Mobile Legends Player Bags Nearly 500 Academic Awards
Many parents worry that online games distract students from their studies. However, one Filipino student is proving that gaming and academic excellence can go hand in hand. An 18-year-old Mobile Legends player from the Philippines recently captured attention after graduating senior high school with nearly 500 academic awards and recognitions accumulated over more than a decade of studying. Despite spending late nights playing games like Mobile Legends and Valorant, he still managed to excel in school and international competitions. His story is now inspiring students and parents alike to rethink the relationship between gaming and education.
Meet the Mobile Legends Player Behind Nearly 500 Awards
Rhensis Benedict Lofamia, also known as RB, graduated with High Honors from the Philippine Science High School Main Campus in June 2026. Over the years, he accumulated nearly 500 awards and recognitions from elementary school through senior high school. His achievements included medals and awards from local, national, and international competitions in Mathematics, Science, English, and Writing. Despite his impressive academic record, the young Mobile Legends player never gave up his hobbies and personal interests.
International Competitions Added to His Growing Collection
According to his mother, Janneth Lofamia, some of RB’s most memorable achievements came from international competitions held in countries such as Japan, Singapore, and China.
Among his notable achievements were:
- 🥇 Gold Medal — Future Intelligence Students Olympiad (FISO) International Round 2025, Mathematics
- 🥇 Gold Medal — FISO International Round 2025, Science
- 🥇 Gold Medal — FISO International Round 2025, English
- 🥇 Gold Medal — FISO National Round 2025, Mathematics
- 🥇 Gold Medal — FISO National Round 2025, IQ Category
- 🥇 Gold Medal — FISO National Round 2025, Digital Technology
- 🥈 Silver Medal — FISO National Round 2025, Science
- 🥈 Silver Medal — FISO National Round 2025, English
- 🥈 Silver Medal — International Science Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia National Round
- 🥈 Silver Medal — FISO International Round 2025, IQ Category
- 🥈 Silver Medal — FISO International Round 2025, Digital Technology
These accomplishments helped establish the young Mobile Legends player as one of the country’s most remarkable student achievers.
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Playing Mobile Legends Until 4 A.M.
What surprised many people was how relaxed RB appeared despite his achievements. According to his mother, there were nights when he would stay awake until 2:00 to 4:00 in the morning playing Mobile Legends and Valorant while many students were busy reviewing and studying.
His mother shared:
“There were times we wondered why he [RB] was always so chill, sleeping at 2-4 AM playing ML or Valorant while everyone else seemed busy nagsusunog ng kilay.”
Despite this, the young Mobile Legends player continued to perform exceptionally in academics and competitions.
The Secret: Work-Life Balance
RB’s parents explained that they never prohibited him from relaxing, spending time with friends, or enjoying hobbies. His father, James Lofamia, said his son was still able to go out, eat with friends, and participate in other activities.
RB himself shared his routine:
“So what I’ll do is I’ll play or read for three hours straight, and then I’ll study or do requirements for projects for like two to three hours straight.”
Instead of choosing between gaming and studying, the young Mobile Legends player focused on maintaining balance between both worlds.
A Full Scholar at Ateneo
After graduating from Philippine Science High School, RB earned a full scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University where he will pursue Management Engineering. His mother described him as “naturally gifted,” often solving difficult problems mentally with very little written work.
She recalled:
“Even during competitions, he [RB] barely prepared at all, yet he [RB] could solve incredibly difficult questions mentally as if it came so naturally to him.”
His Advice to Fellow Students
Despite his accomplishments, RB’s advice to other students was surprisingly simple:
“Just try anything and everything. You won’t ever regret trying no matter the outcome.”
Meanwhile, his mother encouraged parents to support their children’s passions and interests rather than forcing them into a single path.
She advised:
“Every child is unique and has their own strengths and pace, so let them discover their own passion.”
Gaming and Studying Can Coexist
The story of Rhensis Benedict Lofamia just broke the stigma that gaming and studying can’t coexist. This young Mobile Legends player managed to collect nearly 500 academic awards while still enjoying online games, sports, and friendships. His success highlights the importance of discipline, time management, and balance rather than simply eliminating hobbies. For many students and parents, his journey serves as a reminder that excellence can come in different forms. Sometimes, the secret is not studying more, but learning how to balance life better.