The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia opens a new chapter in the country’s esports story, following Jakarta’s hosting of the most-watched mobile esports tournament ever—the M7 World Championship.

This spotlight has cemented Indonesia as a leading force in the MLBB ecosystem.

MPL Indonesia Season 17 start and end date

The MPL Indonesia Season 17 regular season runs from Friday March 27 to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Season 17 brings higher expectations, global relevance, and a mission to continue setting the standard for mobile esports.

As MLBB grows into a five-region structure, MPL Indonesia remains one of the most competitive and culturally influential leagues worldwide.

All teams competing in MPL Indonesia Season 17

• Alter Ego Esports (AE)
• ONIC Esports (ONIC)
• RRQ Hoshi (RRQ)
• Bigetron Esports (BTR)
• DEWA United Esports (DEWA)
• EVOS
• Geek Fam (GEEK)
• Natus Vincere (NAVI)
• Team Liquid ID (TLID)

Alter Ego Esports (AE): After a breakthrough M7 run, they face the challenge of sustaining performance across a full season.

ONIC Esports (ONIC): Dominant since Season 10, they remain the benchmark of consistency, now tasked with achieving a more complete identity.

RRQ Hoshi (RRQ): Under pressure after missing the Playoffs for the first time last season, they aim to rebuild and reclaim their legacy.

Competition meets culture: The Season 17 Opening Ceremony

The Regular Season Opening Ceremony, presented by Infinix, blends esports with Indonesian culture. The event highlights the league as a platform for creative expression, showcasing both live production and local artistry.

The ceremony emphasizes that MPL Indonesia is more than the nine teams on stage—it’s a community. Superfans, streamers, and production teams all contribute to the league’s identity.

Together, they embody the spirit of MPL Indonesia: WeOwnThis.

The opening culminates with SanZ of ONIC Esports carrying the Immortal Cup, symbolizing both tribute and reset.

Infinix also introduces the “KINGFINIX” title, a new recognition for the season’s champions, emphasizing that MPL Indonesia is defining icons, not just winners.

MLBB as a national sport, culture, and economic driver

Season 17 marks MLBB’s approach to its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of global influence. Indonesian players and fans have been integral to the game’s story from the start, helping push MLBB to international prominence.

Domestically, MPL Indonesia reflects Indonesia’s growing esports ecosystem. With support from national bodies and partnerships with organizations like EKRAF and regional esports federations, MLBB has become a recognized sport, a cultural platform, and an economic driver.

These collaborations foster talent development, industry standards, and digital economy opportunities nationwide.

“Moonton Games has been in the Indonesian market for over 10 years. We feel we have a responsibility to help grow the gaming and internet industry in Indonesia,” Cherry Xia, Vice President and Head of Publishing and Esports at Moonton Games said.

MPL Indonesia now represents more than competition—it’s a national institution shaping how Indonesian youth are viewed globally and how they see themselves.

The meeting reaffirmed the Indonesian government’s commitment to strengthening the national esports ecosystem and accelerating the development of young digital talent across the country.

Mobile Legends in Indonesia: Driving the digital economy through esports

During the discussion, Vice President Gibran emphasized how esports has evolved into a key component of Indonesia’s digital and creative economy.

Beyond entertainment, competitive gaming now creates new professional pathways and strengthens Indonesia’s presence on the global competitive stage.

He highlighted the importance of:

• Structured talent development
• Stronger industry collaboration
• Cultivating professional digital athletes
• Expanding scouting pathways for the next generation

Kenny Deo, coach of Alter Ego Esports, shared that the Vice President expressed firm support for initiatives aimed at nurturing young players and broadening industry opportunities.

“The Vice President conveyed his commitment to supporting esports from various aspects, including strengthening the ecosystem, developing professional players, and expanding talent scouting for the next generation,” he said.

The conversation also stressed the need to build wider public understanding that esports is not merely entertainment, but a rapidly growing professional industry that contributes to Indonesia’s digital economy and global competitiveness.

