship ==== In 2020, Arcangel joined Bren Esports (later rebranded as AP.Bren).<ref name="OneMega_Couple">{{cite news |last=Domingo |first=Ramon |title=A Quick Look at Pheww and Icey: AP.Bren's Very Own Power Couple |url=https://thegame-onemega.com/sports/e-sports/a-quick-look-at-pheww-and-icey-ap-brens-very-own-power-couple/ |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=OneMega |date=February 14, 2024}}</ref> He was appointed team captain, a role in which he focused on discipline and punctuality, often arriving an hour early for training sessions.<ref name="Tribune_Trust">{{cite news |title=Pheww gains trust, respect |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2022/09/19/pheww-gains-trust-respect |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Daily Tribune |date=September 20, 2022}}</ref> He credited the coaching staff, including Francis "Duckey" Glindro, for professionalizing their training system.<ref name="OneEsports_S6Win">{{cite news |last=Asuncion |first=Joseph |title=Bren Esports' Pheww talks about the essentials to a championship team |url=https://www.oneesports.gg/mobile-legends/bren-esports-pheww-talks-about-the-essentials-to-a-championship-team/ |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=ONE Esports |date=November 14, 2020}}</ref> In MPL PH Season 6, he led Bren Esports to the championship title.<ref name="OneEsports_S6Win" />
In January 2021, Bren Esports competed in the M2 World Championship in Singapore. Arcangel expressed a desire to face the Indonesian team Alter Ego in the finals to avenge a 3–0 loss from the ONE Esports MPL Invitational.<ref name="Yahoo_M2">{{cite news |last=Lozano |first=Kurt |title=Bren Esports' Pheww: 'We want to face Alter Ego in the finals' at M2 |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/bren-esports-pheww-want-to-face-alter-ego-in-finals-035529866.html |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=January 19, 2021}}</ref> He noted that the team had prepared by scrimmaging against international teams to adapt to foreign playstyles.<ref name="OneEsports_M2Prep">{{cite news |last=Asuncion |first=Joseph |title=Bren Esports' Pheww calls out MPL ID: 'Prepare yourselves because we will be the champions' |url=https://www.oneesports.gg/mobile-legends/bren-esports-pheww-calls-out-mpl-id-prepare-yourselves-because-we-will-be-the-champions/ |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=ONE Esports |date=November 17, 2020}}</ref> While they did not face Alter Ego in the final, Bren Esports defeated Burmese Ghouls to become the first Filipino team to win the World Championship.<ref name="MB_M2Champs">{{cite news |last=Magallon |first=Reynald I. |date=October 29, 2023 |title=M2 champs Pheww, Flaptzy savor return to world stage |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/28/m2-champs-pheww-flaptzy-savor-return-to-world-stage |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Manila Bulletin}}</ref>
==== 2021–2022: Slump and rebuilding ==== Following the M2 victory, the team struggled to maintain their form.<ref name="Gosu_Return">{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Jarrad |title=M5 World Championship: The triumphant return of Pheww and FlapTzy |url=https://www.gosugamers.net/mobile-legends/features/70089-m5-world-championship-the-triumphant-return-of-pheww-and-flaptzy |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=GosuGamers}}</ref> In MPL PH Season 8, Bren Esports began with a franchise-worst 1–6 record, which Arcangel admitted caused low morale within the squad.<ref name="TBT_Slump">{{cite news |last=Dannug |first=Jonash |title=Win over NXPE a much-needed reprieve for down Bren, says Pheww |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/win-over-nxpe-a-much-needed-reprieve-for-down-bren-says-pheww/219906 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=September 19, 2021}}</ref> The team failed to qualify for the playoffs in Seasons 8 and 9.<ref name="TBT_3000">{{cite news |last=Orcullo |first=Jerod |title=Pheww reaches historic 3,000 assists mark, eyes MSC glory with Team Falcons |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-reaches-historic-3000-assists-mark-eyes-msc-glory-with-team-falcons/330824 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=March 15, 2025}}</ref> Arcangel contemplated retirement during this period but chose to continue due to support from his family and partner.<ref name="TBT_3000" />
In Season 10, Arcangel led a rebuilt roster to the semifinals. In a match against Omega Esports, he helped orchestrate a reverse sweep from an 0–2 deficit to win 3–2, recording a 5/1/7 KDA on the hero Gusion in Game 4.<ref name="TBT_Semis">{{cite news |last=Dannug |first=Jonash |title=Pheww proves that he still got it after leading Bren to semis |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-proves-that-he-still-got-it-after-leading-bren-to-semis/252926 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=October 20, 2022}}</ref>
