The global spotlight is turning to the Land of Dawn this November, as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang officially makes its debut at the Esports Nations Cup. Running from November 23 to November 29, 2026, the tournament marks the first time the mobile MOBA will feature at the multi-title international event, bringing together the world’s strongest national teams for a week of high-stakes competition.

The world is watching the Land of Dawn.

From November 23-29, @MobileLegendsOL makes its mark at the Esports Nations Cup. Which flag will you fly? pic.twitter.com/t7VbDXvfP0

— Esports Nations Cup (@ENC_EN) January 25, 2026

With national pride on the line and a massive prize pool up for grabs, the inaugural ML:BB tournament at the Esports Nations Cup is set to establish new rivalries and define which country truly stands atop the global ML:BB scene.

Image Credit: Esports Nations Cup

A Global Stage With 32 National Teams

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competition at the Esports Nations Cup will feature 32 national teams, each representing their country with carefully selected lineups made up of elite players. Nations will compete for a share of the USD $1.5 million prize pool, with the first ENC gold medals in ML:BB history waiting at the finish line.

Sixteen teams will receive direct invitations based on the newly introduced MLBB Nation Ranking System, while the remaining slots will be filled through regional qualifiers and two wildcard invitations. The ranking cut-off date is set for August 2, shortly after the Mid-Season Cup at the Esports World Cup 2026.

Qualifiers And Regional Representation

Regional qualifiers will take place from August 14 to August 16, giving teams from across the world a chance to earn their place on the ENC stage. One or two national teams will qualify from each region, depending on allocation.

Participating qualifier regions include North America, South America, Middle East and North Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania, East Asia, and Africa. Fourteen teams will advance through qualifiers, joining the 16 invited nations and two wildcard entries to complete the final lineup.

Tournament Format Explained

The ML:BB Esports Nations Cup tournament will unfold across a structured, multi-stage format during tournament week four. All 32 teams will be divided into four groups of eight, competing in a round-robin group stage with best-of-two matches.

The top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, forming a 16-team single-elimination bracket. Playoff matches will be played as best-of-five series, while the Grand Final will use a best-of-seven format to crown the first-ever ML:BB Esports Nations Cup champions.

How The MLBB Nation Ranking System Works

A key feature of the Esports Nations Cup is the introduction of the MLBB Nation Ranking System. This system takes results from international and regional ML:BB competitions and assigns points to Clubs based on their performance.

Those points are shared equally among players who participated, with each national roster accumulating points from its top five players. The final national rankings determine which teams receive direct invitations to the Esports Nations Cup, adding long-term competitive weight to performances throughout the season.

Why Mobile Legends Fits The Nations Cup

With more than 125 heroes available, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang offers deep strategic variety, from drafting and lane control to roaming, crowd control, and late-game execution. Success at the Esports Nations Cup will depend heavily on teamwork, coordination, and the ability to adapt under pressure across all five roles.

Historically dominant regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia enter the tournament as early favourites, thanks to their consistent international success. At the same time, emerging regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America are closing the gap, bringing fresh talent and new strategies to the global stage.

A Milestone Moment For Mobile Esports

The inclusion of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang as the first announced title at the Esports Nations Cup represents a major milestone for mobile esports. The decision follows MOONTON Games becoming a publishing partner for the event in late 2025, further strengthening ML:BB’s position within the global competitive ecosystem.

As confirmed by the Esports World Cup Foundation, the ML:BB tournament will be one of 16 titles featured at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, setting the tone for a new era of international esports competition driven by national representation.

With the world watching and national flags ready to fly, November’s showdown in the Land of Dawn is shaping up to be one of the most important moments in Mobile Legends esports history.

The post Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Confirmed As First Game Listed At Esports Nations Cup 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

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.

👑 Congrats ONIC Esports, the kings of MPL Indonesia!

🔥 3 MILLION+ tuned in for the #MPLID S16 Grand Fina!

