OMEGA EMPRESS came into MWI 2024 with a huge shadow pulling them downward as there have been a plethora of doubts surrounding the team.
They have tried numerous attempts to bring pride and honor to the country in international events, only for them to fall short, finishing only 2nd or 3rd in the overall standings.
Recently in the IESF 2024 Southeast Asia qualifiers, all eyes were on them and Indonesia to proceed to the main event but to the shock of everyone, it was Cambodia who eliminated the Empress and secured the 2nd slot.
The string of defeats would haunt the morale of the team. Team captain Mery "Meraaay" Vivero, even had doubts if the team will carry on.
"May mga time na sukong-suko na ako e. As a team captain parang dumating yung panahon na hindi ko na kayang i-lead yung team ko," reflected Vivero.
"May season kami na hindi kami nananalo like ilang months yun, kahit local tournament hindi kami nananalo. Parang nag-overthink ako na parang tatanggalin kami or papalitan yung roster namin."
The team's morale was going downhill and even Rica Fatima "Amoree" Amores considered pursuing a different path.
"Sa mga international tournaments na hindi kami nananalo, parang iniisip namin kung ano yung kulang sa amin, and naisip din namin na mag-business kasi parang yung time na iyon, tina-try namin mag-improve talaga. Tapos iniisip din namin kung ano talaga yung kulang sa amin, yun din yung time na parang ang sarap mag-give up sa esports," Amoree looked back.
Finding the motivation to carry on
Those setbacks may have dampen the team's morale, but they also serve as the growing pains that would strengthen the team in their journey.
The Empress have grown tired of losing and due to the results of their tournaments, teams started to doubt them.
"Parang yung ibang country minamaliit kami like hindi kami kasama sa top three, top four na country na threat sa kanila. Yun yung nagpapa-motivate sa amin na magpapakilala kami kung ano talaga yung kaya namin," revealed Amore.
But there were other reasons for the team to find the resolve in MWI.
"Recently may calamity, so nagamit po namin yun po na parang, 'Hala may nangyayari sa Pilipinas ngayon so kailangan namin kumuha ng lakas at ipanalo at ipaganda yung laro namin," as stated by Gwyneth "Ayanami" Diagon.
Saudi feels like home
But the Filipino spirit remained despite not playing on home turf as the Empress was overwhelmed by the number of Filipino OFWs that travelled all the way to the venue.
There was even a fan who made leaps and bounds to show their support to the Empress.
"Meron doon MLBB fan from Jeddah pa siya so nag-leave siya ng work para lang manood sa amin. Nag-travel siya ng 10 hours just to get to the venue tapos siya yung nag-i-invite ng mga Pinoy na naka-dayoff as in hinakot niya lahat so isa yun sa moment na naka-help sa girls na naka-boost ng confidence," explained Omega's team manager Rianne Magsino.
The Empress were stunned by the ovation that they received and they were blessed that the arena even had Filipino staff who were willing to aid them in their campaign.
"Na-wow sila kung papaano mag-cheer yung mga Pinoy na sobrang ingay sa venue. Sa venue hindi rin kami nahirapan kasi kadalasan ng mga staff doon, Pinoy din," Magsino continued.
She added: "May mga house na isang building puro Pinoy, lahat ng naka-dayoff doon ininvite nila so nagkaroon kami ng audience so mas lalo kaming ginanahan para ipakita na kayang ilabas ng girls kasi ayaw nilang biguin yung mga Pinoy."
But none of this would've been possible if it weren't for the people behind the scenes.
The fighting spirit lives on
Given the results of their previous campaign, one may come to the conclusion that the team is bound to have a reshuffle of roster, but Smart Omega decided to stick with the same personnel.
The org's faith on them was duly rewarded, and there's a deeper reason as to why the team opted to maintain their roster.
Omega Esports' Marketing Officer, Froi Endaya was full of excitement when talking about his team.
"Ang galing kasi nila e. Ako kasi from day one nakita ko potential nila," he emphasized.
While many doubted Omega after a string of losses, Froi saw the opposite.
"Kasi before the SEA Games, MWI we came in 3rd and nakita niyo yung trajectory."
"As management hindi namin sila sinukuan kasi alam namin yung potential nila, and the pieces were there siguro may kaunting kulang lang sa mindset, sa habit, pero nandun yung talent and yung skills e."
But ultimately, it was their attitude that defined them. It may seem like all hope was lost for the Empress, but the crisis that they endured would mold their reign.
"Ang pinakagustohan ko sa kanila is their attitude, lahat naman sa sports, skills, talent nandiyan yan, pero the attitude that resonates with discipline, hardwork, and teamwork, yun yung hahanapin mo sa mga players and these girls exemplified these traits."
Froi added: "Sabi ko sa isang post ko, 'The moment you give up, yun na yun e.' It's always just one more try, just one more try. In the end, naging champion naman. Hats off to the girls."
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