Did you know that Omega Empress literally wished upon stars for their victory at MWI?
Filipina Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) powerhouse Smart 
Omega Empress were hailed as heroes when they returned to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia following their victory over Team Vitality to claim the championship of the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) 2024.
Not only did Omega Empress end Vitality's two-year reign in the MWI and a historic 24-match winning streak, the Filipina squad also cemented themselves as the best women's MLBB team in the world right now.
Omega Empress hosted a press conference shortly after landing in the Philippines, where members of the team answered questions from GosuGamers and other media.
You were the only team to field Melissa at MWI and were unbeaten with her. What made you pick Melissa?
Gold laner Sheen “Shinoa” Perez: We practiced with Melissa a lot in scrims, and the coach asked me to pick her. I have a lot of matches with Melissa. I would suggest picking Karrie, but the coach really wanted me to pick Melissa, which, in the end, gave me an excellent result because I had an advantage against my opponent.
Coach Salman Macarambon: Well, it was because the meta suddenly changed to assassin. So, if there was no Hayabusa on the enemy team, my mindset was Melissa would be hard to punish because she has an ultimate that allows her to disregard the enemies. Lately, it has become popular the Zhask’s meta. The other teams were always picking him. With Melissa’s passive, the enemy summons died easily and fast. So, it was a matter in the draft.
How did it feel to end Vitality's win streak?
Roamer Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero: It was very fulfilling because it had been so many years that we aimed to be the one to end their win streak, and we did that in the biggest tournament, which is why we were very happy.
What next for Smart OMEGA Empress? Will you rest or go straight into training again?
Salman: I think they will rest for a while because rest is extremely important. Then, after maybe one week, we'll start training again because more things are coming. Our goal is not to stop. We need to build a dynasty, become consistent, and stay humble.
Should MPL Philippines open a spot for you in the MDL, considering how you played and won?
Salman: Yes. Please. Give it to us! I think it will be a good experience for the players regardless of the result. If we ever do get a slot, it would be a good stepping stone to meet the standard or the same team play or play style of the men.
Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon: I think we could do it (competing in MDL).
If you had to choose one player as the best or most memorable you’ve played against, who would it be and why?
Not Ayanami: For me, no one.
Shinoa: Probably Malaysia (Gaimin Gladiators Homegirls) because I got a savage against them.
Meraaay: Maybe the one they’re calling the G.O.A.T., Vivian of Vitality.
The two stars that Smart OMEGA Empress wished upon. Image courtesy of Smart OMEGA Empress
Besides the interview, there was also an interesting story behind their victory in MWI. The Smart OMEGA Empress players, as part of their daily activities, sat stargazing every night. They put Sintra boards from the events on the basketball court floor behind their boot camp. One night, they saw two stars, and they all wished for it with the exact same thing: "To win MWI."
We guess that wishes do come true if you keep believing in them.