Congratulations to @onic_esports , Alter Ego & RRQ Hoshi, all of whom delivered peak hype!

More details here 👉https://t.co/KulXmEKJVd pic.twitter.com/7akQKso4ez

— Esports Charts 🇺🇦 (@EsportsCharts) November 2, 2025

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.

The post ONIC Crowned MPL Indonesia Season 16 Champions After Beating Alter Ego 4-1 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Esports Awards are back for their milestone tenth anniversary, and this year’s line-up of finalists is packed with some of the biggest names in gaming and esports. From Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Valorant, the 2025 ceremony looks set to celebrate the very best talent, teams, and creators shaping the global scene.

ONE HOUR TO GO!

Today is the day to reveal everything you need to know about the Esports Awards 2025!

Join us as we reveal the finalists today at 3 pm BST.

See you later!

3 pm BST
7:00 AM PST
10:00 AM EST
4:00 PM CET#EsportsAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/lZB1cNsBq7

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) October 16, 2025

The event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 19 November 2025, followed by the PWR UP industry conference the next day, featuring talks and panels from top esports professionals.

A Decade of Esports Excellence

“The Esports Awards continues to shine a light on the best in esports and gaming, and we’re thrilled to present our tenth-anniversary ceremony,” said Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards. “Following last year’s introduction of two annual shows, we are excited to celebrate this year’s best in Las Vegas.”

This marks the second Esports Awards show of 2025, following the one-off Decade Awards in Riyadh earlier this year, an event held to honour ten years of competitive gaming milestones.

For 2025, there have been a few changes to the awards list. The Coverage Platform of the Year category has been replaced with Esports Supporting Platform of the Year, while Esports Journalist of the Year remains absent since its last appearance in 2023.

All 21 Categories and Nominees

Fans can now vote across 21 categories, recognising achievements across players, teams, organisations, and industry partners.
Here’s the full list of finalists for 2025:

Esports Game of the Year

• Apex Legends
• Counter-Strike 2
• DOTA 2
• Fortnite
• Honor of Kings
• League of Legends
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
• Pokémon Unite
• PUBG Mobile
• Valorant

Esports Mobile Game of the Year

• Brawl Stars
• Call of Duty Mobile
• Free Fire
• Honor of Kings
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
• PUBG Mobile
• Pokémon Unite

Esports Personality of the Year

• Animesh “Thug” Agarwal
• Corentin “Gotaga” Houssein
• Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
• Ibai “Ibai” Llanos
• Jeremy “Disguised Toast” Wang
• Marc “Caedrel” Robert Lamont
• Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag
• Mossad “Msdossary” Aldossary
• Seth “Scump” Abner
• Kamel “Kameto” Kebir

Streamer of the Year

• Case “CaseOh” Baker
• Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins
• Emily “ExtraEmily” Zhang
• Félix “xQc” Lengyel
• Ibai Llanos
• Kai “Kai Cenat” Carlo Cenat III
• Marc “Caedrel” Robert Lamont
• Mark “ohnePixel” Zimmermann
• Morgan “AngryGinge” Burtwistle
• Nick “Lacy” Fosco
• Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart
• Payal “Payal Gaming” Dhare

Esports Content Group of the Year

• Fnatic
• Gentle Mates
• Godlike
• Karmine Corp
• S8UL
• Sentinels
• T1
• Team Heretics
• Team Liquid

Esports Content Creator of the Year

• Alexandre “gAuLeS” Borba Chiqueta
• Arran “TacticalRab” Francis
• Cody “Clix” Conrod
• Donato “TheDonato” Muñoz
• Jack “NiceWigg” Martin
• Jonathan “JONATHAN GAMING” Amaral
• Marc “Caedrel” Robert Lamont
• Mark “ohnePixel” Zimmermann
• Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart
• Raj “Snax” Varma
• Tarik “tarik” Celik
• Thomas “ZooMaa” Paparatto