Indonesia’s global impact through Mobile Legends

Government support has expanded alongside the rapid rise of competitive gaming in the country. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has become one of the central pillars of Indonesia’s esports ecosystem, with the nation hosting major international tournaments and producing world-class professional teams.

In January 2026, Jakarta hosted the M7 World Championship, the flagship global tournament for MLBB esports.

The event gathered teams from around the world and recorded more than 5.68 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV), according to Esports Charts.

This milestone made it the most-watched mobile esports tournament in history and further cemented Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s leading esports markets.

Moonton Games reinforces long-term commitment to Indonesia

Moonton Games reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Indonesia following the Vice President’s show of support for the country’s growing esports ecosystem.

Cherry Xia, Vice President and Head of Publishing and Esports, said the government welcomed the rapid growth of MLBB and expressed hopes for deeper collaboration beyond Jakarta, expanding programmes to more regions nationwide.

Highlighting Indonesia as a core market for over a decade, Cherry noted that MLBB will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, underscoring the company’s sustained investment in the country. She emphasised that Moonton Games sees itself as more than a game publisher, but as a stakeholder with a responsibility to help develop Indonesia’s gaming and internet industries.

Beyond competition, the company has also strengthened community engagement through initiatives such as its largest-ever Ramadan “Golden Month” charity drive, targeting IDR 200 million in fundraising to support children battling cancer and underprivileged youth through in-game and grassroots participation.

As Indonesia cements its status as one of the world’s largest gaming markets, continued collaboration between government and industry is expected to be key in ensuring Mobile Legends in Indonesia remains both economically impactful and socially sustainable.

Not only that, this year’s will see a broader international footprint, a strengthened competitive format, and a deeper commitment to global accessibility under Moonton Games’ five-region strategy.

It reflects the publisher’s long-term globalization roadmap, featuring expanded regional representation and an evolved qualification structure designed to make the path to the world stage clearer for emerging regions.

US$3.5 million prize pool and expanded qualification pathways

With a combined US$3,500,000 prize pool, MLBB at EWC 2026 signals sustained competitive momentum.

The MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at EWC26 will feature 16 of the world’s top teams, all earning qualification through an increasingly robust system spanning major professional leagues and regional championships.

The expanded framework aims to reinforce competitive integrity while offering more structured opportunities for new regions and rising teams to break into the global spotlight.

Largest Wild Card yet and five-region integration

Aligned with MLBB’s five-region overhaul strategy, MSC at EWC26 introduces its largest Wild Card tournament to date, featuring 10 teams — including representatives from Western Europe.

This move strengthens the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), alongside SEA (Southeast Asia), AMER (Americas), EECA (Eastern Europe and Central Asia), and EA (East Asia).

In another milestone, India will debut at the MSC at EWC26 Main Stage, marking a significant step forward in expanding the game’s competitive ecosystem and deepening regional inclusion.

MWI 2026 expands women’s pathways

The MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) also returns at EWC26, further reinforcing MLBB’s commitment to inclusivity in esports.

This year introduces the MWI 2026 Western Europe Qualifier, strengthening regional representation and providing clearer qualification pathways for women competitors.

MWI at EWC26 will run from 13 to 17 July, 2026 and feature 16 teams.

Reigning champions Team Vitality will automatically secure a slot to defend their title as the world’s strongest MLBB women’s team. Last year, Team Vitality completed a historic comeback to claim their third MWI championship, solidifying their reputation as the Queens of MLBB Esports.

MWI continues to serve as a global platform where women stand alongside the world’s best esports athletes with structured support and international visibility.

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at Moonton Games, emphasized the long-term ambition behind the five-region overhaul.

He stated that the strategy is designed to make the journey to the world stage clearer and more accessible for every region, giving new players more opportunities to prove themselves and enabling emerging regions to compete with confidence.

