Leaked images and gameplay clips are giving us our clearest look yet at MLBB x Naruto Phase 2, and if the leaks hold up, this one is shaping up to be far more than a simple cosmetic refresh. According to trusted MLBB leaker AceUnyil, the second phase of the Naruto collaboration is scheduled to go live on 27 March 2026, introducing Itachi Uchiha and Minato Namikaze as full hero skins with heavily customised animations and effects.

The leaks focus heavily on skill visuals rather than just splash art, and that alone already puts these skins in the “premium collab” tier MLBB usually reserves for its biggest crossover moments.

What The Leaks Show So Far

The first batch of leaked images appears to show the full event flow once players log into Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. One image strongly resembles the opening splash screen, positioning Minato and Itachi front and centre, similar to how Naruto and Sasuke were introduced in Phase 1.

Another image shows what looks like the event draw interface and redeem shop. Just like previous anime collaborations, skins appear to be obtained through a gacha-style draw system, with tokens used to exchange directly for the skins once enough currency is collected. A third image shows the confirmation screen when redeeming a skin, reinforcing that this follows the same structure as earlier Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen events.

While Moonton has not officially confirmed any of this yet, the UI layout, pricing style, and event structure all match previous licensed crossover events almost exactly.

A Quick Reminder Of What Phase 1 Added To MLBB

For context, MLBB x Naruto Phase 1 went well beyond hero skins. The battlefield itself was reimagined to better reflect the Naruto universe. Minions were reskinned as shinobi units, turrets adopted ninja-themed designs, and the Lord was transformed into Madara Uchiha, complete with unique visual effects during Lord fights.

Image Credit: MOONTON

Those changes set expectations high for Phase 2. While the current leaks focus on hero skins, many players are already speculating whether Moonton will reuse or expand those Naruto-themed battlefield assets when the event returns.

Itachi Uchiha As Julian Brings Dark, Aggressive Visuals

Itachi is leaked as a skin for Julian, and visually, this may be one of the most dramatic collab skins MLBB has ever produced. The leaked gameplay clips show a consistent red and black colour palette across all abilities, clearly inspired by Sharingan, Amaterasu, and Susanoo imagery.

The full Itachi skin effects can be seen in the leaked video below, with the footage timestamped directly to the Julian showcase. Just click the video to jump to the right section.

Julian’s projectile skills are reworked into Katon Gōkakyū no Jutsu, launching large fireballs with layered flame effects rather than standard magic projectiles. Crow imagery repeatedly appears during ability transitions, reinforcing Itachi’s genjutsu themes.

Image Compilation by u/Intelligent-Gene-420 on Reddit

Image Compilation by u/Intelligent-Gene-420 on Reddit

One skill appears inspired by Katon: Hōsenka Tsumabeni, with flame shuriken-style projectiles fanning outward.

Another ability uses black flame visuals strongly resembling Amaterasu, lingering on the ground with a darker red hue rather than pure black, likely adjusted for in-game clarity.

Julian’s enhanced basic attack animation is where the skin really leans into spectacle. The leak shows spectral Susanoo arms striking alongside the hero, giving attacks far more weight than the base skin. All effects maintain a consistent crimson tone, making the skin instantly recognisable in fights.

This continues a pattern for Julian, who has already featured in major anime collaborations, including Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen and Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter.

Minato Namikaze As Gusion Embraces The Yellow Flash Identity Focusing On Speed And Precision

Minato is paired with Gusion, and the leaked effects lean heavily into his Yellow Flash identity rather than raw damage spectacle. Speed, instant movement, and sudden bursts of light define almost every part of the skin’s presentation.

The full Minato skin effects can be seen in the leaked video below, with the footage timestamped directly to the Gusion showcase. Just click the video to jump to the right section.

Gusion’s daggers are replaced by Hiraishin kunai, which visibly mark enemies on hit. Once marked, Minato can teleports to the target in a sharp yellow flash, chaining movement with a Rasengan impact animation on arrival. The teleport visuals are bright, clean, and deliberately abrupt, clearly designed to sell Minato’s reputation as the fastest shinobi on the battlefield.

Image Compilation by u/Intelligent-Gene-420 on Reddit

Image Compilation by u/Intelligent-Gene-420 on Reddit

One sequence shows Minato throwing multiple Hiraishin kunai across a wide area, filling the screen with quick yellow flashes.

