MLBB MSC 2025 at Esports World Cup gets format overhaul, $3M prize pool

MLBB MSC 2025 at Esports World Cup gets format overhaul, $3M prize pool

MOONTON Games announced a revamped competitive format for MSC 2025 that aims to raise the bar of global mobile esports. The new structure includes a third-place match and a fresh draw mechanic, all under the tournament’s bold banner: #EncounterTheUnknown.

The event will once again feature a massive USD 3 million prize pool, ensuring top-tier competition as the world’s best MLBB teams clash in Riyadh.

“MLBB Esports goes beyond just gameplay and mechanics,” said Tiger Xu, Global Head of Esports at MOONTON Games. “This format is going to challenge players in new ways, and fans around the world are in for some truly exciting matches.”

Wild Card Stage: Only the strongest survive

MSC 2025 kicks off with a reworked Wild Card phase, featuring a Best-of-Three (BO3) double-elimination GSL format. Eight teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to cross-group semifinals.

Winners of the semis will then battle in a BO5 match for the final spot in the Group Stage. The revised structure removes the previous BO1 round-robin format and ensures that only the most resilient teams progress.

Main Event reshaped for high-stakes drama

The Group Stage transitions from a BO2 round-robin to a BO3 double-elimination format. Sixteen teams will be split into two groups, with the top four from each bracket moving on to the Knockout Stage.

Teams with a 2–0 record will choose their first-round Knockout opponents from among the 2–1 finishers. Selection priority is determined by total match time, rewarding dominant and efficient performances.

The Knockout Stage itself will remain single elimination, with BO5 matches leading up to a BO7 Grand Final. For the first time, MSC will also feature a third-place match, offering one last shot at podium placement.

Prize pool distribution gets a competitive tweak

The USD 3 million prize pool returns, but with an updated breakdown. Champions will walk away with USD 1 million, runners-up will receive USD 500,000, and the third-place finisher takes home USD 250,000 — up from last year’s USD 200,000.

In 2024, Selangor Red Giants (now Selangor Red Giants OG Esports) pulled off a 4–3 upset against then-M5 champions Falcons AP.Bren to secure the title and a million-dollar payday. With the stakes now higher for third place, expect fiercer battles all the way to the bronze medal match.

More regions, more rivalries

MSC 2025 will feature teams from 16 regions, with Japan and Vietnam joining the Wild Card pool. This expansion marks the broadest competitive field in MSC history, matching MOONTON’s vision of a globally inclusive esports ecosystem.

According to Esports Charts, MSC 2024 was the most-watched tournament of the inaugural EWC, reaching over 2.38 million peak concurrent viewers and totaling 29 million hours watched. MLBB also claimed the title of most-watched mobile esports game of 2024.

One Game, Two Champions returns

Alongside MSC, the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) makes its return to EWC, continuing as the event’s sole women’s tournament. In 2024, MWI featured a landmark USD 500,000 prize pool — one of the highest in women’s esports — as MOONTON doubled down on its call for inclusivity.

The dual-champion narrative reinforces MLBB’s holistic approach to global esports, with both tournaments staged at the world’s biggest multi-title esports event.