At the same time, Moonton remains committed to providing women in MLBB with meaningful competitive platforms, structured pathways, and the visibility they deserve.

MLBB’s continued expansion builds on its impressive performance at EWC 2025, where it emerged as one of the most-watched titles of the event. The game recorded over 47 million hours watched, accounting for more than 12% of total viewership across all 25 disciplines at the world’s largest multi-title esports event.

The MSC also reached a historic 3.26 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV), according to Esports Charts, underscoring MLBB’s status as a major force in global mobile esports.

With expanded regional participation, enhanced qualification pathways, and sustained competitive growth, MLBB at EWC 2026 further cements its position as a leading global mobile esports powerhouse — one that continues to scale both structurally and culturally across regions worldwide.

Announced on February 24, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, the initiative sets the foundation for a long-term, sustainable structure for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY), Malaysia’s largest and longest-running esports league.

Under the new franchising model, eight organizations—ranging from homegrown powerhouses to international brands—will compete under one banner as official league partners.

All teams competing in MPL MY Season 17

• Selangor Red Giants (SRG)
• Team Vamos (VMS)
• Team Rey (TR)
• Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ)
• Bigetron MY by VIT (BTRM)
• All Combo (AC)
• Invictus Gaming (iG)
• Team Flash (TF)

These franchised teams are not merely participants for a single split; they are long-term stakeholders tasked with shaping the competitive and commercial trajectory of MPL Malaysia.

The announcement, powered by CelcomDigi, was led by Krystal Tan of Moonton Games, alongside MESF President Muhammad Naim Al Amin and ESI CEO Ahmed Faris Amir at the MSN Esports Hub.

Tan called it a pioneering move that unites local and international teams to raise competitive standards and strengthen Malaysia’s global esports standing, adding that the eight teams were chosen to support the long-term growth of Malaysian esports.

A milestone for Malaysian esports

Beyond competitive upgrades, the franchised model signals the growing maturity of Malaysia’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports ecosystem. The Partnership Program introduces structural stability, enabling organizations to invest confidently in player development, infrastructure, branding, and commercial partnerships.

With eight confirmed partner teams and a long-term operational structure now in place, MPL MY Season 17 enters the year with renewed momentum. Further details about the upcoming season are expected to be announced soon.

Muhammad Naim Al Amin, President of MESF, described the initiative as a major milestone not just for MPL MY, but for Malaysia’s broader esports ambitions.

He emphasized the country’s goal of becoming a regional esports powerhouse, noting that structured, sustainable league ecosystems are essential to long-term success.

Similarly, Ahmed Faris Amir, CEO of ESI, welcomed the program as a private-sector effort that complements the Malaysian government’s push to formalize and professionalize the industry. Representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), he said franchising creates clearer career pathways for young Malaysians while raising overall industry standards.

How MPL MY compares to other franchised MLBB Leagues

MPL Malaysia joins a growing list of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang leagues that have adopted franchising to ensure long-term stability and commercial growth.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID) transitioned into a franchised system in 2019, becoming one of the most commercially successful MLBB leagues globally, regularly filling arenas and attracting major sponsorships.

Similarly, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) implemented a franchise model that has helped produce world champion organizations and sustain consistent international success.

Other regions, including the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Singapore (MPL SG), have also embraced structured, partner-based systems to stabilize their domestic ecosystems.

By formalizing its eight-team franchised lineup, MPL MY Season 17 aligns Malaysia with these established markets—signaling both competitive ambition and commercial maturity.

The new era has officially begun.

A part of the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang initiative, it invites university students across Southeast Asia to seize their golden moment on the competitive stage.

The OPPO Hyper Legend Cup collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang began in 2025 with the OPPO Smooth Legend Cup, marking the first large-scale esports partnership between OPPO and Moonton Games.

It was launched as part of MLBB’s Golden Month campaign to celebrate the game’s community while expanding structured competitive opportunities in Southeast Asia.