The ultimate animation is a clear fan-service moment. After teleporting, Minato briefly strikes the iconic pose he used when arriving during the Fourth Shinobi World War. It is subtle, but instantly recognisable if you know the reference.

Gusion has also previously received a major collaboration skin as K’ from King of Fighters, but visually, the Minato skin appears to push animation work even further.

More Skins Quietly Teased In The Same Leak

Interestingly, AceUnyil’s video showcasing the Naruto Phase 2 skins also briefly mentioned other upcoming cosmetics. According to the same leak, Grock Collector Titans Series and Zetian April Starlight skins are also on the way, though neither appears directly connected to the Naruto event.

Their inclusion suggests Moonton may be stacking March and April with high-profile releases rather than spacing them out.

MLBB and Anime Collabs

MLBB has been leaning heavily into anime-inspired designs lately, and the Naruto collaboration is not an isolated case. Moonton recently introduced the new hero Sora, a new hero whose elastic movement and exaggerated animations immediately drew comparisons to Luffy Gear 5, fuelling speculation about a possible One Piece crossover.

What Happens Next

As of now, everything around MLBB x Naruto Phase 2 remains unconfirmed by Moonton. That said, the consistency of the UI, animation polish, and AceUnyil’s track record make these leaks difficult to dismiss outright.

If the 27 March 2026 date proves accurate, official teasers may not be far off. Until then, these leaked skill effects give a strong indication that Itachi and Minato are being treated as headline skins rather than side additions, and for Naruto fans, that alone makes Phase 2 worth keeping an eye on.

The post Itachi And Minato Leak For MLBB Naruto Phase 2 Collabs With Full Skill Effects appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Indonesia’s ONIC Esports have capped off a stellar year by claiming the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title at the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025, delivering a commanding performance in the tournament’s decisive final.

The MLBB competition, powered by ADNOC, concluded after six days of elite level action in Abu Dhabi, bringing together top teams from across the international scene. When it mattered most, ONIC stood above the rest.

A Six-Day Showcase of World-Class MLBB

This year’s Games of the Future once again blended traditional sports concepts with top tier esports competition, creating a unique global stage for MLBB. The tournament highlighted just how much preparation, discipline, and strategic depth are required to succeed at the highest level.

From the opening matches through to the finals, consistency proved decisive, and ONIC showed it in every phase of play.

Grand Final: ONIC Overpower Aurora Gaming

The championship match saw ONIC face Aurora Gaming, a side that had impressed throughout the event. Aurora entered the final battle hardened after a tight semi final against DianFengYaoGuai, while ONIC arrived full of confidence following a clean semi final sweep.

Once the series began, ONIC never looked back. With crisp drafting, disciplined rotations, and near flawless execution, the Indonesian powerhouse secured a convincing 3–0 victory to lift the trophy in Abu Dhabi.

Reflecting on the win, ONIC support player Nicky Fernando “Kiboy” Pontonuwu said the team’s steady improvement throughout the event was key, praising their hero picks, teamwork, and overall performance on the international stage.

Prize Money Breakdown

ONIC Esports did not just lift the MLBB trophy at Games of the Future 2025, but also secured the largest share of the tournament’s total USD 900,000 prize pool.

As champions, ONIC walked away with USD 315,000 in prize money, roughly equivalent to NZD 525,000, underlining the scale of the event and the significance of their victory on the international MLBB stage.

Third Place Play-Off: Aurora Gaming PH Finish Strong

Earlier on the final day, Aurora Gaming PH locked in third place with a dominant 2–0 win over DianFengYaoGuai. Aurora Gaming PH set the tempo early and maintained control across both games, denying their opponents any real chance to recover.

Jan Dominic Iv “DOMENGKITE” Del Mundo impressed throughout the series, while Dylan Aaron “Light” Catipon’s consistency earned him MVP honours. Despite narrowly missing the grand final, Aurora Gaming PH ended their campaign on a positive note.

Final Standings at Games of the Future 2025 MLBB

At the close of competition, the final standings were confirmed as follows:

1. ONIC Esports
2. Aurora Gaming
3. Aurora Gaming PH
4. DianFengYaoGuai

The result further cements ONIC’s status as one of the strongest MLBB teams in the world, and reinforces Indonesia’s reputation as a global force in the Mobile Legends competitive scene.

