Fresh off their successful stint in Saudi Arabia, members of Smart Omega Empress arrived all smiles, carrying the much-coveted title of world champions in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational 2024.

The Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart)-backed Philippine women’s professional esports team dominated the arena in a 3-0 series win against three-time winner Team Vitality of Indonesia.

“We’ve seen their growth and witnessed the hard work they’ve put in to make it this far. We are immensely proud of Smart Omega Empress, not just for carrying our brand, but for representing the Philippines in the global arena, time and again proving that we have the skills and the talent to make history in the world of esports,” said Jude H. Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

While in Saudi Arabia, the newly crowned MWI 2024 champions also visited the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, for a courtesy call with the Philippine government officials in the host country.

“We have prepared long and hard for this and we are glad to carry the flag in the global stage and show the world the power of Filipinas in esports. We are grateful for the support of Smart, the different organizations who believed in us, our families and friends, and most importantly, the fans who have always been there to cheer us on, win or lose,” said Team Captain Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero.

After their MLBB MWI 2024 tournament, the Smart-backed all-Cebuana all-female Mobile Legends Bang Bang champion team in the Philippines composed of Team Captain Vivero, Rica Fatima “Amoreee” Amores, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, , Kaye Maerylle “Keishi” Alpuerto, and Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon will represent the country in the upcoming Asian Indoor Marial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Thailand in November.

Commitment to boost esports in the country and beyond

Smart has long supported the fastest growing esports scene in the country with its products, programs, and services that are geared to help in nurturing the passion and talent of all Filipino gamers. For the seventh year in a row, Smart announced that it has renewed its strategic partnership with international gaming developer and publisher Moonton Games for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines tournaments in 2024.

Smart has also supported numerous tournaments – from the grassroots to casual gamers to the national level to encourage Filipinos to showcase their gaming skills.