Esports Breakthrough Player of the Year

• Brock “brawk” Somerhalder
• Derek “Blaz” Blaz Jann “Kirk” Kirk Solcruz Gutierrez
• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski
• Mason “Mercules” Ramsey
• Meng “DaShuai” Jiajun
• Rasyah “Rasyah” Rasyid
• Rudy “SkewMond” Semaan
• Samy “dralii” Hajji
• Sodbayar “Techno4K” Munkhbold
• Zack “Stompn” Lamb

Esports Team of the Year

• AG Super Play – Honor of Kings
• FURIA – Rainbow Six Siege
• Gen.G – League of Legends
• Karmine Corp – Rocket League
• LA Thieves – Call of Duty
• NRG – Valorant
• OpTic Texas – Call of Duty
• Team Falcons – DOTA
• Team Falcons – Rocket League
• Team Vitality – Counter-Strike 2
• Team Vitality – MLBB Women

Esports PC Player of the Year

• Brock “brawk” Somerhalder
• Danil “donk” Kryshkovets
• Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto
• Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon
• Jeong “Stalk3r” Hak-yong
• João “Jv92” Vitor
• Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
• Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon
• Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak

Esports Controller Player of the Year

• Anders “Vejrgang” Vejrgang
• Goichi “GO1” Kishida
• Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon
• Mason “Mercules” Ramsey
• Miron “Effect” Novikov
• Samy “dralii” Hajji
• Thomas “Scrap” Ernst
• Wyatt “LastShot” Gowan
• Yazeed “Kiileerrz” Bakhashwin
• Zeng “Xiao Hai” Zhuojun

Esports Organisation of the Year

• AG.AL
• G2 Esports
• Gen.G
• NRG
• OpTic Gaming
• Team Falcons
• Team Liquid
• Team Vitality
• Virtus.pro
• Weibo Gaming

Esports Coach of the Year

• Alexandre “alecks” Sallé
• Jin “zWy” Changlin
• Julio “Julio” Coelho Neto Giacomelli
• Kim “Kim” Jung-su
• Kim “NineK” Bum-hoon
• Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling
• Malkolm “bonkar” Rench
• Matthew “Satthew” Ackermann
• Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam

Esports Commercial Partner of the Year

• DHL
• Infinix
• Intel
• Logitech G
• Mastercard
• Mobil 1
• PepsiCo
• Red Bull
• Shopify
• VISA
• Zenni

Esports Publisher of the Year

• Electronic Arts
• Epic Games
• Krafton
• Level Infinite
• Microsoft
• Moonton
• NetEase
• Riot Games
• Valve

Esports Supporting Service of the Year

• Bad Moon Talent
• Character Select Agency
• ESG Law
• Evolved Talent Agency
• Heaven Media
• Loaded
• Ocelot Sports
• Prodigy Agency
• Ulti Agency

Esports Supporting Platform of the Year

• Blinkfire
• Blitz.gg
• Discord
• Esports Charts
• FACEIT
• GRID Esports
• Liquipedia
• Mobalytics
• Overwolf
• Shikenso
• Tracker Network

Esports Creative Campaign of the Year

• Team Vitality × Nescafé – Ready to Level Up
• DHL – eFFiBOT Game: World Championship
• Team Vitality × Aldi – Rising Day
• ALGS × Red Bull – iiTzTimmy + ImperialHal
• Prime Video – Esports World Cup Level Up
• G2 Esports LoL Roster Announcement
• Team Liquid 25-Year Anniversary Campaign

Esports Play-by-Play Caster of the Year

• Anders Blume
• Brandon “BSmith” Smith
• Clayton “CaptainFlowers” Raines
• Conner “Scrawny” Girvan
• James “Kaelaris” Carrol
• Lauren “Pansy” Scott
• Mark “Onset” Hatcher
• Michael “Yipes” Mendoza
• Miles Ross
• Owen “ODPixel” Davies
• The7WG
• Victoria “VikkiKitty” Perez