Fans looking to catch up on the action can find full match replays and exclusive behind the scenes content via the official Games of the Future platforms.

The post ONIC Win MLBB Championship at Games of the Future 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Spirit Launches Its First-Ever Dota 2 Academy

Team Spirit has officially opened a new chapter in its storied Dota 2 history by launching its first-ever Team Spirit Academy Dota 2 roster. The move adds another major title to the organisation’s development pool, joining its existing CS2 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang projects.

pic.twitter.com/fDDLe6iUmE

— Team Spirit Dota 2 (@TSpirit_Dota2) November 3, 2025

In an official statement, Team Spirit said that expanding into Dota 2 under its academy banner was a natural step, considering that the organisation’s roots began with its Dota roster. The academy aims to develop young esports athletes, not only in competitive skills but also in professionalism, teamwork, and mental discipline.

“The goal of our academy is the comprehensive development of young esports athletes. We don’t just train gifted players, but also help them become mature individuals,” Team Spirit explained in the announcement.

A Structured Pathway for Rising Dota 2 Talent

The new academy has been designed as a distraction-free training environment where players can focus entirely on improving their gameplay, teamwork, and mindset. Team Spirit emphasised an individualised approach to training, with coaches and support staff guiding each player’s progress.

Regular tournament participation will also play a major role in the academy’s development process, allowing players to gain hands-on experience and refine their strategies under real match conditions.

The First Team Spirit Dota 2 Academy Line-Up

Team Spirit has confirmed its first-ever academy roster, with a mix of up-and-coming players from across the region. The lineup includes:

• Vladislav “rubikon155” Gaideu
• Arsenii “86” Babiuk
• Ruslan “SunshineRR” Lakhonia
• Aidar “Aidar” Nurgalin
• Danil “Kyford” Gorbachev

The team will be coached by Danil “MeTPuM” Gilev, managed by Semyon “Paradise” Volkov, with Bakuri “baki_1014” Mortshkulava serving as the team’s analyst.

Following the Legacy of Team Spirit’s TI Champions

Team Spirit’s Dota 2 legacy is one of the most successful in modern esports. The organisation famously lifted The International 10 trophy in 2021 after a historic underdog run, cementing its name among the greats. Interestingly, that championship-winning lineup was also born from a development-focused project similar to this new academy—making fans hopeful that lightning could strike twice.

Whether the new Team Spirit Academy roster will reach the same heights remains to be seen, but the structure and vision behind the project make it one to watch.

A Strong Year for Team Spirit’s Main Roster

While the academy begins its journey, Team Spirit’s main Dota 2 roster has had a busy 2025 season. The team took home titles at DreamLeague Season 25, defeating Tundra Esports 3-2, and later dominated the Esports World Cup 2025, sweeping Team Falcons 3-0 to secure a massive $1 million USD prize.

However, not every tournament ended on a high note. Team Spirit’s run at The International 2025 was cut short after an early elimination, losing 2-0 to Team Falcons in the Group Stage elimination round. More recently, the team finished fifth at FISSURE Playground 2, once again falling to Team Falcons in a closely contested lower bracket series.

Looking Ahead

With both the main roster and the newly-formed academy now competing under the same banner, Team Spirit appears committed to building a sustainable future for Dota 2 talent. Fans can follow the academy’s journey through Team Spirit’s social channels as these young players aim to rise through the ranks and continue the organisation’s legacy of excellence.

The post Team Spirit Expands with New Dota 2 Academy Roster appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang just dropped a brand-new hero on its advanced server, and fans can’t stop talking about him. His name is Sora, the Shifting Cloud, and with his elastic combos, flashy transformations, and anime-inspired design, it’s hard not to see a little One Piece flavour here. In fact, plenty of players are already drawing comparisons to Luffy Gear 5, sparking speculation about a potential MLBB x One Piece collaboration down the line.

So, what exactly makes Sora stand out? Let’s break down his skills, playstyle, and when we might actually see him on the live servers.

A Hero With Two Sides

Sora’s biggest hook is his dual-form mechanic, letting him shift between two very different roles mid-match. His passive, Mystic Surge, builds stacks as he deals damage. Once charged, activating his ultimate lets him transform into either:

• Thunder Form (Assassin) – Converts extra HP into Physical Attack, giving him fast, high-damage combos.
• Torrent Form (Tank) – Converts bonus Attack into Max HP, turning him into a bruiser who can soak up damage while controlling fights.