==== 2023–2024: M5 World Championship ==== The team returned to prominence in 2023. Arcangel led AP.Bren to the MPL Philippines Season 12 title, sweeping Blacklist International 3–0 in the upper bracket finals to secure a spot at the M5 World Championship.<ref name="TBT_Ticket">{{cite news |last=Ubaldo |first=JohnEd |title=Pheww, FlapTzy relish M5 ticket after years of futility |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-flaptzy-relish-m5-ticket-after-years-of-futility/285709 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=October 27, 2023}}</ref> He noted that the gameplay quality at M5 was significantly higher than in M2, requiring more complex team coordination.<ref name="TBT_Ticket" /><ref name="MB_M2Champs" /> AP.Bren won the tournament, making Arcangel and teammate David "FlapTzy" Canon the second and third player to win two M-Series titles, and first for Pheww as captain in both occasions.<ref name="TBT_Era" />
In 2024, the team placed second at the Mid Season Cup (MSC) in Riyadh, losing 3–4 to the Selangor Red Giants in the finals.<ref name="TBT_3000" /> Prior to the finals, they had eliminated fellow Filipino team Team Liquid Echo in the semifinals.<ref name="TBT_MSC_Semis">{{cite news |last=Montevirgen |first=Jan Marcus |title=FlapTzy, Pheww close in on elusive MSC crown as Falcons AP.Bren eliminates Liquid Echo |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/flaptzy-pheww-close-in-on-elusive-msc-crown-as-falcons-ap-bren-eliminates-liquid-echo/307068 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=July 12, 2024}}</ref> Arcangel had correctly predicted an all-Filipino matchup in the latter stages of the tournament.<ref name="Tribune_Predict">{{cite news |last=Siasat |first=JM |title=Pheww predicts all-Filipino showdown in MSC final |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/07/12/pheww-predicts-all-filipino-showdown-in-msc-final |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Daily Tribune |date=July 12, 2025}}</ref>
=== Team Falcons === In early 2025, following the expiration of their contracts with AP.Bren, Arcangel and the entire M5 roster transferred to Team Falcons.<ref name="Philstar_Leave">{{cite news |last=Lojo |first=Michelle |title=Pheww, FlapTzy look back on decision to leave AP Bren |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/02/25/2424365/pheww-flaptzy-look-back-decision-leave-ap-bren |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Philstar |date=February 25, 2025}}</ref> Arcangel stated that the players had agreed to move as a unit to preserve their chemistry.<ref name="Philstar_Leave" />
In MPL Philippines Season 15, Arcangel became the first player in league history to record 3,000 career assists, a milestone achieved during a 2–0 sweep of TNC Pro Team.<ref name="Spin_3000">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=Pheww makes history as the 1st player to reach 3,000 assists in MPL PH |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/pheww-makes-history-as-the-first-player-to-reach-3-000-assists-in-mpl-ph-a7981-20250315?ref=home_feed_1 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=March 15, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Tribune_Record">{{cite news |last=Siasat |first=JM |title=Pheww sets MPL record as Team Falcons ends TNC's streak |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/14/pheww-sets-mpl-record-as-team-falcons-ends-tncs-streak |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Daily Tribune |date=March 15, 2025}}</ref> By March 2025, he also ranked third on the league's all-time kills leaderboard with 1,356 kills.<ref name="TBT_Era" />
The team faced early difficulties in Season 16, holding a 1–5 record by Week 2.<ref name="Spin_Rivalry">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=MPL PH Week 4: KarlTzy-Pheww meet anew as TLPH battles Falcons |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/mpl-ph-week-4-karltzy-pheww-meet-anew-as-tlph-battles-falcons-a7981-20250911 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=September 11, 2025}}</ref> Following back-to-back losses, Arcangel admitted that team morale was low but emphasized the need for resilience.<ref name="Spin_Slump">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=Pheww opens up on Team Falcons' slump: 'Mababa yung morale namin' |trans-title=Pheww opens up on Team Falcons’ slump: 'Our morale is low' |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/team-falcons-morale-hits-rock-bottom-after-mpl-ph-s16-slump-a7981-20250831?ref=article_tag |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=August 31, 2025}}</ref> During this season, he also took on a mentorship role for rookie players like Edferdz "Ferdz" Fernandez, helping them manage competitive pressure.<ref name="Spin_Ferdz">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=Ferdz makes rousing Team Falcons' debut, attributes success to Pheww |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/ferdz-delivers-stellar-debut-with-team-falcons-in-mpl-s16-opener-a7981-20250823?ref=article_tag |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=August 23, 2025}}</ref>