Esports Colour Caster of the Year

• Andy “Bravo” Dudynsky
• Andrew “Vedius” Day
• Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill
• Dan “Gaskin” Gaskin
• Isaac “Azael” Cummings-Bentley
• Josh “Sideshow” Wilkinson
• Mohan “launders” Govindasamy
• Thomas “Chance” Ashworth

Esports Host of the Year

• Chris “Puckett” Puckett
• Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere
• Evan “Raynday” Byron Raynr
• Frankie Ward
• Freya “Freya” Spiers
• Ghassan “Milosh” Finge
• Iain Chambers
• James Banks
• Lauren “GlitterXplosion” Laracuente
• Laure Valée
• Salome “Soe” Gschwind-Repp
• Trevor “Quickshot” Henry

Esports Analyst of the Year

• Emily Rand
• Jack “Fresh” Allen
• Jacob “Pimp” Winneche
• John “JHawk” Harris
• Joshua “steel” Nissan
• Léo “Alphama” Robine
• Mimi “aEvilcat” Wermcrantz
• Robert “Dagda” Price
• Weston “Clutch” Price

How You Can Vote

Voting is open now through 12 November 2025, and the process is refreshingly straightforward.

Image via esportsawards.com

• Go to the official Esports Awards website.
• You’ll land on a sleek homepage showing all 21 categories, from Esports Game of the Year to Personality of the Year.
• Choose your favourites by clicking the circle under each nominee’s image.
• After finalising your picks, click Submit Vote to lock in your selections.
• Lastly, enter your name and email address.

Once submitted, you can vote again every 24 hours, giving fans the chance to support multiple nominees or rally votes for their favourites daily.

Celebrating a Decade of Esports Achievement

The 2025 Esports Awards celebrate not just this year’s icons but the evolution of competitive gaming itself. Whether it’s seeing Caedrel earn multiple nominations or witnessing Mobile Legends compete alongside Valorant and Counter-Strike 2, the line-up truly reflects how global and diverse esports have become.

The post Esports Awards 2025 Finalists Revealed – Here’s How You Can Vote for Your Favourites appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

YouTube Channel Temporarily Taken Down

The official Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Esports YouTube channel has been temporarily suspended by YouTube, developer MOONTON confirmed in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Official Statement pic.twitter.com/IwErhZ7myA

— MLBB Esports Official (@mlbbesports_en) October 16, 2025

According to the post, the suspension came as a result of “third-party unauthorised livestream events” that were outside of MOONTON’s control. The company has since reached out to YouTube to resolve the issue and restore the channel as soon as possible.

“We are currently communicating with YouTube to rectify the situation,” the statement reads. “In the meantime, please head over to MLBB Esports on Facebook and TikTok, and MLBB Regional Socials to view the live broadcasts of our esports events and latest M7 updates.”

Possible Hack Linked to Crypto Scam

While MOONTON did not share full details about what triggered the suspension, early signs point to a possible hack. A user on Instagram claimed the MLBB Esports YouTube channel was compromised and used to promote a cryptocurrency giveaway, a tactic that has become increasingly common among large gaming channels.

This situation also comes just days after several other major esports organisations had their official YouTube channels hijacked to promote a fake Solana memecoin giveaway. As covered Major Esports YouTube Channels Hacked to Promote Fake Solana “Memecoin” Giveaway, platforms belonging to ESL, BLAST Premier, BLAST Rainbow Six, and even the Esports World Cup were taken over and streamed a scam giveaway.

Those hacked channels briefly aired old interview footage, including one featuring Gabe Newell discussing the Steam Deck, with a QR code linking to the fraudulent crypto stream. The affected accounts, including MLBB Esports, have since been restored and are now back online.

Community Reactions and Ongoing Events

The news has caused quite a stir among the Mobile Legends community. Fans and players took to X to express concern and frustration, with replies ranging from shocked “Noooo” comments to simple “gg” reactions.

Despite the disruption, MLBB’s competitive circuit remains active. The Mobile Legends Professional Leagues (MPL) across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, and MENA continue to host key matches that will determine who qualifies for the upcoming M7 World Championship.

