Carlito “Ribo” Jr., a member of the Bang Bang Hall of Legends, is advocating for a return to esport’s motivational banter in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
According to the Omega Esports roamer, trash talk should be used to motivate opponents rather than to incite them. According to him, rather than demoralizing players, it should motivate them to “step up their game.”
“Our trash-talking was limited to players before. It was done to boost self-esteem. such as “I need to improve my game so I can trash-talk Ribo as well because he’s trash-talking me,” Ribo clarified.
However, things have changed. According to Ribo, fans are now frequently going too far in their banter and bringing up irrelevant personal attacks. As a result, players are now more circumspect on social media and in-game.
Below-the-belt remarks undermine the spirit of competition and detract from the enjoyment of banter, Ribo cautions. Rather than using trash talk as a poisonous diversion, he exhorts the MLBB community to maintain a respectful yet competitive atmosphere.
Ribo: Trash Talk Should Motivate, Not Degrade
Is Trash Talk Healthy for Esports?
Ribo’s Request for Civil Conversation in Mobile Legends
In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), Carlito “Ribo” Jr., a member of the Bang Bang Hall of Legends, is promoting a return to the inspirational banter of esport.
The Omega Esports roamer believes that rather than inciting opponents, trash talk should be used to inspire them. According to him, the real goal of trash talk is to encourage players to “step up their game” rather than to discourage them.
“Our trash-talking was limited to players before. It was done to boost self-esteem. Such as, ‘I need to improve my game so I can trash-talk Ribo as well because he’s trash-talking me,’” Ribo explained.
The Evolution of Trash Talk in Esports
Esports banter used to be a form of light competition. It made games more interesting and gave players and spectators more energy. However, Ribo notes that things have changed: fans are now stoking negativity on social media, and trash talk has frequently veered into personal attacks.
Below-the-belt comments now run the risk of destroying the competitive spirit and transforming what ought to be inspiring conversations into poisonous ones.
When Trash Talk Works: Motivational Examples
When done correctly, constructive trash talk can improve esports. It has the ability to improve performance by motivating players to take on new challenges and give their best effort. The amusing Gabbi vs. Ame banana vs. bat exchange in Dota 2 is a prime example of how lighthearted banter can enliven fans and add flavor to the competition without bringing anyone down.
These moments not only add entertainment value to the gameplay but also give rise to social chatter, highlight reels, and memes that spread the excitement well beyond the actual match. However, polite banter fosters rivalries that increase the interest in esports, similar to how legendary players in NBA 2K or CS:GO jab at each other with wit and humor, but always within the bounds of professionalism.
When Trash Talk Fails: The Toxic Shift
Conversely, offensive remarks that degenerate into unrelated personal jabs harm the players as well as the community. Here is where Ribo draws the line: banter ceases to be competitive and turns into harm once it turns into hatred.
This has occurred in a number of esports games, ranging from players being harassed on social media to offensive chants during Valorant tournaments. These incidents highlight the fine line that separates hype from danger.
Finding the Balance: How to Trash Talk Properly
For trash talk to remain healthy, it should follow a few principles:
- Keep it game-related – target plays, strategies, or funny in-game moments.
- Make it entertaining – humor, exaggeration, and wit go a long way.
- Respect boundaries – avoid personal insults, family, or sensitive topics.
Remember the fans – banter isn’t just for the players, it fuels audience excitement.
