After a subpar showing in the MPL Philippines Season 7, Smart Omega released its Mobile Legends roster on Friday night, July 2.
This means that Jeniel "Haze" Bata-anon, Kenneth Jiane "Kenji" Villa, EJ "Heath" Esperanza, Adrian "Toshi" Bacallo, Salic "Hadjizy" Imam and Jankurt "KurTzy" Matira are now free to pursue opportunities from other teams in the upcoming Season 8.
"In the past 3 years that we're together as a team and as a family, we had our fair share of highs and lows," the team said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
"From earning multiple championships and runner-up titles here and there, to exiting early at some tournaments. Then having the two of you (Haze and Kenji) represent our country at the SEA Games, eventually earning the 2nd spot consecutively and then most recently, flying off to Singapore for M2," it added.
"We have nothing but gratitude towards you guys. Thank you for all of your efforts with Omega Esports and thank you for being our family and friend for all these years. Good luck on your journey! Don't forget that we'll always be your family."
Coming off a runner-up finish to Bren Esports in MPL Season 6 as well as in The Nationals Season 2 on top of a playoffs appearance in the M2 World Championship, expectations were running high for Omega heading to Season 7.
The Smart-backed team struggled in the early goings but still managed to take the second seed behind Blacklist International in Group B with 21 points on a 6-7 series win-loss record.
However, Omega fell short in a five-game thriller against Aura PH and slipped to the lower bracket where they suffered another heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to eventual runner-up Execration.
The premier esports organization has yet to announce its new lineup for Season 8.