After three of the most well-known Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) players in the Philippines.Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera, Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse, and John Paul “H2WO” Salonga, announced their formal departure from their MLBB teams to join Honor of Kings (HoK), the esports community in the Philippines is in a frenzy. Oscar “Sumpak” Romero and Setsuna “Akosi Dogie” Ignacio, two well-known gamers, were also featured in the star-studded announcement video that confirmed the unexpected move on Thursday.
Fans and experts alike have referred to the announcement as one of the most dramatic transfers in recent MOBA history, sparking intense debates throughout the esports community.
A Star-Studded MOBA Transfer
The transition is significant not only because of the players involved, but also due to their intertwined history within the Philippine MLBB community.
- Yawi, Previously TNC Pro Team ML’s dependable roamer, he has established a reputation as a mechanically proficient player and a clutch performer in competitive matches.
- Renejay,who most recently joined Aurora PH, was well-liked for his versatile role-playing and aggressive playstyle.
- H2WO, formerly a core member of MDL’s Smart Omega Neos, is best known for his flashy yet calculated gameplay, earning him a strong following.
- Akosi Dogie,One of the most significant producers of gaming content in the Philippines and a pioneer in esports, he continues to influence the careers of up-and-coming talent. His guidance was crucial in helping to establish the profiles of Yawi, Renejay, and H2WO as co-founders of Nexplay.
- Sumpak, meanwhile, carved his niche as a full-time streamer after his stint under Nexplay, making him a familiar face to Filipino MOBA fans.
These names have one thing in common: they are connected to Nexplay. They were once teammates and collaborators, but under Akosi Dogie’s leadership, they were thrust into the public eye and achieved national recognition for their ability to successfully combine content creation with competition.
Why This Move Matters
Honor of Kings, a MOBA that was created in China and has just entered international markets, has been actively seeking new players. In the Philippines, where MLBB has long held a dominant position, HoK is demonstrating its intention to establish a stronger presence by signing three well-known MLBB veterans.
As the foundation of the regional esports scene, Mobile Legends has dominated the market for many years. Millions of people have watched tournaments like the MPL Philippines, and its players are now well-known. The local MOBA scene may change as a result of Honor of Kings’ foray into this competitive arena and audacious moves like these transfers.
Industry insiders suggest that this is only the beginning. If Honor of Kings continues to lure away top-tier talent, the rivalry between the two games may intensify, offering fans more high-level gameplay and potentially sparking a new era of MOBA competition.
The Road Ahead
The move is both a challenge and an opportunity for H2WO, Renejay, and Yawi. Making the switch from one well-known esports title to another is no easy task. They have to meet the demands of their devoted fan base while adjusting to a new meta, mechanics, and competitive structure.
MLBB organizations will be keeping a close eye on things in the interim. Will other athletes follow in the footsteps of the three, or will they stick with the sport that helped shape their careers? Whether this move is an isolated instance or the beginning of a larger migration may become clear in the coming months.
There’s no denying that the Philippine MOBA scene is breaking new ground. There are now signs of a two-horse race in what once appeared to be a one-sided market. with fans eagerly anticipating how this rivalry will unfold.