=== EVOS Esports === In early 2026, Arcangel joined EVOS Esports on loan from Team Falcons<ref>{{Cite web |title=EVOS Pheww has Arrived! The 2-Time World Champion is Ready to Compete in MPL ID Season 17 |url=https://duniagames.co.id/discover/article/evos-pheww-is-ready-to-compete-in-mpl-id-season-17/en |access-date=2026-04-30 |website=duniagames.co.id |language=en}}</ref> after he was initially removed from active roster of his team prior to arrival of Salic "Hadji" Imam, M3 World Champion and former Smart Omega player.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-02-23 |title=Hadji takes flight with Team Falcons as Pheww exits ahead of MPL Season 17 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/977593/hadji-takes-flight-with-team-falcons-as-pheww-exits-ahead-of-mpl-season-17/story/ |access-date=2026-04-30 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> Prior to the announcement, EVOS accidentally posted in their social media early during the EVOS Parade 2026 that was held on March 1, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=3 Reasons Why the EVOS Phewww Announcement Was Deleted |url=https://duniagames.co.id/discover/article/3-reasons-why-the-evos-phewww-announcement-was-deleted/en |access-date=2026-04-30 |website=duniagames.co.id |language=en}}</ref> In an interview with Dunia Games, he stated that the reason he joins EVOS because "it was one of the strongest team from the options he has (on the table)."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basudewa |first=Gangga |title=Pheww Bicara Transfernya dan Tantangan yang Bakal Dihadapinya |url=https://skor.id/posts/745742/pheww-bicara-transfernya-dan-tantangan-yang-bakal-dihadapinya |access-date=2026-04-30 |website=skor.id |language=id}}</ref> He also added that he wants to keep growing after been with Flap, Kyle, Marco and Owgwen for so long.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-06 |title=Pheww Transfer Explained {{!}} Legendary Move to EVOS ID |url=https://juansports.org/news/pheww-transfer-explained-legendary-move/ |access-date=2026-04-30 |language=en}}</ref> In a talk session with MPL Indonesia English desk caster, Frederick "Mirko" Handy Loho, he also has option to become coach in Indonesia but declined it as it was his last resort option.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klj34oscqKc |title=Pheww as a COACH! Why Pheww chose EVOS?! Pheww on FALCONS! |date=2026-03-05 |last=MLBB EPIC PLAYS |access-date=2026-04-30 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
== National team career == Arcangel represented the Philippines at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where the national team (Sibol) won the inaugural esports gold medal for ''Mobile Legends''.<ref name="TBT_History">{{cite news |last=Dannug |first=Jonash |title=Pheww thrilled about possibility of making SEAG history |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-thrilled-about-possibility-of-making-seag-history/270542 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=April 28, 2023}}</ref>
In 2023, he was selected to captain the Sibol squad for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. The roster was composed primarily of his Bren Esports teammates, excluding players from the reigning M4 champions, ECHO.<ref name="TBT_Lead">{{cite news |last=Dannug |first=Jonash |title=Pheww leads SIBOL ML team for SEAG |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-leads-sibol-ml-team-for-seag/261992 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> Arcangel stated he felt no pressure as he had previous experience representing the country.<ref name="MB_SEAG_Shot">{{cite news |last=Magallon |first=Reynald I. |title=Pheww gets rare shot at winning SEAG second gold with Sibol |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/29/pheww-thrilled-as-he-gets-rare-shot-at-winning-seag-second-gold |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Manila Bulletin |date=April 29, 2023}}</ref> The team won the gold medal by defeating Malaysia 3–0, making Arcangel the first two-time SEA Games gold medalist in the title.<ref name="Tribune_Gold">{{cite news |last=Siasat |first=JM |date=May 14, 2023 |title=Pheww becomes lone two-time SEA Games gold medalist as Sibol wins MLBB gold |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2023/05/14/pheww-becomes-lone-two-time-sea-games-gold-medalist-as-sibol-wins-mlbb-gold |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Daily Tribune}}</ref><ref name="TBT_Savor">{{cite news |last=Ubaldo |first=JohnEd |title=Pheww savors second SEAG gold |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pheww-savors-second-seag-gold/272425 |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Tiebreaker Times |date=May 15, 2023}}</ref> He attributed the victory to the team's strong chemistry compared to the 2019 roster.<ref name="DZRH_Chem">{{cite news |last=Borja |first=Mhillen Nicole |title=Pheww credits strong team chemistry as winning factor in 32nd SEA Games victory |url=https://dzrh.com.ph/post/pheww-credits-strong-team-chemistry-as-winning-factor-in-32nd-sea-games-victory |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=DZRH |date=July 5, 2023}}</ref>
