The Philippines’ Smart Omega Empress (OMGE) dominated the MLBB Women’s Invitational 2024 (MWI 2024), dismantling Indonesian powerhouse Team Vitality (VIT) in a clean 3-0 sweep during the BO5 Grand Finals held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This historic victory marks a double triumph for OMGE. Not only did they dethrone the three-time MWI champions, ending their 24-match winning streak, but they also became the first Filipino team to claim a title at the Esports World Cup.
The all-Filipina squad, composed of Sheen “Shinoa” Perez (Gold Laner), Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto (Jungler), Rica “Amoree” Amores (Mid Laner), Gwyneth “Ayanami” Diagon (EXP Laner), and Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero (Roamer), displayed exceptional teamwork and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament.
Their performance culminated in Shinoa being crowned Finals MVP, securing an additional USD 50,000 on top of the team’s USD 180,000 share of the USD 500,000 prize pool – the largest ever offered in women’s esports.
OMGE’s victory transcends the competitive realm. It serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring female MLBB players. In a post-match press conference, Meraaay stated, “We want to give honor to our country… To all aspiring female MLBB players out there, continue what you’re doing, especially if it is something that you love.”
MWI 2024 shattered viewership records, reaching a peak of 265,117 concurrent viewers, a significant increase from the previous record of 179,024 set in 2023. This surge highlights the growing interest in women’s esports and the impact of initiatives like MWI in providing a platform for these talented athletes.
“The competitive women’s esports scene has taken a huge step forward with the MWI 2024,” said Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games. “We believe that esports is for everyone, so we’re delighted to have given the world’s best female athletes the stage and #TimeToShine.”