MLBB Campus Series opens registration to Southeast Asia

To all aspiring esports athletes in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore — the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Campus Series (MCS) has begun a new chapter.

Building upon last year’s OPPO Smooth Legend Cup, this year’s tournament marks a strategic evolution. Instead of focusing purely on grassroots competition, the spotlight now shifts directly to the campus ecosystem.

The initiative is designed to strengthen collegiate esports across Southeast Asia by creating a structured and sustainable pathway for university players and recent graduates to compete not just nationally, but regionally — with a total prize pool of US$100,000 and 1.2 million Diamonds up for grabs.

Who can compete in MLBB Campus Series?

The tournament is open to university students aged 18 and above, as well as alumni who graduated within the last two years.

This eligibility structure ensures that current students and recent graduates both have the opportunity to represent their institutions.

Participants will compete across three structured stages:

• National Qualifiers
• National Finals
• Cross-National Finals

The competition spans four countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The National Qualifiers takes place in the first to second week of March.

The National Finals will then be held in the second to third week of March.

The tournament will culminate in the Cross-National Finals from 16 to 19 April 2026, hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Registration links for each country are available below:

• Indonesia: https://www.oppo.com/id/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/
• Philippines: https://www.oppo.com/ph/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/
• Malaysia: https://www.oppo.com/my/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/
• Singapore: https://www.oppo.com/sg/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/

A direct pathway from Campus to Regional Spotlight

As part of its broader collegiate esports development strategy, the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x MLBB Campus Series will collaborate with the Moonton Student Leader Championship (MSLC) program in Malaysia.

In a significant move to strengthen structured progression, the winner of MSL Season 6 will directly qualify for the Cross-National Finals to represent Malaysia at the regional stage. This creates a clear pathway connecting campus-level competition to cross-national opportunities.

Jeffery Chan, MLBB Malaysia Game Publishing Lead – Business Development and Campus Marketing at Moonton Games, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between OPPO and the MSL Championship.

He noted that establishing a direct pathway from the MSL Championship Finals to OPPO’s Cross-National Finals bridges campus tournaments with larger regional opportunities — an important step in strengthening Malaysia’s esports ecosystem.

A strategic collaboration for Campus esports growth

The OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x MLBB Campus Series is launched through a collaboration between global technology brand OPPO and international game developer MOONTON Games as part of MLBB’s Golden Month campaign.

Following last year’s successful partnership, both parties continue to expand large-scale gaming celebrations while strengthening long-term ecosystem development.

Through this cross-national campus tournament, they aim to empower university students across Southeast Asia with structured competitive opportunities and a clear pathway to showcase their skills regionally.

Representatives from both companies emphasized their shared vision of building a sustainable esports ecosystem, combining OPPO’s innovation with MLBB’s thriving community to help students represent their universities and create their own golden moments.

The Philippine Senate includes lawmakers who are formally recognizing the team and the SIBOL national squad for their international results.

The acknowledgment comes after Aurora’s 4–0 grand final win over Alter Ego and SIBOL’s SEA Games medal finishes at the 33rd SEA Games.

Senate recognizes Aurora Gaming PH and SIBOL esports team

The Philippine Senate acknowledged Aurora Gaming PH and the SIBOL national esports team, citing the preparation and discipline required to compete at the international level.

Lawmakers noted that esports athletes undergo structured training, strategic preparation, and mental conditioning comparable to traditional high-performance sports.

Senator Bong Go said Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has become popular among Filipino youth and can serve as a productive outlet.

“Many young people today are playing MLBB. It is one way to keep them away from harmful vices,” Go said.

“Some of them have become successful not just locally but also internationally. This creates opportunities for the youth, including careers in esports, content creation, and digital entrepreneurship. It inspires them to develop their talents and use technology in a meaningful way.”

Go added that Aurora Gaming PH’s M7 World Championship win reflects the country’s strength in competitive gaming.

