MSC 2025 welcomes 16 new teams and regions in its quest for the Esports World Cup
The ES TIMES — The MSC 2025 Mid-Season Cup, held in partnership with the Esports World Cup (EWC), is back for its second global edition with a record-setting 16 participating teams and the addition of two new Wild Card regions: Japan and Vietnam.
Following a landmark debut at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh last year, MSC 2025 further cements its transformation from a regional event to a global spectacle. The inclusion of Japan—returning to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) international stage for the first time since M2 2020—and Vietnam's debut through the 2024-launched Wild Card system, represents a significant expansion in regional diversity.
Wild Card expansion fuels global inclusion
The Wild Card system now brings eight teams into the playoffs, providing emerging regions with a valuable chance to earn a spot on the MSC 2025 x EWC main stage. This addition boosts representation and ensures more competitive diversity than ever before.
In 2024, the Wild Card stage attracted 373,543 peak concurrent viewers, according to Esports Charts, setting a new record for MLBB international viewership. This year's format continues to build on that momentum.
A milestone year for global MLBB esports
In total, 16 teams will compete on the MSC 2025 main stage, including the eventual Wild Card champion. The increased global footprint and broader player pool make this year's edition the most inclusive and competitive in MSC history.
This expansion aligns with the 2024 rebrand of the tournament from the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup to the Mid-Season Cup, reflecting Moonton's strategy to create a truly international MLBB esports ecosystem.
'The addition of new regions to MSC 2025 x EWC highlights our commitment to building a comprehensive MLBB esports ecosystem,' said Mike Chu, Head of Regional Esports at Moonton Games.
'This expansion not only raises the level of competition but also celebrates the diverse passion that drives the MLBB community around the world. We are excited to once again partner with EWC to showcase how the two esports giants celebrate the spirit of competition together.'
From record-breaking viewership to regional glory
At MSC 2024 x EWC, Selangor Red Giants made history by becoming the first Malaysian team to win an MLBB World Championship title, capturing the lion's share of the event's $3 million prize pool.
In 2024, MLBB was crowned the most-watched mobile esports title globally, amassing more than 475 million watch hours across regional, international, and third-party tournaments.
With its expanded global footprint, strategic partnership with EWC, and growing viewer base, MSC 2025 is set to elevate MLBB's profile even further on the international stage.
By Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming Writer
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