The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup (MSC) is back—and this time, it’s going bigger than ever.
Set to take place during the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), MOONTON Games has unveiled a completely revamped format for MSC 2025, including a new draw system, the return of the third-place match, and a staggering USD 3 million prize pool that promises to heat up the competition.
Held in Singapore, this prestigious tournament marks a new chapter in MLBB’s global esports journey, challenging teams to adapt to unpredictable matchups with the tagline #EncounterTheUnknown.
The format change isn’t just a tweak—it’s a bold statement reflecting MOONTON’s commitment to innovation and competitive integrity.
A Game-Changing Tournament Format
One of the biggest shakeups in MSC 2025 is the introduction of a new draw mechanism that aims to increase unpredictability. According to Tiger Xu, Global Head of Esports at MOONTON Games, the new structure is designed to test teams beyond the usual gameplay.
Now, success will depend heavily on a team’s strategic adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and preparation.
This format introduces more tactical layers, creating a dynamic environment where no team can rely solely on past performance. The draw system ensures fresh and potentially surprising matchups—pushing even the most seasoned teams to think on their feet.
High-Stakes Rewards: USD 3 Million on the Line
The prize pool remains a massive USD 3 million, but the way it’s distributed has changed to reflect the tournament’s heightened stakes. This year:
- Champion: USD 1,000,000
- Runner-up: USD 500,000
- Third Place: USD 250,000 (an increase from last year’s USD 200,000)
These figures underline MOONTON’s focus on rewarding excellence while intensifying the fight for a podium finish. In 2024, Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants OG Esports stunned the world by defeating Team Falcons Philippines 4-3 in a thrilling finale.
With a revamped format and expanded prize money, the competition this year is expected to be even fiercer.
A Record Number of Competing Regions
MSC 2025 is also more inclusive than ever. The tournament now spans 16 regions, including new Wild Card entries from Japan and Vietnam, making it the most globally diverse edition to date.
The inclusion of emerging regions creates exciting opportunities for underdog stories and upsets—exactly the kind of drama fans love.
This global expansion supports MLBB’s continued growth as a top-tier esport. According to Esports Charts, MSC 2024 was the most-watched tournament at the inaugural EWC, drawing over 2.38 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV) and more than 29 million Hours Watched (HW).
MLBB Dominates the Global Esports Scene
Earlier this year, MLBB was crowned the most-watched mobile esports title of 2024. Meanwhile, the MLBB Professional League (MPL) shattered records, becoming the first esports circuit to surpass 1 billion hours watched. These milestones prove that MLBB is not just surviving—it’s thriving on a global scale.
The rise of regional leagues and international qualifiers continues to feed this momentum. For example:
- Team Flash (Singapore) beat rivals RSG SG 4-1 to secure their Main Stage slot.
- Corinthians (Latin America) earned their place by defeating Influence Rage 4-3.
- Mythic Seal (Myanmar) claimed the MLBB Super League Myanmar title.
- Niightmare Esports (Mekong) secured a Wild Card slot after a 4-0 win in the M Challenge Cup.
These regional champions now face a new level of challenge on the world stage.
Empowering Women in Esports: The MLBB Women’s Invitational Returns
MSC 2025 isn’t the only MLBB showcase at the EWC. The MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) also returns, spotlighting top-tier female esports talent. With a USD 500,000 prize pool, MWI stands as one of the largest women’s esports events in history.
Introduced at the 2024 EWC as the only women’s tournament in the event, MWI reflects MOONTON’s vision of a more inclusive esports ecosystem. The parallel presence of MSC and MWI under the campaign “One Game, Two Champions” reinforces a united future for esports excellence.
MSC 2025 is more than just a tournament—it’s a defining moment in MLBB’s esports legacy. With fresh competition formats, increased prize money, new regional participants, and a focus on inclusivity, the stage is set for one of the most thrilling esports events of the year.
As teams prepare to #EncounterTheUnknown, fans can expect high-octane gameplay, unpredictable matchups, and inspiring stories from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a diehard MLBB supporter, MSC 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss.
