CEBU CITY, Philippines — What started as a lockdown hobby has catapulted five Cebuanas to the pinnacle of the esports world. From playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) for fun during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, they now shine on the global stage, representing the Philippines with pride and passion. Meet the Smart Omega Empress Esports team, an all-Cebuana lineup that recently dominated the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Women’s Invitational 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
READ: WATCH: Mobile Legends theme song performed by students from Argao school Team Captain Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero and her co-players Rica Fatima “Amoreee” Amores and Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon have transformed their pandemic pastime into a dream career. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, these women found solace and enjoyment in MLBB. Little did they know that the game would change their lives.
READ: Cesafi Esports League: USJ-R, UCLM beat foes over the weekend Formed three years ago, the Omega Empress team—featuring Vivero, Amores, Diagon along with two other Cebuanas in Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, and Kaye Maerylle “Keishi” Alpuerto—was handpicked after excelling in nationwide tryouts organized by Omega, one of the country’s top professional ESports teams. Under the expert guidance of head coach Salman “King Salman” Macarambon, they quickly rose to the top. Their journey to Riyadh was highlighted by relentless determination and skill.
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