Shaping Young Minds in Esports Through Smart Battletrips

Esports has come a long way, challenging outdated perceptions of the industry and establishing itself as a growing ecosystem of professional opportunities. Too often dismissed as a distraction for students or an impractical career choice, esports offers a wide range of career paths beyond playing, including broadcasting, journalism, production, community management, and event operations.

Through Smart Battletrips, Smart Communications and MOONTON Games aim to bring fans together and strengthen community engagement around MPL Philippines while introducing young people to the opportunities available within the esports industry.

For students considering a career in esports, these opportunities may raise important questions: Where should they begin? Are they on the right path? And who can they look up to and learn from?

That is where Smart Battletrips comes into play.

Learn from the Experts
Throughout the eight weeks of MPL Philippines Season 18, Smart Battletrips brought together speakers from various fields, including casting, journalism, professional play, and community management, to share their knowledge and experiences with young people interested in esports.

Beyond offering professional insights, the speakers also shared how esports had changed their lives and opened doors to opportunities they once only dreamed of.

MPL casters Bridgitte “Brigida” Ramos and Neil “Midnight” De Guzman gave students a glimpse into the art of casting, discussing how they developed their unique on-air identities, built confidence behind the microphone, and connected with audiences through authentic storytelling and effective communication.

Meanwhile, ALL-STAR Magazine Associate Editor Jerome Toledo and One Sports Esports Lead Gillian Trinidad shared their experiences covering the fast-paced esports industry, emphasizing the importance of compelling storytelling, accurate reporting, and documenting the people, teams, and defining moments that shape the scene.

For aspiring professional players, ONIC Philippines star King “K1NGKONG” Perez offered insights into what it takes to compete in the world’s strongest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) region. He discussed the challenges, sacrifices, and lessons that help transform aspiring competitors into professional players.

Marie Narvaso, Head of Operations and Regional Community Manager for MOONTON PH Esports, helped students explore the many career paths available beyond professional play. Her session highlighted how different disciplines work together to create world-class esports experiences, giving aspiring professionals a broader understanding of the opportunities within the industry.

Adding a behind-the-scenes perspective, MPL Head of Broadcast Paula Christina Navarro walked students through the intricacies of esports event production and broadcasting. She discussed how major tournaments are planned, coordinated, rehearsed, and executed, from opening ceremonies to full playoff stages, highlighting the teamwork and preparation required to bring large-scale esports events to life.

Together, the sessions illustrated how different disciplines contribute to the esports ecosystem, showing students that a career in the industry can take many forms beyond professional competition.

Cultivating Minds for a Better Future in Esports
For Smart, the initiative also serves a broader purpose: connecting established industry professionals with the next generation while encouraging young people to consider the skills and education needed to build sustainable careers.

In an interview with ALL-STAR Magazine, Smart Omega Chief Operations Officer Patrick Cruz said the company was pleased with the response to Smart Battletrips, which has given Smart another perspective on engaging communities beyond the professional esports scene.

“I think the Battletrips, what we did for SMART, we’re very happy with the results. Of course, it’s giving us another POV about what we can do for the community. It’s still a long way to go, but we’re very happy na nag-i-engage siya,” Cruz said.

Cruz also emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation to sustain the industry’s growth, noting that Smart Battletrips helps connect aspiring talents with established professionals who can share their experiences and knowledge.

Beyond developing future talent, Cruz emphasized the importance of helping young people understand that opportunities in esports extend beyond competing professionally. He cited Smart’s collaboration with Estudyante Esports as another example of the company’s recognition of the value of esports alongside education.

“We believe that studying is very important as well. As I said, a player can only go up to that much level. But after playing, what’s next?” Cruz said.

His question highlights a crucial consideration for aspiring players: a competitive career is only one possible path within esports, and young people should also prepare for opportunities beyond their playing years.

Through Smart Battletrips, students gain exposure to professionals working in media, broadcasting, production, and operations, helping them discover career paths that align with their interests and skills.

Education as Real-Life Itemization
Drawing on the language of in-game item builds, Cruz described education as a lasting investment that young people can carry with them throughout their lives.

“Ang tawag nga namin diyan when we had a talk is a build that you will never lose. Hindi mawawala ‘yan, ‘yung item na ‘yan which is education. If ma-build mo ‘yan, you can carry that forever in your entire life,” Cruz explained to ALL-STAR.

For Smart, the value of Battletrips lies not only in strengthening its connection with the esports community but also in helping young people envision a future within it.

By bringing industry professionals closer to aspiring talents and encouraging them to look beyond the screen, the initiative creates opportunities for learning, growth, and professional development.

Ultimately, Smart Battletrips highlights the importance of preparing the next generation not only to participate in esports but also to help shape its future, with education providing a foundation they can carry throughout life.