“This victory is not only a triumph for Aurora Gaming PH, but also a reflection of the country’s excellence in MLBB and esports,” he said. “It strengthens our aspiration for the Philippines to be recognized as a sports powerhouse in Asia.” he said.

Philippine Esports Organization executive director Marlon Marcelo said government recognition could help improve infrastructure and support systems for esports athletes.

“The Senate’s recognition of esports as part of Philippine sports has opened the door for better infrastructure, stronger athlete protection, and increased investment,” Marcelo said. “Esports is no longer just a pastime—it has become a source of national pride.”

In 2026, the scene is set to level up as Moonton unveils MSL Thailand, a new league designed to empower creators, engage the community, and bring Thailand back into the global MLBB esports ecosystem.

MSL Thailand brings together creators and community

Moonton’s strategy in Thailand goes beyond competition. Partnering with Viratsan “GuyNgid” Ariyawongpisal, one of the country’s most influential mobile gaming figures, the company is investing in content creation and community programs tailored to local players.

With over nine million followers across social platforms, GuyNgid will serve as a regional strategy partner, guiding campaigns, contests, and long-term initiatives for creators.

MSL Thailand also includes more than THB20,000,000 in incentives for Thailand’s creator community, covering contests, TikTok programs, and KOL partnerships. These efforts aim to strengthen local engagement while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in the region.

A new MLBB stage for Thai esports

MSL Thailand will feature eight invited teams:

• FULL SENSE
• Bacon Time
• Buriram United Esports
• SOLYX
• eArena
• Tenacity
• Hydra
• King of Gamers Club

The league brings Thailand’s teams and talent back into MLBB’s global competitive framework, reconnecting the country with international tournaments and spotlighting emerging stars.

Thailand has a strong esports legacy, having hosted multiple international events and featured MLBB as a gold medal game at the SEA Games.

Mobile Legends was most recently showcased as a medalled esport at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, hosted in Thailand from 9–20 December 2025 across Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla. The event marked a major competitive moment for MLBB in the country, coming just ahead of the launch of MSL Thailand.

Thailand’s competitive MLBB roots go back even further. In 2017, Thai powerhouse IDONOTSLEEP (IDNS) claimed victory at the inaugural MLBB Southeast Asia Cup—now known as the Mid Season Cup (MSC)—establishing Thailand as an early force in the regional scene.

The launch of MSL Thailand continues that trajectory, aiming to cultivate the next generation of Thai esports contenders.

Moonton Games also revealed a sweeping esports roadmap that reshapes its competitive structure into five global regions and expands the title’s presence across international tournaments and multi sport events in 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know.

A five region vision for MLBB Esports in 2026

Moonton Games is pushing its global esports ambitions further with a new five region structure set for 2026.

Announced during the M7 World Championship Grand Finals, the developer outlined a roadmap that divides the competitive ecosystem into Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Europe Middle East and Africa, East Asia, and the Americas.

The goal is to unify the global circuit while strengthening regional development. A new Championship Tour will pilot across the Americas, East Asia, and Southeast Asia to highlight emerging talent and elevate regional competition.

Moonton Games said the plan aims to expand MLBB esports to more than 70 regions, host over 5,000 events, and surpass 600 million Hours Watched in 2026.

M8 World Championship in Turkiye and global tournament expansion

Türkiye will host the M8 World Championship Finals in January 2027, marking the first time the flagship MLBB tournament is held in Europe. Thailand will also host the M8 Wild Card, becoming the country’s first M Series host.

MLBB is also set to headline the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 32 national teams competing from November 23 to 29, 2026. The national team format positions the title as a key game for country based esports competition.

The game will further enter the traditional sports spotlight as a medal event at the 20th Asian Games Aichi Nagoya 2026, building on its history at the SEA Games.

MLBB will also return to the Esports World Cup with the Mid Season Cup and MLBB Women’s Invitational, featuring a combined USD 3.5 million prize pool.

