Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has continued its trajectory as a global esports powerhouse in 2025, marking a year filled with significant events and shifts in its competitive landscape. From record-breaking viewership numbers in the Professional Leagues to strategic acquisitions and competitive milestones, MLBB has solidified its status as a cornerstone of mobile esports.
Team Vitality Acquires Bigetron Esports
May witnessed a standout development when Team Vitality, a prominent European esports entity, purchased Bigetron Esports, a leading Indonesian organization. The acquisition resulted in the rebranding of Bigetron to Bigetron by Vitality, thereby expanding Team Vitality’s reach into one of the premier MLBB markets. This move underscored the increasing value global esports organizations place on the Southeast Asian scene. Despite this strategic expansion, the MPL Indonesia team under the new banner did not secure a spot in the M7 World Championship, scheduled for January 2026. Nonetheless, Team Vitality’s women’s team achieved remarkable success, clinching first place at the 2025 MLBB Women’s Invitational.
MPL Malaysia Introduces Ticketing and Commits to Franchising
MPL Malaysia took substantial steps toward enhancing its commercial framework by implementing ticketed entries for live matches starting with Season 15, marking a shift from its previous open-access approach. Further bolstering its growth, MOONTON confirmed MPL Malaysia’s transition to a franchised model in 2026, with Season 16 being the last under the existing format. Although the specifics of this franchise system remain under wraps, this announcement was a pivotal moment for MLBB esports in 2025.
Saudi Organisations Acquire MPL Philippines Slots
A major organizational reshuffling took place as Saudi Arabian teams, Team Falcons and Twisted Minds, acquired slots in MPL Philippines, taking over from Blacklist International and RSG Philippines. These acquisitions highlighted the global interest in MPL Philippines, renowned for its competitiveness and commercial potential. While Team Falcons did not qualify for the M7 World Championship, it will represent MPL MENA as its Season 8 champion, reinforcing the region’s burgeoning esports presence.
SEA Games 2025 Reinforces MLBB’s Medal-Sport Status
MLBB’s role in the SEA Games 2025 further cemented its status as a medal sport, with the Philippines and Malaysia taking gold in men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The inclusion of MLBB in international competitions underscores its significance, with its role as a medal event set to continue in the 2026 Asian Games.
KarlTzy Completes His Career Trophy Collection
In individual achievements, Karl ‘KarlTzy’ Gabriel Nepomuceno of Team Liquid achieved a career milestone by completing his trophy cabinet with a victory at the MLBB Mid Season Cup during the Esports World Cup. As he looks forward to the M7 World Championship in Jakarta, his sights are set on securing a third world championship title.