The 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok concluded its Mobile Legends: Bang Bang medal events on December 17, 2025, with the Philippines and Malaysia emerging as the primary victors.
The tournament spanned five days and saw the Philippines extend its dominance in the men’s division, while the Malaysian women’s team achieved a breakthrough victory to claim their first gold medal.
What went down during the 33rd SEA Games Mobile Legends tournament
In the men’s competition, the Philippines maintained its regional stronghold by securing a fourth straight gold medal. The team achieved a perfect tournament record, culminating in a 4-0 sweep against Malaysia in the final.
A notable individual achievement came from jungler Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno, who became only the second player in the history of the games to earn two MLBB gold medals.
Malaysia took the silver for the second year in a row, and Indonesia rounded out the podium with the bronze.
| SEE ALSO: Your loot is ready: Score M7 Pass exclusive skins, rewards, and the most attractive figurine |
The women’s tournament saw a shift in the regional hierarchy. Malaysia claimed the gold after a narrow 4-3 victory over the Philippines in a best-of-seven series. This win marked Malaysia’s first gold in the category, improving on their bronze finish from the previous games.
The Philippines took the silver, while Indonesia secured the bronze, mirroring the standings of the men’s division.
In both the men’s and women’s brackets, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar reached the semifinals. The matchups resulted in the same configurations for the finals and third-place games, highlighting a consistent competitive landscape across both genders in Southeast Asian mobile esports.
Following the conclusion of the event, representatives from Moonton Games and the Thailand Esports Federation noted the significance of the tournament in bridging the gap between digital and traditional sports.
They emphasized that the high level of participation from nearly every nation in the region demonstrates the game’s cultural integration. The women’s category, now in its second appearance at the games, was highlighted as a key component of the industry’s push for gender inclusivity.
The focus of the competitive scene now shifts to the M7 World Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 3 to 25, 2026. The upcoming world championship will feature a partnership with the NBA and an expanded opening ceremony as the game prepares for its next major international milestone at the 2026 Asian Games.
