Esports fans, mark your calendars! The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Academy League Malaysia (MAL MY) is back for Season 3, kicking off on April 12.
With more diversity, fresh talent, and revamped playoff mechanics, this new season promises to be one of the most exciting in Malaysian esports history.
Organized by MOONTON Games and IO Esports, and backed by key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Esports Integrated (ESI), and the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF), MAL MY Season 3 is not just about competition—it’s about building a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for future MLBB stars.
Breaking Records with Female Representation
Season 3 is making headlines before the first match has even begun, thanks to its unprecedented inclusion of 15 female esports athletes—the highest number in the history of MLBB Esports Malaysia.
Leading the charge is the all-female team Johor Angels, who will compete alongside college-based MSL x UiTM, showing that the future of MLBB is both youthful and diverse.
The participation of Johor Angels is not just symbolic—it’s a bold statement about inclusivity in esports.
Female representation in competitive gaming has long been a point of contention, but with this move, MAL MY is actively breaking down barriers and opening doors for more women to participate in professional leagues.
All Eyes on Cikugais Esports
Among the returning teams, Cikugais Esports has fans buzzing. The roster features MLBB veterans like Cikugais, Moon, and Garyy—all of whom have won MPL Malaysia titles and represented the country on international stages.
Their presence not only boosts the competitive standard of the tournament but also brings in loyal fans who are eager to see them climb back to the top.
Cikugais and Moon, in particular, are MLBB legends—two of only three players globally to have played in all M-Series tournaments (M1 to M4). Their experience and leadership will be key assets in the push for promotion to MPL Malaysia Season 16.
Season Format: How It Works
MAL MY Season 3 will follow a two-conference system—Challenger Conference and Affiliated Conference.
- Challenger Conference: Includes the top four teams from Season 2 and two teams from open qualifiers.
- Affiliated Conference: Features six junior teams from MPL Malaysia Season 15.
The Regular Season is split into two stages:
- Stage 1 (April 12 – May 6): Best-of-Three, single round-robin within each conference.
- Stage 2 (May 12 – May 22): Cross-conference matches, where Challenger teams face off against Affiliated teams.
The top 6 teams from Challenger and top 4 teams from Affiliated will move to the Playoffs, scheduled from June 26 to 29.
One of the most exciting updates in Season 3 is the new Challenger Conference Playoffs format, designed to provide quicker access to MPL Malaysia.
The Semi-Final winner of the Challenger Conference will automatically qualify for MPL Malaysia Season 16.
The runner-up will go head-to-head against the 9th-placed team from MPL Season 15 in a high-stakes “Challenger vs Defender” match. The winner of this match also earns a promotion, giving teams a real shot at ascending the professional ranks without waiting for another full season.
This change reflects MOONTON’s commitment to creating a more dynamic pipeline between developmental and professional levels—giving talented underdogs the chance to rise faster.
More Than Just a Tournament
Backed by Realme and powered by Rexagon, MAL MY Season 3 carries a prize pool of approximately MYR 88,700 (USD 20,000). But beyond the money, it offers players invaluable experience on a competitive stage that mirrors the demands of professional play.
It’s also a platform for teams, sponsors, and stakeholders to observe emerging talent, test new strategies, and engage a growing fanbase. For aspiring pro players, this league is the perfect stepping stone toward bigger dreams in the MPL, and even the international MLBB arena.
Malaysia’s Esports Ecosystem on the Rise
MAL MY Season 3 isn’t just another tournament—it’s a reflection of Malaysia’s rapidly evolving esports ecosystem.
With government backing, corporate sponsorship, and strong grassroots support, Malaysia is becoming a regional hub for mobile esports talent. The inclusion of collegiate teams, experienced veterans, and rising stars speaks volumes about how the scene is expanding in both depth and reach.
As more diverse teams like Johor Angels step into the spotlight, and legends like Cikugais and Moon return to lead the next generation, one thing is clear—MLBB in Malaysia is not just surviving, it’s thriving.
Whether you’re a hardcore MLBB fan or a casual esports viewer, MAL MY Season 3 is one tournament you don’t want to miss.
More information can be found on the official website.
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- Cikugais Esports MLBB
- Johor Angels MLBB
- MPL Malaysia Season 16
- Malaysian female esports players
- MLBB Malaysia tournament format
- MOONTON Games Malaysia esports
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