Originally planned for December 2025, the M7 World Championship has been rescheduled to January 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The change was made to avoid overlap with the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where MLBB will appear as an official medal event.

A Quick Recovery Expected

Given how other esports organisations have recovered swiftly from similar crypto-related breaches, it’s likely that the MLBB Esports YouTube channel will be restored soon.

Until then, MOONTON has encouraged fans to keep up with tournament coverage and M7 updates through MLBB’s official Facebook, TikTok, and regional league accounts.

The developer closed its statement by thanking the community for its continued patience and support as it works to resolve the situation.

The post MLBB Esports YouTube Channel Suspended Following Reported Hack appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Esports World Cup is officially returning in 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the biggest esports spectacles of the year. Organised by the Saudi government-backed Esports World Cup Foundation, the third edition of the tournament will once again bring together the world’s most prestigious competitive titles, and some fresh surprises are still on the way.

The organisers have confirmed the first 20 games for next year’s line-up, covering everything from MOBAs and shooters to fighting and strategy titles. Fans can expect top-tier esports like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, VALORANT, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to headline the competition once again.

A full roster of confirmed titles includes:

• Apex Legends
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Chess
• Counter-Strike 2
• Crossfire
• Dota 2
• EA Sports FC 26
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
• Free Fire
• Honor of Kings
• League of Legends
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
• Overwatch 2
• PUBG: Battlegrounds
• PUBG Mobile
• Rainbow Six Siege X
• Street Fighter 6
• Teamfight Tactics
• VALORANT

That still leaves four more titles yet to be revealed, keeping fans guessing as the organisers tease new additions in the coming months.

We’re coming back in 2026 with a squad of the most prestigious esports titles 🏆

And four are yet to be announced 👀 pic.twitter.com/H4IjHRxMBC

— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) October 8, 2025

Returning heavyweights and rising contenders

Interestingly, all 20 of the currently announced games featured at the 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup. While that means no brand-new titles have been confirmed yet, the organisers have promised that four more will join the line-up before the event kicks off. Last year’s additions included CrossFire, Fatal Fury, Chess, and VALORANT, so there’s every chance the upcoming reveals could introduce another mix of mainstream and niche favourites.

Chess continues to be a surprising but successful inclusion. Earlier this year, Magnus Carlsen partnered with Chess.com to launch a weekly qualifying series that will serve as an official route to the Esports World Cup 2026, proving that even non-traditional esports are finding a growing audience.

A growing global spectacle

The Esports World Cup has quickly become a cornerstone of the competitive gaming calendar. First launched in 2024 to replace Gamers8, the event has since expanded in scale and influence. The 2025 edition was a record-breaker, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and posting a massive 51.3% increase in total watch time, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s Mid Season Cup 2025 surpassing 3 million peak viewers.

Now, with another stacked line-up and continued backing from major publishers and global organisations, the Esports World Cup 2026 is looking to top those numbers. With four unannounced titles still to come, fans can expect more reveals as the countdown to Riyadh begins.

The post Esports World Cup 2026 Reveals 20 Games With Four Still to Come appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) fans have something new to look forward to at next year’s World Championship. Chinese smartphone brand realme has been named the official phone partner for the M7 World Championship, with its new flagship, the realme 15 Pro, taking centre stage as the tournament’s official gaming phone.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Azalia Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia, with MOONTON Games confirming that the deal is part of a wider push to strengthen the global mobile esports ecosystem.

A Gaming Phone Built for Esports

The realme 15 Pro comes with some serious hardware designed to impress both casual players and professional competitors. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset and includes GT Boost, a feature that automatically optimises performance during long sessions. The device also packs an AI-powered Gaming Coach that analyses gameplay in real time, offering tactical suggestions and tips to help players sharpen their skills.

Battery life has been given just as much attention, with the phone boasting a huge 7000 mAh battery paired with 80W Ultra Charge technology. That means longer play sessions with less downtime, something crucial for competitive players.

