Yangon Galacticos, hailing from a rustic within the midst of civil battle which additionally confronted a devastating earthquake simply months in the past, wasn’t a staff many anticipated to be a prime competitor on the PUBG Cell World Cup (PMWC) 2025.
The only real representatives from Myanmar, nevertheless, narrowly edged out the favourites from China, Weibo Gaming, to say victory. To study extra concerning the staff’s underdog efficiency, Esports Insider spoke with the staff’s IGL, Swan ‘Smile’ Wint Maung.
Early Gaming Journey
Rising up in Myanmar, Smile has been a lifelong gamer. The 23-year-old used to commute to a gaming cafe to play as a result of he didn’t have a PC at house. That is the place he discovered his love for PUBG Cell.
“Once I was younger, I preferred to play Counter-Strike and loved each taking pictures and survival video games. PUBG Cell contains each of those parts, which is why I really like taking part in it,” he mentioned.
Regardless of being good on the recreation from the get-go, Smile confronted points along with his gadget, competing on a mid-range smartphone. Furthermore, Myanmar as a area is bundled into SEA for PUBG Cell competitions, which is undoubtedly one of many strongest for PUBG Cell esports.
Subsequently, for Smile, his in-game abilities weren’t simply sufficient to advance him by means of totally different tournaments. Being a professional participant since 2021, nevertheless, he was in a position to win tournaments and money prizes, permitting him to improve his telephone.
Shaken by the Earthquake
On March twenty eighth, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, with the epicentre being near Mandalay, the second-largest metropolis within the nation.
On the time, Yangon Galacticos’ gamers had been competing within the PUBG Cell Regional Conflict (PMRC) – Rondo Cup from Yangon, about 620 kilometres from Mandalay.
“I nonetheless really feel deeply shaken by the earthquake,” mentioned Smile.
“At the moment, we had been taking part in the PMRC match, and it had a huge effect on us as a result of the earthquake was not solely in Mandalay but in addition affected Yangon.
“Even whereas taking part in, we couldn’t cease fascinated about what would possibly occur subsequent and the place we might go if issues obtained worse, and that affected our match efficiency.”
Regardless of this, the staff managed to win the PMRC the following day, taking down prime groups from the SEA (Bigetron Esports) and different Asian areas.
Eyes on the PMWC 2025
From there, Yangon Galacticos turned its focus to the World Cup in Riyadh, understanding there was just one path to get there: the PUBG Cell Challengers League (PMCL)
Smile acknowledged: “Since there is just one likelihood in a yr to advance to the PMWC, we have now to provide every thing to be prepared for it. Even with the destruction brought on by the earthquake, we needed to keep targeted and put together ourselves totally for that chance.”
Yangon Galacticos was finally in a position to qualify for the PMWC by means of PMCL, successful the occasion’s sole spot by beating fellow Myanmar consultant Burmese Ghouls.
Going into the match, although, Smile by no means anticipated to win one in all PUBG Cell’s greatest occasions of the yr.
“After we superior to the PMWC, we anticipated a prime 5 or prime 10 end — successful the trophy and changing into champions was one thing we by no means imagined,” he mentioned.
For Yangon Galacticos, even a prime 10 end appeared robust after putting eleventh within the group stage, being knocked all the way down to the Survival Stage. Right here, the staff fared even worse, putting eighth.
A final-game third place pushed the organisation to the grand finals, because it certified by only a level.
Subsequently, going into the PMWC 2025 grand finals, Yangon Galacticos was technically the final seed. Nevertheless, the staff turned every thing round with some constant performances.
“The ultimate day, day three, particularly recreation 5, was the one time I believed we might win the PMWC,” mentioned Smile.
“Earlier than that, I used to be simply having fun with the moments on the grand closing stage throughout day one and day two, with out anticipating an excessive amount of.”
In the end, Yangon Galacticos edged out Weibo Gaming within the total standings, overcoming one of many match’s strongest and most skilled groups. Its secret weapon wasn’t simply ability or technique, however one thing far deeper.
Smile defined: “The primary factor is that the 4 of us are like a brotherhood, like a household. That is the core of our chemistry and teamwork, which units us other than different groups and is why we win over them.”
A Historic Second for Myanmar
Yangon Galacticos’ victory was an enormous second for Myanmar esports, and the nation made that often called followers gathered within the airport to welcome the staff. Hundreds of individuals had been current, Smile mentioned, because the roster was given a hero’s welcome.
He mentioned: “I really feel very glad as a result of the celebration was fully surprising. We had seen many Center East organisations like Crew Falcons being celebrated when going to the PMWC, with crowds cheering for them, and we needed that in Myanmar too.
“We didn’t anticipate it to occur, however once we returned to the airport, hundreds of individuals had been there, welcoming us and celebrating collectively.”
The victory on the PMWC prolonged past simply private accomplishments for the staff. Smile defined that this might have a direct impact on securing sponsor curiosity, getting extra organisations to spend money on the scene and likewise inspiring extra gamers.
“In Myanmar, mother and father usually don’t need their youngsters to play on the telephone and infrequently scold them for gaming,” mentioned the participant. “This makes our achievement an enormous benefit and a supply of satisfaction for Burmese folks in Myanmar.”
With this win, Yangon Galacticos secured over $540,000 (~£400,000) in prize cash. When requested about his plans for the earnings, Smile didn’t hesitate earlier than giving his reply.
“I solely need my mother and father to have a very good life, so I simply wish to use all of that for them.”
Disclaimer: Esports Insider’s interview with Smile was translated from Burmese.
