At the heart of SM North EDSA The Annex on June 7, a different kind of battle played out—one fought not with swords or spells in real life, but through strategic clicks and game-changing combos in the digital world of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
It was the Grand Finals of the realme Mobile Legends Cup (RMC) Season 9, and all eyes were on the prize.
Dominating the arena and leaving no room for error was APBREN, who swept Uncle Drew Gamerpact in a decisive 4-0 victory that sent fans and fellow gamers into a frenzy. From the opening match to the final play, APBREN’s synergy, strategy, and skill were undeniable.
At the center of this commanding performance was Jamespangks, who earned the Grand Finals MVP title with his electrifying gameplay. His hero rotation—Ling, Leomord, Lukas, and Lancelot—kept opponents guessing, but it was his final match using Lancelot, with a 5-3-4 KDA (Kill-Death-Assist) ratio, that sealed the deal.
For their triumph, APBREN took home ₱600,000 in cash and five realme GT 7 smartphones—a prize befitting a flawless championship run. Their challengers, Uncle Drew Gamerpact, didn’t leave empty-handed either, pocketing ₱250,000 and five realme Number Pro Series smartphones for their valiant effort.
Throughout the competition, realme GT 7 smartphones powered the battlefield. Armed with the Dimensity 9400e processor, players experienced buttery-smooth gameplay, proving that the right tech can make a difference in high-stakes play. For the mobile gaming scene, this isn’t just a tournament—it’s a proving ground.
But RMC Season 9 was more than just a championship—it was an immersive lifestyle experience. Kicking off the event was rapper SUPAFLY, hyping the crowd with beats as sharp as every in-game ultimate.
Adding a star-studded layer of fun was a celebrity show match featuring esports power couple OhMyV33nus and Wise Gaming, paired with realme ambassadors Sharlene San Pedro and Doc Z. Team Ming (Wise and Sharlene) and Team Veez (OhMyV33nus and Doc Z) treated fans to a friendly clash that blurred the line between entertainment and esports.
Then came the ultimate encore: a high-energy concert from P-pop girl group KAIA, whose choreography and charisma capped the night with a bang. As lightsticks lit up the venue and fans sang along, the message was clear—esports is entertainment, culture, and community rolled into one.
Backed by Grab, Move It, TTRacing, Converge, and Grind, this season of RMC wasn’t just a tournament—it was a celebration of Filipino talent, tech innovation, and the boundless passion of the Squad. From strategic team plays to surprise showdowns, it showcased just how far mobile esports has come in the country—and where it’s headed.
As APBREN holds their trophy high, they do more than just win a tournament. They inspire a generation of mobile gamers and prove that with the right mix of skill, heart, and support, Filipino teams can—and will—conquer bigger stages. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