Image Credit: Moonton

It’s a flexible system, similar to MLBB’s Suyou, but with a twist: Sora’s transformation depends on which direction you swipe his ultimate skill.

Skill Breakdown

Here’s how his kit plays out depending on which True Art you choose:

Skill 1: Sundering Strike

• Thunderflash (Thunder) – A flurry of fast strikes that scale off Attack power, plus a lunge.
• Overwhelm (Torrent) – Twin strikes with Attack scaling and a lunge that stuns, perfect for locking enemies down.

Image Credit: Moonton

Skill 2: Windstride

• Thunder Rush (Thunder) – A leap followed by a thunderstorm, dealing damage and slowing enemies.
• Skyfall (Torrent) – A leap that knocks enemies back and smashes them into the air.

Image Credit: Moonton

Ultimate: Shifting Skies

1. Swipe left – Enter Thunder form, briefly untargetable, gaining speed and high-damage strikes.
2. Swipe right – Enter Torrent form, pulling in enemies and dealing HP-based damage.

Image Credit: Moonton

It’s a kit that requires practice, but once mastered, it could push him high on the MLBB meta tier list.

When Will Sora Be Released?

Right now, Sora is only available on the advanced server. MOONTON Games hasn’t confirmed an official release date yet, but based on their usual schedule of launching new heroes every three months, fans can likely expect him to arrive around mid-December 2025 or early January 2026.

The last hero, Obsidia, followed that pattern, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Sora drops at the start of the next ranked season. Until then, players should keep an eye on updates, as his abilities may be tweaked before launch.

A Tease of Future Collabs?

Between his wild transformations, elastic combos, and anime-like style, Sora feels like a nod to Luffy Gear 5 from One Piece. While nothing has been confirmed, Mobile Legends has a history of big anime crossovers, including Naruto, so the idea of a One Piece x MLBB collaboration doesn’t feel far-fetched at all.

For now, players can look forward to testing Sora on the advanced server and preparing for his arrival on the main game later this year.

The post New MLBB Hero Sora Looks Like a Luffy Gear 5 Collab Waiting to Happen appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has confirmed a brand new crossover with SpongeBob SquarePants, and players are already buzzing about what’s coming.

The collaboration, officially called the Undersea Restaurant Event, introduces special skins based on characters from the iconic Nickelodeon cartoon. So far, only splash art has been revealed, but it’s enough to get fans excited.

Preview tampilan event MLBB x Spongebob bernama Undersea Restaurant pic.twitter.com/MkL3gXaTO5

— aceunyil (@aceunyil) September 13, 2025

Cyclops will be getting a SpongeBob SquarePants skin, while Gloo is set to transform into Patrick Star. The designs were first leaked by well-known dataminer aceunyil, who also confirmed that the Cyclops SpongeBob skin can be unlocked for free during the event.

Dikonfirmasi melalui event MLBB x Spongebob, skin Cyclops “Spongebob” bisa didapatkan secara gratis! pic.twitter.com/TqNCY4FXM2

— aceunyil (@aceunyil) September 13, 2025

Translation: “Confirmed through the MLBB x SpongeBob event, the Cyclops ‘SpongeBob’ skin can be obtained for free!”

Preview tampilan event MLBB x Spongebob bernama Undersea Restaurant pic.twitter.com/MkL3gXaTO5

— aceunyil (@aceunyil) September 13, 2025

Translation: “Preview of the MLBB x SpongeBob event called Undersea Restaurant.”

While Moonton hasn’t shared full in-game previews yet, the early artwork shows off colourful, cartoon-inspired makeovers that stay true to the light-hearted spirit of SpongeBob and Patrick. More details about gameplay effects, animations, and how to obtain the skins are expected to roll out as the event draws closer.

This isn’t the first time Mobile Legends has teamed up with big pop culture brands, but the SpongeBob crossover has quickly become one of the most talked-about thanks to its nostalgic appeal. Expect even more players to log in when the event officially goes live.

The post MLBB x SpongeBob Collab Event Brings Free Spongebob Cyclops Skin appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Magic Chess: Go Go is officially levelling up its competitive scene, with MOONTON Games announcing in-game qualifiers for the autobattler’s very first international esports tournament.

