In a groundbreaking move, European esports organization NAVI has officially announced the signing of two female teams to bolster its Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) roster for the highly anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC). This strategic acquisition not only reflects NAVI's commitment to inclusivity in the esports realm but also underscores its ambition to secure outstanding positions in one of the industry's most prestigious events.
The two new teams, both of which were previously under the renowned Filipino team Omega Esports and the Malaysian team Arcane Ladies, bring a wealth of experience and talent to NAVI. The Omega Esports female squad has already made headlines by emerging victorious at the MLBB Women’s Invitational 2024, where they demonstrated unparalleled skill and teamwork in the finals against Team Vitality, clinching the championship and a sizable prize of $180,000 from a total prize pool of $550,000. Their triumph not only showcases their capabilities but also sets a high standard for NAVI as they aim to continue this momentum into the EWC.
Currently, the Omega Esports team is competing in the Athena League, where they have performed remarkably, finishing first at the conclusion of the group stage. To further solidify their standing and secure a spot in the upcoming MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025, taking place during the EWC, they need to maintain their form and finish among the top two in the playoff stages. This impending challenge will be crucial, as the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.
On the other hand, Arcane Ladies come into the equation with a coveted slot already guaranteed for the MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025 scheduled for July 15th to 19th. Their established position not only enhances NAVI's roster but also adds depth and diversity to their competitive landscape.
The signing of these two female lineups is part of NAVI's broader strategy to expand its reach within the esports industry. With this latest addition, NAVI now boasts a total of 15 teams across various titles, having previously made strides in games like CrossFire and Chess earlier this year. This diversification is aimed at increasing their overall competitiveness and presence in the esports arena.
Notably, the EWC features a Club Championship initiative that entices teams with significant monetary rewards. The organization with the highest number of points at the tournament's conclusion will receive an additional $7 million in prize money. This competitive structure has become a game within the game, driving teams to perform at their utmost.
According to the current rulebook, all teams must compete under the same name to accumulate points toward the Club Championship. This requirement is a primary reason NAVI has rushed to finalize these roster announcements ahead of the deadline for roster locks, which falls today at 23:59 AST (05:59 UK time).
As the esports landscape continues to evolve, NAVI's commitment to fostering female talent and competing at the highest levels of entertainment and athleticism exemplifies its forward-thinking approach to the future of gaming. With the new signings, fans and players alike are eager to see how these teams will perform on the global stage and whether NAVI can achieve its ambitious goals at the Esports World Cup.