Raizen returns to Smart Omega this MPL PH Season 16 as a more refined version of himself years ago.
Dean "Raizen" Sumagui is one of the many Filipino pro players who tried their luck abroad. He played for teams like Team Falcons MENA and See You Soon Cambodia. Eventually, all roads led back to the Philippines.
For MPL PH Season 16, Raizen returned to Smart Omega, the same team where he started his professional journey. Unlike Ch4knu, who recently left OMG for TNC, Raizen’s story is about coming back home. This time, however, he is no longer just an explosive jungler. He has evolved into a more disciplined and mature player.
In an interview with esports.gg, Raizen opened up about his decision to leave Smart Omega and try new environments, even venturing overseas as an import player.
Raizen and his journey outside his comfort zone
Raizen began his journey with Smart Omega in 2021. Their peak performance came during MPL PH Season 9, where they finished 2nd and later secured 3rd place in MSC 2022. But after that, the momentum faded.
Seeking growth, Raizen moved to ONIC PH, then TNC, before exploring international opportunities. He spent around three months with Team Falcons MENA before moving to Cambodia to join See You Soon.
While his journey as an import player was short-lived, he learned a lot from it.
"I’m really happy because I learned so much from the teams I’ve been through. Now, I’ve brought all of that with me to Omega, and that’s why I’m confident playing in the MPL PH now."
Reflecting on his time outside the Philippines, Raizen shared his most valuable takeaway: communication.
“Maybe it’s really about communication in the game. Back then, I didn’t really talk much, even though I’d been with Omega for a long time. They kept trying to teach me, but I couldn’t really develop it. I only managed to do it when I was with another team.”
Through his experiences with international squads, Raizen grew not only in mechanics but also in leadership and teamwork. These are, according to him, areas he once struggled with.
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A confidence boost upon returning home
Back with OMG, Raizen feels a newfound confidence. He credits this to the trust and guidance given by his coaches.
"That was a huge confidence boost for me because, in other countries, it feels like they don’t have that much trust," Raizen shared. "Coaches in the Philippines always have a lot to say, at least for me. And when it comes to the game, we easily understand the information being shared. That’s where the trust builds."
With improved communication, stronger confidence, and the support of OMG’s coaching staff, Raizen is ready to prove that his journey abroad was not in vain.
Raizen’s story stands as a mirror opposite to Ch4knu’s departure. One leaves to seek new horizons, while the other comes back as a refined version of himself. Smart Omega is currently sitting in 5th place after Week 1 of MPL PH Season 16.
For fans, Raizen’s homecoming is more than just a roster move. It’s the return of a player forged by trials abroad, now ready to write a new chapter in MPL PH Season 16.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and MLBB coverage for the MPL-PH Season 16.