The new system, called MCGG Rising Stars (MRS), gives players a chance to climb the ranks, earn rewards, and potentially secure a spot at the inaugural global showdown. Think of it as a fast-track for everyday players to prove their strategy skills on the biggest stage.

Rising Stars is here!
The first MCGG Rising Stars officially begins on 09/12!
Easy one-click entry: No registration required, all players can participate!#MCGG#MagicChessGoGo#MRSS3#MCGGRisingStars#MRSGoToChampion pic.twitter.com/pxkfNahh2l

— Magic Chess: Go Go (@MagicChessGoGo) September 5, 2025

How the in-game qualifiers work

Much like MLBB’s Rising Open, the MRS will act as an open pathway into the international event. Running for six weekends between September 12th and October 19th, players across seven regions, Asia, EECA (Eastern Europe and Central Asia), Europe, Indonesia, Latin America, Malaysia, and the Philippines, can jump straight in without needing to register.

All you need to do is fire up Magic Chess: Go Go during the dates and take part. The format splits progression into six stages, each dishing out exclusive titles, with the added bonus of a potential special skin for participants.

MOONTON first teased the qualifiers in the Season 3 update, which also brought notable changes to the meta. That update also revealed the game’s first-ever global esports tournament, which you can read more about in our coverage here: Magic Chess: Go Go Announces First Global Esports Tournament with Season 3.

According to producer Gao “Skyhook” Chong, the idea behind MRS is simple: “to build a competitive and engaging ecosystem where strategy and fun go hand in hand.”

MRS schedule

Here’s the rundown for the MRS Open Qualifiers:

• Start Ground: Fresh Star (September 12–14)
• Community Clash: Community Star (September 19–21)
• Urban League: Urban Star (September 26–28)
• Subregional Contest: Subregional Star (October 3–5)
• Regional Contest: Regional Star (October 10–12)
• Rising Stars Trials: Rising Star (October 17–19)

The top-performing Rising Stars from each division will move forward to the Division Finals. While details on the finals haven’t been confirmed yet, the winners there will punch their ticket to the first-ever MCGG international tournament.

Why this is a big deal

Indonesia has already proven to be a hotbed for Magic Chess: Go Go, with the third edition of its community tournament earlier this year pulling in over a million views across channels. With the global spotlight now in sight, MRS feels like a natural next step, expanding the scene and giving players everywhere a shot at international glory.

Magic Chess: Go Go may be the younger sibling in MOONTON’s lineup, but this tournament could cement its place as one of the studio’s next big esports titles. And with qualifiers being so accessible, there’s no better time to jump in and test your tactical chops.

The post Magic Chess: Go Go In Game Qualifiers Open Path To World Championship appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s M7 World Championship is shaping up to be one of the biggest esports events of early 2026. MOONTON has officially revealed how the 22 slots will be distributed across regions, and fans are already buzzing about who will make it to Jakarta, Indonesia, when the tournament kicks off in January.

The Regional Slot Allocation for the M7 World Championship

14 Main Stage Teams with 2 Wild Card Advance Teams will battle for the World Champion title

Get ready for an EPIC tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia 👏#MLBBEsports #M7 pic.twitter.com/NT8cvpY3UN

— MLBB Esports Official (@mlbbesports_en) August 30, 2025

Indonesia Returns as Host

Indonesia will once again take the spotlight as the host nation, marking the second time the country has welcomed the M World Championship. Jakarta is set to be the stage where the best Mobile Legends teams from across the globe battle it out for the ultimate crown and a share of the $1 million prize pool.

The event was originally planned for December 2025, but due to the SEA Games taking place in Thailand during that month, M7 has been pushed to January. The SEA Games will also feature esports titles such as Arena of Valor, Free Fire, MLBB, and EA Sports FC Online, with both male and female tournaments in MLBB.

Wildcard Stage Expands

The Wildcard stage continues to be one of the most exciting parts of the M World Championship. This time, eight regions will compete for two available spots in the main event, doubling the opportunity compared to M6 where only one Wildcard team advanced.

The regions in the Wildcard include:

• Vietnam
• China
• Eastern Europe & Central Asia (EECA)
• Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
• Turkey
• Mongolia
• Japan
• Mekong

One of the biggest highlights is Japan making its return to the M World Championship for the first time since M2, following its appearance at the MLBB Mid-Season Cup in Riyadh earlier this year.