You can watch the full 2026 esports roadmap of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang here:

The M7 World Championship has cemented its place in the history books, with the Swiss Stage alone pulling a staggering 3.6 million peak concurrent viewers (PCV).

The milestone match featured a high-stakes showdown between local favorites ONIC ID and Team Falcons, proving that the shift to the Swiss format—originally introduced at M6—has successfully amplified both competitive fairness and fan engagement.

This 3.6M peak represents a massive leap from M6’s 2.5 million and more than doubles the group stage audiences of the M5 and M4 World Championship.

M7 Swiss Stage sets a new record high

The 2026 season marks a pivotal expansion for Moonton Games. Beyond the core 5v5 gameplay, the M7 ecosystem has branched out with the Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG) flagship tournament and the high-energy M7 Carnival.

This growth isn’t just in eyeballs, but in “blue chip” credibility. International giants Red Bull and Visa have joined as landmark partners, signaling MLBB’s transition from a regional powerhouse to a global sporting entertainment staple.

“The M7 viewership numbers reflect the strength and maturity of our ecosystem—from partners and talent development to fan engagement,” says Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports. “The success represents the next stage of our expansion as we reinforce MLBB as a leading mobile esports franchise.”

The TikTok factor: Shifting the esports landscape

One of the most significant trends of M7 is its platform shift.

According to Artyom Odintsov, CEO of Esports Charts, TikTok has become a dominant force in viewership, outperforming YouTube in core markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

This indicates that MLBB is tapping into a younger, marketing-driven audience that consumes esports through non-traditional, short-form-friendly platforms.

The rad to the million-dollar title

The focus now shifts to the Knockout Stage starting from January 18, 2026.

The final eight teams will compete in front of Indonesia’s famously passionate fanbase for their share of the USD 1 million prize pool.

With MPL Indonesia consistently clocking over 100 million hours watched per season, the atmosphere in the arena is expected to be electric. As the tournament reaches its climax, analysts expect the M7 to potentially set an all-time viewership record for any esports event on TikTok.

As the M7 World Championship unfolds, Moonton is extending the festivities beyond the arena, letting players worldwide participate through login events, limited-time passes, and themed rewards inspired by Indonesian culture.

What is the M7 World Championship?

The M World Championship is Mobile Legends’ premier global esports event, bringing together the best teams from across regions to compete for international glory.

M7 marks the seventh edition of the tournament and is particularly significant as it takes place in Indonesia — one of the game’s most passionate and influential communities.

Beyond competitive matches, M7 is positioned as a celebration of MLBB’s global ecosystem, blending esports, cultural identity, and in-game content into a unified seasonal experience.

How to unlock Verdant Knight Edith for free

Players can obtain the Edith Verdant Knight skin simply by logging into the game during the event period.

To unlock the skin:

• Log in for a total of 13 days
• The login days must fall between January 9 and January 31, 2026
• The days do not need to be consecutive

Once the requirement is met, the Edith Verdant Knight skin can be claimed directly through the event page. No diamonds or additional purchases are required.

Verdant Knight gives Edith a nature-themed, knightly aesthetic that stands out from her standard appearances. The design fits neatly into the heroic tone of the M7 season, reinforcing Edith’s identity as a frontline defender while offering a polished visual upgrade that’s normally reserved for paid cosmetics.

For players who main Edith, this is easily one of the most accessible high-quality skins the hero has received.

The M7 Pass and additional free rewards

Running alongside the login event is the M7 Pass, available until February 8, 2026. While the pass includes premium rewards for those who choose to upgrade, it also offers free unlockables just by participating.

The headline free reward from the M7 Pass is the Solar Spark Gatotkaca skin.

Inspired by Indonesian folklore, the Mighty Legend takes center stage as a symbolic nod to the host nation’s esports legacy. The skin reinforces Gatotkaca’s mythological roots while tying him directly to the cultural themes of M7.