The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Continental Championship (MCC) is back and more competitive than ever for Season 5! MCC Season 5 introduces the Brave Draft—the global ban drafting system implemented to enhance the league's strategic gameplay. To further elevate the tournament's competitiveness, the Regular Season will also the debut the best-of-three (BO3) format. Kicking off on 5 April, the Regular Season will see the region's top eight teams vie for two direct slots in the Playoffs, each looking to claim the championship title and the lion's share of the USD 40,000 prize pool.
MCC's most competitive season yet!
MCC Season 5 ushers in a major competitive shift with the implementation of the Brave Draft throughout the season. MCC will be the first MLBB league leading to a major international tournament to implement a global ban system.
The Brave Draft will prevent teams from picking the same hero twice in a match series, encouraging players to adapt to new strategies and team compositions. The new drafting system aims to foster a distinctive playstyle unique to the Eastern Europe and Cental Asia (EECA) region by challenging players to be more varied in their gameplay. With this season promising greater hero diversity, fans can look forward more thrilling MLBB esports action where each game will be different from the last!
The Regular Season will transition to a BO3 format, mirroring the structure of the MLBB Professional League (MPL) in powerhouse regions like the Philippines and Indonesia. Unlike the former best-of-two (BO2) format, the BO3 format eliminates the possibility of a match draw, making every game even more critical. With the introduction of a potential third game in each match, teams now have the opportunity to stage dramatic comebacks and even reverse sweep opponents.
The Regular Season will run from 5 April to 11 May, offering fans five weekends of high-intensity MLBB esports action. The top two teams at the end of the Regular Season will secure direct qualification to the Playoffs, while the other six teams will compete in the Play-Ins. Held on 17 and 18 May, the Play-Ins will follow a King of the Hill format, with teams that place higher during the Regular Season given an advantage. The season will culminate in the Playoffs from 30 May to 1 June, where all eight teams will challenge for the title and the USD 40,000 prize pool.
Which EECA team will stand amongst the world's best?
MCC Season 5 builds on the region's best international performance after reigning champions, Team Spirit, secured a top-four finish at the M6 World Championship (M6). This marked their second consecutive top-four finish at the M Series, MLBB's flagship international tournament, solidifying their place as one of the world's best MLBB teams. Team Spirit's impressive M6 run came after their breakout international performance at the M5 World Championship (under former team, Deus Vult). Their first top-four finish at the M Series earned them the title of the tournament's dark horses, putting EECA on the map amongst the world's best teams. MCC Season 4 runners-up, Insilio, also delivered a strong showing by reaching the M6 Wild Card Finals, but narrowly missed qualifying for the M6 Main Stage.
Wesley Liu, EECA Esports Market Lead, at MOONTON Games, said: "The Brave Draft and BO3 format are game-changers that will push EECA teams to evolve and sharpen their strategic thinking. These changes are critical in refining key skills like decision-making and resilience, which are essential for success at international tournaments like the MLBB Mid Season Cup and M Series. With these changes, we're building a stronger foundation for EECA teams to shine on the world stage!"
The following teams will compete in MCC Season 5:
CyberHero
Forze Esports
Insilio
OMBRA Esports
Sibe Team
Team Spirit
Verso Time
Virtus.pro
For the first time in MCC history, all qualified teams are professional esports organisations. This milestone reflects MCC's increasing prominence as a key platform in the region's esports, drawing top-tier teams dedicated to competing at the highest level. As EECA continues to rise as a powerhouse in MLBB esports, MCC Season 5 promises to be its most competitive yet. All eyes will be on the eventual champions to echo the success of EECA teams on the global stage.
