Oheb seeks new challenges, joins Honor of Kings scene
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino esports star Kiel “Oheb” Soriano is entering a new phase in his competitive journey as he officially joins the Honor of Kings community, marking a move driven by growth, reflection, and the desire to explore a fresh competitive landscape.
“Sobrang thankful ako na maging part ng Honor of Kings community. Sobrang excited ako sa mga ma-eexperience ko dito, at looking forward akong makatrabaho kayo lahat,” said Soriano as he was revealed during Honor of Kings' Festival of Lanterns at the Eastwood Central Plaza over the weekend.
At a press conference, Soriano explained that the decision came at a point in his career where he felt ready to challenge himself in new ways.
“Parang sa career ko, sobrang dami ko nang na-achieve. Ngayon, parang gusto ko mag-expand ng new horizons at mag-try ng bago,” shared Soriano.
Among the many options available to him, Honor of Kings stood out for its gameplay depth and emphasis on mechanical skill — qualities that immediately caught Soriano's attention once he tried the game.
He added, "Personally, mahilig talaga ako sa mechanical heroes. Nung na-try ko yung Honor of Kings, sobrang nag-enjoy ako. Ang daming pwedeng gawin, parang wala akong nakikitang limit.”
Beyond the in-game experience, Soriano highlighted the community itself as a major reason for his transition. He noted that the Honor of Kings scene already felt familiar, with many players he considers friends actively involved.
“Isa sa pinaka na-excite ako is yung bagong scene. Marami na rin akong kaibigan dito sa community, lalo na sa mga pro players, kaya excited akong makawork silang lahat,” said Soriano.
The move follows a period of rest and reflection for Soriano, during which he stepped away from competition to reassess his priorities and personal well-being. He credits the time off for helping him gain clarity and maturity, both a player and an individual.
“Nung nagpahinga ako, marami akong napag-isipan. Na-set ko yung priorities ko, at sobrang pinag-isipan ko talaga itong decision na ’to,” explained Soriano.
He added that the break allowed him to better process the realities of esports — from its highs to its lows — shaping how he now approaches competition and teamwork and having spent most of his life in esports, he acknowledged how deeply the industry has influenced his growth.
“Marami akong natutunan sa mga pinagdaanan ko. Kaya ngayon, gusto ko muna ng healthy surroundings, kasama ang mga taong masaya akong katrabaho. Buong personality ko, sa esports ko nakuha. Dito ako nabuo bilang tao, at dito ko natutunan yung mga tamang desisyon at pagkakamali," shared Soriano.
Joining former teammates Johnmar “Ohmyv33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario in Honor of Kings, Soriano sparked rumors on the possibility of a “one last run” for the team long remembered by Filipino esports fans as the height of Blacklist International — whose current composition includes the reigning champions in the local Honor of Kings esports scene.
"Kung gusto naman nila, go lang," said Villaluna when asked about the possibility of the core Blacklist International team reuniting once more.
While fans have begun speculating about what role Soriano could play in the Honor of Kings competitive scene, organizers emphasized that the immediate focus is on his integration into the game and its community. Fans can also expect in-game content tied to Soriano in the future, including voice packs and emotes that can be obtained through regular gameplay.
In the local esports scene, the Philippines Kings League Spring 2026 is set to begin its playoffs at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2 starting March 27. There, Blacklist International, Boom Esports, TNT Tropang Alab, and Team Flash Philippines will vie for the right to represent the country in the upcoming Honor of Kings World Cup 2026 at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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