The esports world is constantly evolving, and so is Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). With the Mid-Season Cup (MSC) 2025 being held at the Esports World Cup, gamers and fans alike are in the midst of excitement regarding some significant updates to the tournament format. The new format has been pledged to elevate the competitive environment, with new mechanics that attempt to engage players and viewers alike like never before.
One of the largest surprises in the 2025 MSC is the introduction of a draw system, the first time one has been put in place within the tournament series. The new system will allow unbeaten sides in the Group Stage to select their opponents in the first round of knockout stages, rewarding scheduling and tactics with strategic advantages. Priorities would go to teams with the shortest match duration, adding a compelling aspect of strategy for teams until the semifinals.
The initial Wild Card stage is going through a sweeping overhaul, abandoning the traditional best-of-one round-robin model for a more competitive best-of-three, double-elimination group. This revision not only increases the stakes for Wild Card teams but also ensures the strongest teams advance to the next round. Two sets of teams will be come up, and the top two teams in each set will earn their spots in the cross-group semifinals, once more increasing the tension and drama of the opening portion of the tournament.
In addition, the group stage has also been revamped from the previous best-of-two, round-robin format to the new best-of-three, double-elimination format. Not only does this increase the risk of thrilling matchups and upsets, but it also increases the strategic sophistication required of each team. The top four from each group will then proceed into an altered knockout phase, i.e., a higher reward for those teams that are able to break through the brutal competition.
In the words of Tiger Xu, MOONTON Games' Global Head of Esports, "At MOONTON Games, we would love MLBB to remain at the top of esports. This year's new format is our love for defying boundaries in esports by pushing teams to adapt to the new." His statement speaks to a desire to keep the competition going and engaging, such that every match counts and every decision has meaning.
Another exciting addition is the new third-place match, where losing semi-finalists will compete before the Grand Finals in a battle for the third position. Not only does this modification provide teams another opportunity to show their skills, but it provides fans one more exciting match before the champion is crowned, which shall be determined in a tie-breaker best-of-seven final.
MSC 2025 is part of the larger growth trend for the Mobile Legends esports ecosystem, which has witnessed considerable developments over the past few months. The Women's Invitational expansion to encompass 16 teams demonstrates MOONTON's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in competition and further cements MLBB's standing in the international esports world.
With the addition of the Immortal Cup to supplement the MSC and dramatic overhaul of its format, 2025 will be an exciting year for Mobile Legends fans. Mark your calendars to the July 10th to August 2nd tournament and prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle of skill, strategy, and excitement!