Later that year, he was part of the Sibol team that won the 2023 IESF World Esports Championship, defeating Indonesia 3–1 in the finals.<ref name="OneSports_IESF">{{cite news |last=Mallari |first=Gab |title=What Pheww said after SIBOL's rousing win in IESF World Esports Championship will excite MLBB fans |url=https://www.onesports.ph/esports/article/14988/what-pheww-said-after-sibol-s-rousing-win-in-iesf-world-esports-championship-will-excite-mlbb-fans |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=One Sports |date=September 4, 2023}}</ref>
== Player profile == Arcangel plays the mid laner role and is known for his leadership and shotcalling.<ref name="Spin_Titans">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=A Clash of Titans: KarlTzy salutes Pheww's legacy and influence |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/a-clash-of-titans-karltzy-salutes-pheww-s-legacy-and-influence-a7981-20250329?ref=article_tag |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=March 29, 2025}}</ref> His former teammate Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno has described him as "very smart" in-game, highlighting his ability to call plays and adapt to different roles over the years.<ref name="Spin_Titans" /> In 2023, he was nominated for Moonton's "10 Greatest Players" list.<ref name="MB_Greatest">{{cite news |last=Magallon |first=Reynald I. |title=Karltzy, Pheww, Ribo lead MPL PH nominees in MOONTON's 10 Greatest Players list |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/28/karltzy-pheww-ribo-lead-mpl-ph-nominees-in-moonton-s-10-greatest-players-list |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Manila Bulletin |date=October 28, 2023}}</ref>
He is noted for specific hero masteries: * Selena: He recorded the first and only "Savage" (five consecutive kills) with this hero in MPL PH history.<ref name="Spin_3000" /> * Bane: In Season 10, he utilized a magic damage build for Bane, which was considered an "off-meta" pick at the time, winning MVP honors for the performance.<ref name="OneEsports_Bane">{{cite news |last=Elona |first=Jules |title=Magic damage Bane is back! Pheww proves he's viable again in current meta |url=https://www.oneesports.gg/mobile-legends/magic-damage-bane-pheww-mpl-ph/ |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=ONE Esports |date=September 27, 2022}}</ref> * Julian: He utilizes an assassin-like playstyle for this hero, prioritizing burst damage.<ref name="OneEsports_Julian">{{cite news |last=Muyot |first=Ron |title=Kapitan Pheww ibinahagi ang kanyang Julian build |trans-title=Captain Pheww shares his Julian build |url=https://www.oneesports.ph/mobile-legends/pheww-julian-build/ |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=ONE Esports |date=March 20, 2023}}</ref>
To manage team communication, Arcangel implemented a co-captaincy system with teammate Rowgien "Owgwen" Unigo to ensure calm shotcalling during matches.<ref name="Spin_Owgwen">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=Owgwen steps up, tandems with Pheww to harmonize Team Falcons |url=https://www.spin.ph/esports/owgwen-work-in-tandem-with-pheww-to-control-team-falcons-adrenaline-rush-a7981-20250330?ref=article_tag |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=March 30, 2025}}</ref>
== Personal life == Arcangel is married to Icey Vallesteros, a content creator. The couple has been together for over six years.<ref name="OneMega_Couple" /> In 2024, Arcangel announced plans to use his tournament winnings to fund their wedding and start a business.<ref name="OneSports_Future">{{cite news |last=Toledo |first=Jerome |title=MPL-PH: Pheww shows how AP.Bren prepares for future outside MLBB |url=https://www.onesports.ph/esports/article/20260/mpl-ph-pheww-shows-how-ap-bren-prepares-for-future-outside-mlbb |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=One Sports |date=April 6, 2024}}</ref> They married in November 2024 at the Caleruega Chapel of Transfiguration.<ref name="Spin_Wedding">{{cite news |last=Pineda |first=Carlos |title=LOOK: Bren's Pheww and Icey have officially tied the knot |url=https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/look-bren-s-pheww-and-icey-have-officially-tied-the-knot-a4858-20241106?ref=feed_1_section |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=Spin.ph |date=November 6, 2024}}</ref> He has cited financial security and prize money as a significant motivation for his continued career in esports.<ref name="EsportsGG_Motiv">{{cite news |last=Rossel |first=John Dave T. |title=MPL PH: Team Falcons PH Pheww reveals what keeps them motivated, and we can all relate |url=https://esports.gg/news/mobile-legends-bang-bang/mpl-ph-team-falcons-ph-pheww-reveals-motivation/ |access-date=December 20, 2025 |publisher=esports.gg |date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
Category:Living people Category:Filipino esports players Category:People from Mandaluyong Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players