In A Stunning Move, NAVI Acquires Smart Omega Empress, A Crown Jewel of Philippine Esports

In a move that has stunned the Southeast Asian esports community, global esports powerhouse Natus Vincere (NAVI) has officially acquired Smart Omega Empress, the reigning queens of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) from the Philippines. The all-female team, considered a crown jewel of Smart’s esports program, is fresh off a world championship win and has been one of the most dominant forces in women’s MLBB.

This acquisition comes as a shock not only because of the team’s global stature, but because Smart Omega Empress was seen as a foundational part of Smart Communications’ esports identity—a team that brought prestige, visibility, and international gold to its parent org. Their departure signals a bold reshuffling of regional esports power dynamics, and an even bolder entrance for NAVI into the Southeast Asian MLBB scene.

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From Cebu to the World: The Rise of Smart Omega Empress

Composed entirely of Cebuana athletes, Smart Omega Empress rose from regional stardom to international glory. Their historic run at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) during the 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Saudi Arabia captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Defying expectations, the team conquered giants from Indonesia, Brazil, and Malaysia, culminating in a dramatic grand finals victory that crowned them the undisputed world champions in women’s MLBB.

Their disciplined shot-calling, strategic rotations, and clutch performances positioned them as not just the pride of the Philippines, but as global ambassadors for women in esports.

Crowned Queens: Smart Omega Empress Achievements

• Champions, MWI at Esports World Cup 2024 (Saudi Arabia)
• 2x MLBB Women’s Invitational Finalists (2023, 2024)
• Back-to-back National Women’s League Champions (2022, 2023)

NAVI: A Global Giant Steps Into SEA MOBA

Founded in 2009, Natus Vincere—Latin for born to win—is one of the most respected names in competitive gaming. Known for dominating in Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and PUBG, the Ukraine-based organization has consistently maintained top-tier rosters and championship runs across multiple titles. NAVI’s reputation for discipline, innovation, and excellence makes it a dream destination for aspiring pros around the world.

Their latest acquisition reaffirms NAVI’s ambition to expand deeper into Asia’s dynamic mobile gaming scene—and into the growing world of women’s esports.

A Pattern Emerges: AK’s Signing in 2024

NAVI’s interest in Filipino talent began in 2024 with their high-profile signing of Alexandre “AK” Laverez, the Philippines’ top Tekken player. AK, known for his fearless and adaptive playstyle, has since flown NAVI’s colors in global fighting game tournaments, putting both the org and Filipino FGC on the map.

This pattern of investing in the Philippines’ brightest esports stars hints at a long-term strategy to establish a stronghold in one of the most passionate gaming communities in the world.

The EWC Effect: Fueling Global Scouting

The Esports World Cup has fast become more than just a tournament—it’s now a scouting ground for global orgs. With high-stakes tournaments for both men’s and women’s divisions in multiple titles, the EWC has created a showcase platform for players from regions that previously flew under the radar.

NAVI’s acquisitions of AK and Smart Omega Empress signal a growing trend: global organizations are looking to the Philippines as the next frontier for talent—especially in mobile gaming and women’s esports.

Jonathan Yuwono, General Manager at NAVI, said, “The Philippines has a rich history of esports and MOBA titles. NAVI feels this is the perfect opportunity to enter the Philippine esports ecosystem and become a part of a growing esports and MLBB community. Being a part of the Philippines MLBB ecosystem via Smart Omega Empress is a stepping stone to doing something bigger in this region. More info to come.”

“NAVI’s acquisition of Smart Omega Empress, a crowned MLBB esports women’s team, signals the growth of the ecosystem that fosters a sustainable pathway, especially for young Filipinas who aspire to be professional esports athletes. We are delighted to welcome NAVI to the home of the MLBB world champions,” said Lee Viloria, PH Esports Head of Business Development and Partnerships. 

“Smart Omega Empress has a history of winning internationally and at the highest levels. That is what NAVI is all about—we are born to win and are always exploring opportunities to acquire the best teams in their respective fields and game titles. We expect this team to continue pushing the boundaries of what women can achieve, not only in MLBB competitions, but also in the community of young female gamers that look up to them,” Jonathan added. 

OMGE is the reigning queen of MLBB esports who took home the championship title from MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) at Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last year. The team is currently vying to get a back-to-back title in the MWI PH Qualifier, Athena League, which is scheduled to host its playoffs from 23-25 May 2025.