Over the weekend, the local hobby and gaming scene united at the first leg of the SM Cyberzone Challenger Series 2026. From the moment the doors opened, lines immediately formed, and participants were eager to show their skills. The event drew massive crowds of enthusiasts, competitive athletes, and hobbyists alike, proving once again why SM Cyberzone remains the premier destination for tech and competitive play. 

If you missed the first leg, here is a look at why you need to clear your calendar for the next stop.

A Clash of Fandoms and High-Stakes Competition

The heart of the Cyberzone Challenger Series has always been competition, and this leg did not disappoint.

The headline event featured a massive 64-team Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament, where the best grassroots talent battled for glory. 

Not to be outdone, the Tekken 8 community showed up in full force, with players bringing their own specialized arcade sticks and controllers to prove their might on the Iron Fist stage.

The energy in the venue was kept high by hosts Phaister and Manjean, whose signature hype and commentary echoed throughout the mall. Whether you are a participating player or simply a spectator, the #TechWeLikeZoneWeLove vibe was certainly felt.

Hands-on with Next-Gen Gear

For those looking to upgrade their setup, the event served as an open playground. Lenovo Legion was present, allowing eventgoers to test the raw power of the new Legion 5i and 7i laptops. 

Handheld enthusiasts also got a treat, getting some quality time with the Legion Go 2.

Ensuring the matches remained fluid and competitive, PLDT Home provided the backbone of the event. Their dedicated fiber booths allowed players to experience popular titles without the dreaded lag or stutter, showcasing the gold standard for home gaming setups.

It’s clear that for the best performance, you #GotItAtCyberzone.

The Hobby Arena: More Than Just Screens

One of the biggest draws was the Hobby Arena. Cyberzone expanded the “Challenger” spirit to tabletop and physical hobbies, offering free play sessions for Beyblade X.

Meanwhile, the Magic: The Gathering booth invited curious mall-goers to learn the legendary card game. With experts on hand to guide beginners through their first spells, the barrier to entry was nonexistent. 

After playing, fans flocked to the VendorHub, a paradise for collectors featuring everything from Pokémon and One Piece merchandise to rare hobby finds.

Don’t Miss the Next Leg of SM Cyberzone Challenger Series 2026!

The first leg of the SM Cyberzone Challenger Series 2026 is in the books, but participants can look forward to the next one on March 28-29 at the SM City BF Parañaque (Main Atrium) for even more competition. 

From north to south, players looking to compete in the next big bracket, test out the latest laptops, or dive into a new hobby, Cyberzone has you covered.