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ONIC Esports have once again proven their dominance in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia, claiming the Season 16 championship title after defeating Alter Ego Esports 4-1 in the Grand Finals held in Jakarta.

The Yellow Hedgehogs Defend Their Throne

The powerhouse squad of ONIC, featuring Kiboy, Skylar, Kairi, Lutpiii, Sanz and Savero, successfully defended their MPL Indonesia crown, cementing their legacy as one of the strongest teams in Mobile Legends history.

Their victory earned them a prize of approximately Rp1.406 billion (around $84,500) and a direct qualification spot for the upcoming M7 World Championship, set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January 2026.

The series began with Alter Ego taking an impressive Game 1 win, led by veteran player Nino and his hero Yu Zhong, securing a 21–12 elimination scoreline. However, ONIC quickly adapted, with Kairi’s Hayabusa stealing the spotlight in Game 2 to tie the series. From there, ONIC took control, storming through the next three games with aggressive rotations and crisp team coordination.

Their decisive Game 5 win came after securing the third Lord, breaking Alter Ego’s defences, and closing out the match 4-1.

This championship marks ONIC’s eighth MPL Indonesia title, further extending their reign as the region’s most decorated team.

Alter Ego’s Resurgence

Despite the loss, Alter Ego Esports earned widespread praise for reaching the Grand Finals for the first time in ten seasons. Their lower bracket run, where they defeated EVOS 4-1, showcased their growth and potential heading into next year.

As the top two finishers, both ONIC and Alter Ego will represent Indonesia at the M7 World Championship, where they will face off against the best teams from around the world, including regions like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Latin America.

Record-Breaking Viewership

MPL Indonesia Season 16 was also a massive success in terms of viewership. According to Esports Charts, the event peaked at over 3.09 million viewers during the Grand Finals, with an average of nearly 460,000 concurrent viewers and more than 101 million hours watched across its 220-hour broadcast.

While it fell slightly short of Season 14 and 15’s record-breaking peaks (4M and 4.1M respectively), Season 16 still stands as one of the most-watched esports events in Southeast Asia this year.

Road to the M7 World Championship

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M7 World Championship will feature the top 16 teams from around the globe battling for a $1 million (approx. £760,000) prize pool. The event will run from 3rd to 25th January 2026, kicking off with the Wildcard Group Stage before moving into the Swiss Stage and ending with a Double-Elimination Knockout Stage and a best-of-seven Grand Final.

Tickets for the Jakarta event sold out within hours of opening, reflecting the massive hype surrounding the competition.

Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, described the event as a celebration of global gaming culture:

“The M7 is more than a tournament. It’s a moment of connection, where competition meets culture, and where passion meets purpose. We want to show that mobile games will be one of the most important esports ecosystems all around the world.”

Martinus H. Manurung, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games Indonesia, also praised ONIC’s achievement, saying:

“This victory is not only a testament to ONIC’s excellence, but a reflection of the growth and passion of the Indonesian esports community. Indonesia has proven time and again that we are a global esports powerhouse, and M7 is our moment to show the world once more.”

ONIC’s Legacy Marches On

From their consistent performance throughout the regular season to their dominance in the playoffs, ONIC’s championship run reaffirms their status as a global powerhouse in Mobile Legends.

As the Yellow Hedgehogs gear up for the M7 World Championship, fans are already anticipating another thrilling international showdown, one that could see ONIC lift yet another trophy on home soil.