“Partnering with realme is a strategic step as we aim to make the M7 the largest M Series yet,” said Martinus H Manurung, Head of ID Business Development at MOONTON Games. “With the realme 15 Pro as the M7 Official Gaming Phone, MLBB fans worldwide will experience the tournament at its best through smooth performance and immersive gameplay. More importantly, the partnership allows us to showcase Indonesia as a leading esports hub.”

Image Credit: realme / Moonton

This isn’t realme’s first foray into esports. Earlier this year, realme Bangladesh hosted the Return of King 2025 PUBG Mobile tournament, showing the brand’s commitment to competitive gaming across multiple titles.

M7 World Championship Kicks Off January 2026

Alongside the partnership announcement, MOONTON also revealed the official schedule for the M7 World Championship. The event begins with the Wild Card stage from January 3 to 6, 2026, followed by the Swiss stage running from January 10 to 17.

The knockout rounds will take place from January 18 to 24, with the Grand Final set for January 25 in Jakarta. A total of 22 teams will compete, with eight regions, including Vietnam, China and Mongolia, battling it out in the Wild Card stage for a shot at the main event.

With MLBB already cemented as one of the most-watched mobile esports titles, the M6 World Championship drew over 4.1 million peak concurrent viewers, the stage is set for M7 to break even more records.

For fans, the addition of the realme 15 Pro as the official device promises smoother gameplay and an elevated tournament experience, while further underlining Indonesia’s growing reputation as the heart of MLBB esports.

The post realme 15 Pro Named Official Phone of MLBB M7 World Championship 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.

The MongolZ are branching out once again, this time moving into PUBG Mobile with the signing of the former Team GGs roster.

THE MONGOLZ PUBG MOBILE ROSTER

Dessert
Jiro
Fearless
Hopeless
Noah

We will participate in the upcoming PUBG Mobile Super League – Central & South Asia Fall 2025. pic.twitter.com/Q6Djs83icW

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) September 11, 2025

The Mongolian organisation, best known for its world-class Counter-Strike 2 lineup, announced the move on 11 September. The PUBG Mobile team consists of Dessert, Jiro, Fearless, Hopeless, and Noah, who will debut in the upcoming PUBG Mobile Super League, Central and South Asia Fall 2025.

The league kicks off on 18 September and will feature 20 teams from across the region battling it out for a share of the $200,000 prize pool. For The MongolZ, it’s a chance to prove themselves in another competitive scene, with the top three teams also securing a coveted spot at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship later this year.

Building on Team GGs’ Success

The MongolZ haven’t just signed any roster. Dessert, Jiro, and Fearless already made waves earlier in 2025, finishing second at the PUBG Mobile National Championship Mongolia. That result earned them one of just two spots available for Mongolian teams in the Central and South Asia Fall league.

With Hopeless and Noah joining the trio, the lineup is looking to cement itself among the best in Asia and carry on the momentum under the MongolZ banner.

Expanding Beyond CS2

This isn’t the organisation’s first move outside Counter-Strike. The MongolZ also field rosters in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2, further expanding their presence across multiple esports. PUBG Mobile is the latest step in that journey, tapping into a scene that has been growing rapidly throughout 2025.

The battle royale has seen big moves this year, including a $6m content creator initiative, a partnership with British carmaker Lotus to bring two vehicles into the game, and a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Esports Federation to help boost the title’s ecosystem in the Middle East.

For The MongolZ, the timing couldn’t be better. PUBG Mobile continues to pull in strong viewership numbers and bigger sponsors, making it an attractive arena for organisations looking to grow their brand.

With a proven roster and the backing of one of Mongolia’s most respected esports names, The MongolZ are set to make their mark on the PUBG Mobile Super League. Fans won’t have to wait long to see how they perform, with the first matches just days away.

The post The MongolZ Step Into PUBG Mobile With Former Team GGs Roster 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.

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