Oheb’s surprise entry at HOK Festival, signals new chapter in Esports Career

Manila, Philippines – A familiar name in Philippine esports made a surprising return—not in a familiar battlefield, but in an entirely new one. Former world champion gold laner Kiel “Oheb” Soriano entered Honor of Kings (HOK) as an unexpected addition during the Honor of Kings: Festival of Lanterns event held on March 21 at Eastwood Central Plaza.

The appearance marked a significant shift in Oheb’s career as he steps into a new gaming ecosystem after years of competing in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

The event gathered fans, content creators, and esports personalities to celebrate HOK’s growing presence in the Philippines. 

However, it was Oheb’s sudden appearance as a surprise guest that quickly became the highlight of the night, drawing loud reactions from the crowd and signaling strong support for his transition.

Inside Oheb’s transition

Oheb, opened up about his time away from the competitive scene and the realities of being a professional esports athlete. 

After years of intense competition, he chose to step back and focus on personal priorities.

“”I was able to rest and sort out the priorities I needed to focus on.” he shared.

Despite the break, Oheb made it clear that his competitive drive remains, hinting at a possible return to professional play, including the Philippine Kings League (PKL), as he continues to practice and stay active in the scene.

He also highlighted what drew him to HOK, particularly its depth and gameplay flexibility.

“There’s so much you can do in the game, I don’t see any limits… I got really excited and had so much fun,” Oheb said. He added that the welcoming community made his transition smoother, describing it as a space filled with friendly people where it’s easy to build connections.

Beyond gameplay, Oheb emphasized the lesser-seen challenges of esports, particularly its impact on mental health.

“I’ve also experienced the toll esports takes on players’ mental health—how it can really bring you down. At first, after a loss or dealing with toxicity, I didn’t know how to control my feelings,” he admitted.

He also noted the sacrifices required in the profession, including time away from family and academics, factors that add to the pressure faced by competitive players.

Blacklist reunion sparks excitement

The surprise did not end with Oheb’s appearance. Fans were further thrilled by the reunion of former Blacklist International and M3 roster teammates Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, Renejay “RENEJAY”  Barcarse, and Oheb himself, all now part of HOK.

The gathering of the well-known roster sparked nostalgia among fans who followed their dominance in the esports scene, fueling speculation about possible collaborations within the HOK ecosystem.

As Oheb begins this new chapter, his entry into Honor of Kings signals both a personal transition and a broader shift within the local esports landscape. His presence, alongside familiar faces, adds momentum to the game’s growing community in the Philippines.

The Festival of Lanterns event also served as a preview of what’s to come, with organizers announcing a special Oheb-themed voice pack for the game, highlighting his role in the local scene. This further positions Honor of Kings as a major player in the international esports landscape. (By Rich Longakit, INQUIRER.net Intern)