Main Event Slot Distribution

A total of 16 teams will compete in the main event. Here’s how the slots are divided:

• 2 slots each: Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia
• 1 slot each: Myanmar, China, EECA, MENA, Turkey, Latin America (LATAM), Singapore, Cambodia
• 2 slots: Wildcard winners

Image Credit: MOONTON

This makes up the 16 main event contenders who will clash in Jakarta for the title of world champion.

The Big Omission: North America

One of the most surprising updates is that North America has been left out entirely. The region does not have a slot in either the main event or the Wildcard stage.

This decision follows the decline of the North America Challenger Tournament (NACT), which has been scaled down in recent editions. The controversy surrounding BTK at MSC 2025 also played a role, where the team was disqualified after some players competed in rival MOBA title Honor of Kings. Afterward, BTK announced its move to Honor of Kings, with star player Michael “MobaZane” Cosgun even appearing at the Honor of Kings World Cup 2025.

With North America out of the picture, the competitive balance of the M7 World Championship could see big shifts, opening the door for new regions to rise.

Why M7 Matters More Than Ever

Mobile Legends has continued to grow its global footprint, with expansions into regions like Azerbaijan and record-breaking brand value numbers from past events. The M7 World Championship stands as the pinnacle of MLBB esports, and this year feels even more significant with new faces in the Wildcard and powerhouse regions like Indonesia and the Philippines doubling their chances.

Fans are eager to see if the SEA dominance continues or if we’ll witness an underdog story from emerging regions. With the tournament set for January 2026, the countdown has officially begun.

The post Mobile Legends M7 World Championship Slot Allocation Revealed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup 2025 has just made esports history, becoming the most-watched event in the Esports World Cup so far. During the Knockout Stage Quarterfinals between RRQ Hoshi and Selangor Red Giants Esports, the match peaked at a staggering 3.06 million viewers, a first for any EWC event.

NEW #EWC SERIES RECORD 🥳#MSC2025 reaches 3M Peak Viewers during @teamrrqofficial vs @selangorfc.@OGesports

See how this @mlbbesports_en event broke the record
👉 https://t.co/4g1DhFWYyS pic.twitter.com/E5afppwME4

— Esports Charts 🇺🇦 (@EsportsCharts) August 3, 2025

The sparking showdown pitted two popular fan-favorites against one another: top MLBB club RRQ Hoshi from Indonesia and Malaysia’s reigning powerhouse side, Selangor Red Giants. With RRQ as a presence, it was little wonder that ratings soared. Their global appeal ensured a big turn-out — and this was just another occasion to present evidence for it.

For Selangor Red Giants Esports, this wasn’t just a big match, it was their most-watched game ever, thanks in part to the sheer interest RRQ brings wherever they go. Hitting over 3 million peak viewers is no small feat, and it’s a milestone that underlines how fast the mobile MOBA scene is growing.

This record-breaking viewership stat was tracked by Esports Charts, which monitors live viewing data across multiple platforms. It’s worth noting that their technology carefully filters out anomalies, such as sudden spikes from host raids, to give an accurate picture of genuine audience engagement.

Image Credit: Esports Charts

Whether this new record will hold by the end of the event remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: MLBB continues to dominate the mobile esports scene in a big way.

The post 3 Million Viewers! MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025 Breaks Viewership Record at Esports World Cup appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Liquid PH have taken home the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid-Season Cup 2025 champion title, clinching a dominant 4-1 win over defending champions Selangor Red Giants OG in the Grand Final held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

It’s a historic first MSC title for Team Liquid PH, who went unbeaten through the entire tournament, making up for back-to-back semifinal exits in 2023 and 2024. The win also marks the Philippines’ fourth MSC crown overall, reinforcing the nation’s standing as a global powerhouse in mobile esports.

Sanford Leads, Team Dominates

Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya delivered a standout performance in the finals and was deservingly named Finals MVP.

He was backed by MLBB veterans and stars, KarlTzy, Sanji, Jaypee, and OHEB, as Team Liquid steamrolled their way through the knockout stages, including a 3-0 sweep of Turkey’s Aurora and a 3-1 win over ONIC Indonesia.

