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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/RSG PH/Smart Communications) |
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) teams RSG PH and Smart Omega will be facing off their regional contenders in the upcoming MSC 2022 with the battle cry “Pinas Lang Malakas". With a stellar track record in the M3 World Championships, MSC 2021, and the victorious feat in the 31st SEA Games, the Philippines has the highest chance to secure the Southeast Asia title once again.
“This is an exciting time for Filipino eSports athletes to take pride of. The Philippines is back and hungry for more achievements. We are seeing the near future of the country transitioning into a sprawling eSports dynasty,” says MLBB Philippines Senior Marketing Manager for eSports Tonyo Silva. MSC 2022 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 11-19, 2022 featuring the best teams from Southeast Asia who will compete for a combined prize pool of US$300,000. Last year, Execration (EXE), whose members later transitioned to Smart Omega, dominated MSC 2021 and took home the lion’s share of USD 150,000 with Blacklist International as the runner-up.
This year’s concept “Pinas Lang Malakas” takes inspiration from MPL-PH teams and athletes who have been securing international tournament titles such as the prestigious M3 World Championship, MSC 2021 Championship, and 31st SEA Games gold medal. The country is home to one of the largest and strongest communities in the region with over 100 professional eSports players and counting. Other than eSports athletes, the league has also produced many casters, content creators, and livestreamers that have played a part in the country’s eSports legacy. This year, new and strong teams will compete in the regional level to prove their gaming prowess and defend their glory and superiority in Southeast Asia.
Trained by Coach Brian “Panda” Lim, RSG PH is composed of Coach Karl Luigi “Coach Giee” Barrientos with professional players Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto, Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo, Eman “Emann” Sangco, Arvie “Aqua” Calderon, Dylan Aaron “Light” Catipon, and Dexter “Exort” Martinez. On the other hand, Smart Omega team consists of head coach Anthony “YNOT” Senedrin, coach Jaime “Pakbet” Abalos, team captain Patrick James “E2MAX” Caidic, and members Renz Errol “Renzio” Cadua, Billy Jazha “Z4pnu” Alfonso, Dean Christian “Raizen” Sumagui, Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas, and Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog. Announced last May 26, RSG PH will be placed in Group B while Smart Omega is in Group C. Group Stage runs on June 11 and 12, 2022.
Smart 5G joins this year’s MSC as the official telco partner. Samsung Galaxy A Series also joins as the official sponsor, while TikTok is the official content partner. On the other hand, Maya, SecretLab, and SM Supermalls are the official eSports partners.
