esports

IN THE Land of Dawn, Smart Omega has shown that anything is possible. Beyond the highlight reels and match-day moments, the team’s most meaningful victory continues to unfold away from the main stage—within the growing, passionate community known as Barangay Smart Omega.

For Smart Communications-supported esports team Smart Omega, every match is a reminder of who they’re playing for. The cheers, the chants, the jerseys in the crowd—these are the constants. And it’s this deep connection with fans that fuels the organization’s continued investment in grassroots initiatives designed to bring esports from the barangay level to the global stage.

“Sobrang halaga ng cheers lalo na pag nasa venue, at kahit wala sa venue, nakaka-boost ng confidence, parang gusto ko pa lalo itodo,” said Smart Omega’s Jungler Dean ‘Raizen” Sumagui.

One of these is Community Wars, a post-MPL PH platform that gives aspiring MLBB players a real chance to compete. More than just friendly matches, Community Wars has become a launchpad for teams like Maru Esports, now Dewa United PH, and Code Unknown Quantum Minds to CU X Godz Quantum Minds, who have gone on to compete in MDL PH, a crucial step towards the professional scene.

The same barangay-first mindset powers Community Watch Parties, now spreading across Quezon City districts. Fans gather in their own neighborhoods to watch Smart Omega matches live—same game time, same hype, same emotions. It turns every match into a shared experience, reinforcing the idea that esports is best enjoyed together.

“Thank you sa suporta n’yo, kasi sa hirap at ginhawa, nandyan pa rin kayo para sa amin. Hindi kami sumusuko. Hintayin n’yo lang, malay ninyo, dumating yung panahon na mapapasaamin naman momentum ng MPL, eh di pare-parehas tayong masaya,” said Smart Omega’s Gold Laner Kenneth “Netskie” Barro.

Fan engagement doesn’t stop there. What says “Barangay” best than the tanod vest? Through initiatives like Quest for the Vest, loyal supporters are rewarded for showing up—collecting badges, unlocking exclusive experiences, and earning their place in bootcamp raids. Online, fans share their SuperFan moments, extending the community beyond the venue and into digital spaces where stories, reactions, and memories live on.

For gamers who want more than cheering, Fansiklaban gives supporters the chance to represent Smart Omega by playing MLBB themselves—competing, ranking, and proving that Barangay Smart Omega fans have skills, in fact, they are currently in the Top 4 of the leaderboards.

Backing all of this are Smart and its value brand TNT as long-time supporters of Philippine esports. “Our continued support for Smart Omega and its community is a commitment to our fans and to the sustained growth of the esports ecosystem in the Philippines,” said Lloyd Manaloto, Smart co-OIC.

Smart has recently launched its All-New Postpaid Plans+ with Unli Apps – which includes the Play Bundle, designed for gamers who need uninterrupted access to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, among other games. These enhanced inclusions are powered by Smart’s award-winning network, recently recognized by Ookla® for Best Mobile Video Experience and Best Mobile Latency—delivering smoother streaming, more responsive gaming, and clearer video calls. These back-to-back wins translate into a better overall experience for Smart subscribers.

“Through our expansive 5G network, value-for-money products, and reliable services, we help enable gamers and the esports community to connect, compete, and thrive,” Manaloto added.

Smart Omega’s community has come a long way, from sparse crowds to packed venues season after season. Because for Barangay Smart Omega, the real victory is building a community that grows stronger—win or lose.