Image via Liquipedia.net

KarlTzy, one of the Philippines’ most decorated esports players, added yet another title to his name. With multiple MPL titles, two world championships, and a SEA Games gold already under his belt, he’s now well on track to become the GOAT of Filipino esports.

SRG’s Early Fire Fizzles

The Grand Final kicked off with Selangor Red Giants OG grabbing an early win in just 16 minutes. But Team Liquid PH quickly found their rhythm, bouncing back hard and taking the next four games in a row to seal the series.

SRG, made up of Malaysian and Filipino players, settled for second place and USD 500,000, while the Filipino champs bagged USD 1 million in prize money.

Image via Liquipedia.net

ONIC PH Clinches Bronze

In the battle for third, ONIC PH edged out sibling team ONIC Indonesia in a nail-biting 3-2 win. It was a strong showing from both teams, adding another feather in the cap for the Philippines, which continues to dominate the international MLBB scene.

Team Liquid PH’s win also earns them the right to represent the country in the upcoming 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok this December.

A Clean Sweep for Team Liquid

From the Group Stage to the Grand Final, Team Liquid PH barely broke a sweat. They topped their group, crushed Aurora, and outclassed ONIC ID on their way to the final. It was a run that showed not just their skill, but their adaptability and mental strength on the big stage.

The post Team Liquid PH Wins MLBB Mid Season Cup MSC at EWC 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup or MSC, part of this year’s Esports World Cup (EWC), has taken the spotlight, pulling in a staggering peak viewership of nearly 1.9 million.

Just short of 1.9 MILLION@teamrrqofficial vs @auroraggmlbb sets a new #MSC2025 peak!

LIVE @mlbbesports_en stats:
🔴 https://t.co/0Q7dwmEwRF pic.twitter.com/9o82XjUqI5

— Esports Charts 🇺🇦 (@EsportsCharts) July 27, 2025

Already a household name in South-East Asia, MLBB consistently pulls massive crowds online. Its global fanbase helped the Mid Season Cup outperform heavyweights like Valorant and League of Legends, making it the most-watched tournament at EWC so far.

Have You Heard About MLBB yet?

Even though MLBB is one of the most popular esports games in the world, it is still unknown in places like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s rarely promoted through mainstream esports channels there, and as of now, only one pro player from the UK has earned prize money from the game, according to Esports Earnings.

In contrast, countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia dominate the competitive scene. Filipino teams, in particular, are EWC favourites, in terms of performance.

Originally launched in 2016 and published in China, MLBB now boasts a monthly player base between 45 to 75 million.

MLBB Viewership Leaves Others Behind

According to Esports Charts, MLBB’s Mid Season Cup peaked at 1,898,116 viewers, outperforming even League of Legends, which only reached 1.2 million, well below its 3.4 million peak just a week earlier at the MSI.

Top Matches from July 2025, Week 4

🥇 @teamrrqofficial vs @auroraggmlbb
🥈 @onic_esports vs @teamliquidph
🥉 @onic_esports vs VirtusProhttps://t.co/ZqGD6clqds pic.twitter.com/ERVbrBfAsl

— Esports Charts 🇺🇦 (@EsportsCharts) July 29, 2025

Meanwhile, A widespread boycott of the mainstream caused Valorant to suffer, and fans turned to creator watch parties to express their disapproval of Saudi Arabia’s role. Though still far below MLBB’s astounding viewership, other shows, including Honour of Kings, set records despite the controversy, attracting over 650k peak viewers.

Even the Women’s Scene is Soaring

Additionally, the EWC x MLBB Women’s Invitational was not overlooked. Its peak viewership of 467,988 surpassed even the official Valorant event, demonstrating MLBB’s broad appeal.

MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025 at #EWC2025 peaked at 467.9K viewers!

Top Matches:
1. @GaiminGladiator vs @VitalityMLBB
2. @GaiminGladiator vs @TidalLegends
3. @VitalityMLBB vs @TeamLiquid

Full breakdown: https://t.co/5jKVwD6DnT pic.twitter.com/kgdmA18ed9

— Esports Charts 🇺🇦 (@EsportsCharts) July 30, 2025

Final Thoughts

More than merely remarkable, MLBB’s performance at the Esports World Cup is historic. With a devoted fan base and exciting weekly matchups, it’s obvious that MLBB is spearheading the mobile esports revolution, and the rest of the world may want to follow suit.

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