In 2025, MOONTON Games sent shockwaves through the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports community by unveiling a completely revamped tournament format for the Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the Esports World Cup (EWC). The changes were bold, designed to push teams to their limits and to cement MLBB's status as the global benchmark for competitive esports. Now, as we navigate 2026, the impact of that format is still being felt, and it's worth revisiting what made it so revolutionary.
The tournament, held in 2025, introduced a third-place match and a new draw system, injecting unpredictability into every stage. The tagline #EncounterTheUnknown perfectly captured the spirit: teams had to adapt to unfamiliar situations, testing their resilience and strategic depth. With a massive USD 3 million prize pool on the line, the stakes were higher than ever.
Tiger Xu, Global Head of Esports at MOONTON Games, explained the vision: "At MOONTON Games, we want MLBB to remain at the forefront of esports. This year's refreshed format embodies our commitment to pushing boundaries in esports by challenging teams to adapt to the unfamiliar. With new tactical layers like the draw mechanic and refinements to team progression, we're creating a more dynamic playing field. MLBB Esports goes beyond just gameplay and mechanics. Teams will now be tested on their preparation, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure. This format is going to challenge players in new ways, and fans around the world are in for some truly exciting matches."
The New Format: A Deep Dive
The revamped structure was a departure from previous editions. Let's break down each phase:
Wild Card: Double Elimination and Cross-Group Battles
Phase 1 of the Wild Card ditched the old BO1 single-round-robin for a Best-of-Three (BO3) double-elimination inter-group format (GSL). Eight teams were split into two groups, and the top two from each advanced to cross-group Semi Finals. This meant teams had to win both within and across groups, ensuring only the strongest progressed. The winners then clashed in a BO5 for a spot in the Group Stage.
Group Stage: Consistency Rewarded
The Group Stage shifted from BO2 single-round-robin to a BO3 double-elimination format. Sixteen teams were divided into two groups, with the top four from each advancing to the Knockout Stage. Every match mattered, and progression was earned through consistent, decisive performances.
Knockout Stage: The Draw Mechanic and Third-Place Match
The Knockout Stage introduced a groundbreaking draw mechanic. Undefeated teams from the Group Stage (those with a 2-0 record) could select their opponents from the pool of 2-1 teams for the first round. Priority was given based on the shortest total match time in the Group Stage. This added a strategic layer, rewarding dominance and speed.
Additionally, a third-place match was introduced, giving Semi Final losers a final shot at a podium finish. The Knockout Stage followed a single-elimination, BO5 format, culminating in a BO7 Grand Finals to crown the champion.
Prize Pool: More for the Top
The prize pool allocation was tweaked to reward top performers even more. The total prize pool remained at USD 3 million, but the distribution changed:
| Placement | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Champion | $1,000,000 |
| 🥈 Runner-up | $500,000 |
| 🥉 Third | $250,000 |
| Fourth | $200,000 |
The third-place prize increased from $200,000 to $250,000, intensifying the fight for a podium finish.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Expansion
The 2025 MSC at EWC was a massive success. According to Esports Charts, it was the most-watched tournament at the inaugural EWC, with over 2.38 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV) and over 29 million Hours Watched (HW). Earlier that year, MLBB was named the world's most-watched mobile esports title of 2024, and the MLBB Professional League (MPL) became the first esports circuit to surpass 1 billion HW.
The tournament featured a record 16 regions, with Japan and Vietnam joining as Wild Card entrants. The MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) also returned, making history as the only women's tournament at EWC with a $500,000 prize pool. This underscored MOONTON's commitment to inclusivity, embodying the spirit of "One Game, Two Champions."
Qualifiers and Dark Horses
The road to MSC at EWC 25 was filled with drama. Team Flash, the four-time MPL Singapore champions, secured their spot with a 4-1 victory over RSG SG. In Latin America, Corinthians were crowned kings after a thrilling 4-3 win over Influence Rage in the MPL LATAM Season 3 Grand Finals. Corinthians advanced to the Main Stage, while Influence Rage entered the Wild Card. Mythic Seal won the inaugural MLBB Super League Myanmar, earning their first international qualification. And in the Mekong region, Niightmare Esports swept Leon Esports 4-0 to claim a Wild Card slot.
The Legacy in 2026
As we look back from 2026, the revamped format has clearly left a lasting mark. It forced teams to be more versatile, more strategic, and more resilient. The draw mechanic, in particular, has become a talking point among fans and analysts, who praise its ability to reward group stage dominance. The third-place match added extra drama, and the increased prize money for third place made every playoff run more valuable.
While the 2026 MSC is still on the horizon, the foundation laid in 2025 has set a new standard. Teams are now preparing with a sharper focus on adaptability and speed, knowing that every second on the battlefield could determine their fate. MOONTON Games has signaled that it will continue to innovate, and the MLBB community eagerly awaits what's next.
For those who want a deeper look, a video explainer of the 2025 format is available, but one thing is certain: MLBB esports is not resting on its laurels. The #EncounterTheUnknown spirit lives on, and the competition is only getting fiercer.
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