On 9 January 2026, the Batavia PIK waterfront in Jakarta transformed into a living theater for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang as the M7 World Championship officially began. The opening ceremony, built around the theme Rise as One, blended traditional Indonesian artistry with futuristic esports production and signaled the growing cultural weight of mobile gaming in Southeast Asia. As one of the nation’s most beloved competitive disciplines, MLBB now shares the spotlight with football and badminton in Indonesian public life, reinforcing Jakarta’s identity as a global esports capital.

A Global Stage Built on National Pride

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has grown into one of the world’s dominant mobile multiplayer online battle arena experiences. The title now counts more than 1.5 billion installations and approximately 110 million monthly active users. Its esports ecosystem generated 475 million hours watched in 2024, according to Esports Charts, placing it alongside major names in global sports entertainment. That momentum is especially strong in Indonesia, where the MPL Indonesia league has surpassed 100 million hours watched in each of its past five seasons. The M7 World Championship runs until 25 January and marks the first return of the M Series to Indonesia since M4.

Key Detail	Information
Theme	Rise as One
Venue	Batavia PIK, Jakarta, Indonesia
Tournament Dates	9–25 January 2026
Main Stage Teams	16
Carnival Dates	23–25 January 2026

Where Heritage Meets High-Tech Pageantry

The ceremony unfolded at Batavia PIK, an overwater shopping, dining, and entertainment complex where colonial heritage meets contemporary design. An opening performance titled Rise in Indonesia, presented by the Swargaloka Dance Crew, filled the stage with color, movement, and cultural meaning. Around 60 dancers represented regional identities from across the archipelago, including Gandrung from East Java, Legong from Bali, Dayak from Kalimantan, Papua from eastern Indonesia, and Betawi from Jakarta. Their choreography turned the M7 stage into a unified portrait of Indonesian diversity, while mythological figures such as Kadita, Reog, Leak, and Hudog connected the show to older ritual traditions.

Folklore Comes Alive Through Gatotkaca

One of the most memorable passages of the night honored Gatotkaca, the MLBB hero inspired by a legendary figure from Indonesian folklore and wayang puppetry. During the segment Voices of M7: Rise as One, a choral version of the M7 theme song Sizzle set a ceremonial tone. The flags of all 16 Main Stage teams were then raised in unison, each carried by a Gatotkaca cosplayer. This moment linked Indonesia’s folkloric past to the competitive ambitions of teams arriving from around the world. The reveal of the message “Rise As One, Let the World See Us” completed the symbolic union of heritage and modern esports identity.

Leaders Frame M7 as a Statement of Unity

Irene Umar, Vice Minister of Creative Economy, attended the ceremony and described M7 as placing Indonesia at the centre of the global esports stage. She emphasized that the world would see not only elite competition, but also Indonesia’s passion, creativity, and energy. Her remarks framed MLBB as more than a game, pointing to its role in building a professional and globally respected esports ecosystem.

Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, added that Rise As One is a message for the wider community. He explained that the ceremony brought cultures together, honoured heritage, and reflected the future direction of MLBB Esports. In his view, the night demonstrated how gaming, sports, culture, and entertainment can create shared experiences that unite audiences worldwide.

Champions Carry the Trophy as M7 Officially Begins

The Grand Finale, titled We Rise as One, brought the 16 Main Stage teams to the stage with their flags. Performers wore neon-accented traditional attire inspired by Javanese folk art and warrior aesthetics, creating a visual bridge between ancestral forms and contemporary competitive energy. The M7 Trophy was carried by Indonesian MLBB champions Ihsan “Luminaire” Kusudana, Muhammad “Wannn” Ridwan, and Vivi “Vivian” Indrawaty. They were joined by bodybuilder and Physical Asia star Igede “Igedz Executioner” Dharma Susila, who appeared in a Gatotkaca-inspired costume. The presentation honoured previous champions while carrying the hopes of Indonesia and the international MLBB community into the tournament’s opening moments.

M7 Carnival Extends the Celebration Across Jakarta

The citywide celebration continues from 23 to 25 January with the M7 Carnival. Fans can explore six interactive zones, enjoy live performances, and take part in activations designed around the spirit of the tournament. More than IDR 2.5 billion in prizes, roughly USD 150,000, will be available through exclusive skins, limited-edition merchandise, and in-game items. Visitors can also meet MPL Indonesia teams and popular creators such as Pascol, Xinnn, Markocop, Jess No Limit, and Ade. Legendary MLBB players Vivian, Wannn, and Luminaire lead an Allstar funmatch on the second day.

The Main Stage features Indonesian singer-songwriter Stephanie Poetri, known for the hit “I Love You 3000.” Signed to 88rising, she appears alongside rising girl group no na for a special rendition of the M7 Theme Song during the halftime show. Red Bull will activate the carnival with performances by Naykilla and Jemsii, who blend hip-hop with dangdut, while DJ VILOID and Dipha Barus continue the festival atmosphere on later days. The Red Bull Gaming Ground adds an Energy Zone, entertainment spaces, a gaming zone, and a viewing lounge for tournament action.

Beyond the Arena: Murals and In-Game Content

As part of a nationwide initiative, more than 20 large-scale murals have been hand-painted by local artists to honour M7 and the hero Gatotkaca. The project turns Indonesian streets into a living canvas for MLBB and gives local artists a platform to interpret the game through their own cultural lens. According to Tiger Xu, every mural tells its own story and helps immerse the entire nation in the excitement of M7.

In-game, players who log in for 13 days between 9 and 31 January can unlock the Edith “Verdant Knight” skin for free. The M7 Pass, available until 8 February, includes the free Gatotkaca “Solar Spark” skin and other limited rewards tied to the tournament. These activities extend the M7 experience far beyond the arena and reinforce the game’s growing influence. According to Esports Charts, MLBB appeared in seven of the 10 most popular mobile esports tournaments in 2025. At the Esports World Cup, the Mid Season Cup became the first tournament to surpass 3 million peak concurrent viewers, and MLBB was featured as a medalled event at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games for the fourth time.