Photo: Omega Esports/Facebook

By Tiffany Dela Cruz

Omega Esports kept its core intact, signing a couple of role players for the upcoming MPL Philippines Season 17, the team announced on Sunday.

Former Team Liquid PH reserve John “Perkz” Sumawan and ex-RRQ standout Carl “Minguin” Gallantes will be joining the Smart-backed squad in hopes of finally making it to the playoffs after missing out in the past two seasons.

Perkz was part of the Team Liquid PH squad that nearly completed a Golden Road, claiming back-to-back MPL PH Seasons 16 and 17 titles and the Mid-Season Cup crown, but fell short of the milestone after a loss at the M7 World Championship.

However, Perkz saw limited action, mostly playing behind veteran roamer Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz in the star-studded squad.

Meanwhile, Minguin has been one of the standout mid laners in the amateur scene, leading RRQ to the MDL PH Season 3 title and securing runner-up finishes in Seasons 4 and 6.

Omega Esports’ holdovers include James “Jeymz” Gloria, Dean “Raizen” Sumagui, Kenneth “Nets” Barro, and Errol “Peuder” Amido.

Hans "Wuraaaah" Solano will still call the shots for Omega Esports, while Lemuel Josh "Lembot" Lucban will serve as his lead deputy.