NAVI PH returns to MWI 2026 chasing redemption and a legacy to restore

Redemption never comes without first tasting defeat.

NAVI PH learned that lesson the hard way after its shocking exit in the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2025 quarterfinals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Now, fresh off its Athena Cup Season 2 championship run, NAVI PH carries the nation’s hopes as it looks to reclaim the crown as the Philippines’ lone representative at MWI 2026 in Paris, France.

With only a single slot allocated for the Philippines in MWI 2026—down from two last year when Team Liquid Aqua also qualified—NAVI PH marches into one of the biggest stages in women’s MLBB.

But alongside the pressure comes an opportunity to rewrite a story that ended in heartbreak just a year ago.

NAVI PH heads to Paris for MWI 2026, which will once again take place under the Esports World Cup (EWC), determined to erase the memories of last year’s disappointing campaign, where Gaimin Gladiators ended the former Smart Omega Empress’ title defense earlier than many had expected.

Yet every setback leaves behind a choice: to remain defined by defeat or rise stronger from it. NAVI PH chose the latter.

NAVI PH retained the championship core that once ruled the international stage while ushering in new talent.

Mid laner Honey “Rain” Jemlan and gold laner Lhoureain “Rianne” Alcaraz joined the roster, replacing Rica “Amoree” Amores and Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, who transferred to Team Nemesis.

The changes have already paid dividends.

The squad proved once again why it remains at the forefront of Philippine women’s MLBB after sweeping Falcons Vega PH, 4-0, to claim the Athena Cup Season 2 title and automatically qualify for the MWI 2026.

But the story of NAVI PH was never written by one championship run alone.

Before carrying the NAVI banner, the same core etched its name into history as Omega Empress by winning the MWI 2024 championship. The Filipinas dominated Indonesia’s Team Vitality in a convincing 3-0 sweep, delivering the Philippines its first MWI crown and establishing themselves as the team to beat in women’s MLBB.

That rivalry has since become one of the defining storylines in women’s MLBB.

The two squads met again at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games Women’s Tournament in Thailand, where NAVI PH—representing the Philippines—once more got the better of Team Vitality, Indonesia’s representative, with a 3-1 semifinal victory.

Although the Filipinas eventually settled for silver after falling to Malaysia in the gold medal match, their SEA Games run proved that, despite falling short of gold, NAVI PH remained capable of competing against the world’s best.

The past may have shaped their story, but the next chapter will be written in Paris.

As the country’s only representative at MWI 2026, NAVI PH enters the tournament carrying both the hopes of the Philippines and the legacy of a championship roster that once stood atop the world.

A second MWI title would reaffirm their place among the greatest women’s MLBB teams ever assembled. But perhaps more importantly, it would complete their redemption after the heartbreak of 2025 and prove that last year’s early exit was merely a setback—not the end of an era.

The trophy may be the goal, but redemption is the mission. In Paris, NAVI PH has the chance to prove that its legacy was built to endure.