Raizen returns to Smart Omega this MPL PH Season 16: “With the teams I’ve been through, I learned so much.”

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Raizen returns to Smart Omega this MPL PH Season 16 as a more refined version of himself years ago.

Dean “Raizen” Sumagui, a skilled Filipino eSports player, ventured out to compete in international teams. Among them were Team Falcons MENA and See You Soon Cambodia. However, ultimately his journey brought him back home to the Philippines.

For the MPL PH Season 16, Raizen rejoined Smart Omega, the squad that marked the start of his professional career. Unlike Ch4knu who departed OMG for TNC, Raizen’s narrative is about returning to his roots. This time around, he is no longer just a powerhouse jungler. He has developed into a more disciplined and mature player.

In a chat with Xpsp, Raizen shared that he chose to depart from Smart Omega and explore fresh surroundings, including testing his skills abroad as a foreign athlete.

In an interview with Xpsp, Raizen revealed that he decided to bid farewell to Smart Omega and venture into new territories, even considering playing professionally overseas.

Raizen and his journey outside his comfort zone

In the year 2021, Raizen embarked on his journey with Smart Omega. They reached their zenith during Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines Season 9, where they clinched the second position. Subsequently, they also earned the third spot in MSC 2022. However, their success trajectory seemed to decline after these achievements.

Raizen, on a pursuit for expansion, transitioned from Raizen to ONIC PH, then TNC Pro Team. Subsequently, he ventured into international territories, staying approximately three months with Team Falcons MENA. Later, he journeyed to Cambodia to become part of See You Soon.

While his journey as an import player was short-lived, he learned a lot from it. 

I’m overjoyed since I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from the various teams I’ve been part of. I’ve taken everything I learned and brought it here to Omega, which is why I feel assured as I compete in the MPL PH now.

Raizen on his experiences as an import

During his time away from the Philippines, Raizen highlighted the greatest lesson he learned: effective communication.

Perhaps the key element in that game was effective communication, something I struggled with during my tenure with Team Omega despite our long association. They consistently tried to instruct me, yet I found it difficult to grasp. It wasn’t until I joined a different team that I finally started to master the skill of communication effectively.

Over the course of his involvement with various global teams, Raizen found himself progressing not just technically but also in terms of leadership and collaboration – aspects where he previously faced challenges.

A confidence boost upon returning home

With OMG, Raizen experiences a renewed self-assurance. This transformation is largely due to the support and direction provided by his mentors.

Raizen explained, “Winning the praise from coaches here has given me a tremendous confidence increase since I often feel that in other countries, trust isn’t as abundant. In the Philippines, my coaches always provide constructive feedback, and their insights about the game resonate with me. This is where trust develops.

As a gamer, I’m pumped up and prepared, thanks to enhanced communication skills, bolstered self-confidence, and the fantastic backing from OMG’s team coaches. I’m eager to demonstrate that my adventure overseas wasn’t just a waste; it was a stepping stone towards greatness.

Raizen’s journey serves as a stark contrast to Ch4knu’s departure. Whereas Ch4knu ventures out to explore new frontiers, Raizen returns having transformed himself. At the close of Week 1 in MPL PH Season 16, Smart Omega finds itself placed fifth.

For supporters, Raizen’s return home signifies much more than merely a squad change. It symbolizes the comeback of a player who has been shaped by challenges overseas, now prepared to pen a fresh story in MPL PH Season 16.

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2025-08-25 15:41