Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has established itself as one of the most-watched esports titles globally, and at the heart of its competitive calendar are two major international tournaments: the Mid-Season Cup (MSC) and the M World Championship. With MSC 2025 approaching fast, here’s a deep dive into the tournament’s evolution, this year’s format, and the teams you won’t want to miss.

🏆 What Is the MLBB Mid-Season Cup?

Originally launched in 2017 as the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup, the MSC was created to spotlight the best teams from Southeast Asia. As the game’s popularity spread, so did the tournament’s scope. In 2023, MSC welcomed teams from North America, Turkey, and the MENA region, signaling MLBB's push for global expansion. The competition was officially rebranded as the Mid-Season Cup in 2024, coinciding with its debut in the Esports World Cup and a massive tenfold increase in prize money.

Now, in 2025, the MSC returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 10 to August 2, offering a staggering $3 million prize pool and valuable Club Championship Points as part of the Esports World Cup.

🗓️ MSC 2025 Format and Schedule

This year’s event features a three-stage format:

• Wildcard Stage: July 10–13 

Eight teams battle for one final slot in the Group Stage.

• Group Stage: July 23–27

Sixteen teams are split into two groups, each playing through a double-elimination bracket. The top four teams from each group will proceed to the Knockout Stage.

• Knockout Stage: July 30–August 2

The top eight face off in a single-elimination bracket, with the champion taking home a cool $1 million. The runner-up will receive $500,000, while the rest of the $3 million prize pool is split among other contenders.

👀 Teams to Watch at MSC 2025

With 23 teams participating across both the Wildcard and Group Stages, this year’s tournament is packed with talent and storylines. Here are a few standout teams:

ONIC Philippines

The reigning world champions are making a strong return after a mixed 2024. They competed as Fnatic ONIC PH during MPL PH Season 13 but missed MSC last year. After bouncing back with wins at M6, all three Snapdragon Pro Series stages, and a runner-up finish at MPL PH S15, they are strong contenders in 2025.

SRG OG (Selangor Red Giants)

The 2024 MSC champions return with a new name—SRG OG—and a target on their backs. Representing Malaysia, they hope to defend their title and cement their region's rise in MLBB. Their performance at M6, where they finished third, only adds to the anticipation.

ONIC Indonesia

ONIC’s Indonesian squad also qualified as the top seed from their region. With the signing of Filipino talent Nowee “Ryota” Macasa, they’re looking to bring glory back to Indonesia, which last won the MSC in 2023—thanks to ONIC themselves.

Team Spirit

The dark horse from the CIS region, Team Spirit turned heads at M6, finishing fourth in a surprise run. Returning with the same roster, they’re determined to prove it was no fluke and establish themselves as a global powerhouse.

🏅 MSC Champions Over the Years

🧾 Conclusion

The MLBB Mid-Season Cup 2025 promises to be one of the year’s most exciting esports spectacles. With $3 million at stake, Club Championship Points on the line, and some of the best global talent competing, the tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments.

From its origins as a Southeast Asian competition to its transformation into a truly global event, the MSC continues to evolve—and 2025 might just be its biggest chapter yet. Whether you're rooting for a favorite or following the underdogs, July 10 to August 2 will be a must-watch stretch for every MLBB fan.

MOONTON Games, the studio behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, has officiallydisqualified S8UL Esports from the upcoming Mid Season Cup 2025 (MSC)—a major event in the Esports World Cup—after the team violated tournament participation rules.

The breach occurred when Chan Hoon “Sonhoon” and Michael “Mobazane” Cosgun, both members of S8UL, took part in an event affiliated with Honor of Kings, a rival mobile MOBA. According to MOONTON’s regulations, professional players are strictly prohibited from engaging in promotional activities or events linked to competing titles.

“As outlined in the MSC Penalty Index, a penalty will be imposed if any team member participates in events, activities, broadcasts, or other promotional efforts related to competitor games,” the MSC 2025 Committee clarified in an official statement.

With S8UL removed from the competition, their slot has been awarded to Area 77, the second-place team from the NACT 2025 Spring Tournament.

The MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025 is set to run from July 10 to August 2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the grand Esports World Cup festival. The event will feature a massive $3 million prize pool, drawing top teams from around the globe.