ONIC Indonesia (ONIC) claimed the championship at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID) Season 16 Grand Finals, overcoming Alter Ego Esports (AE) in a dominant 4-1 series. The back-to-back title cements ONIC's position as one of Indonesia's most accomplished esports teams and sets the stage for a historic moment as the nation prepares to host the M7 World Championship (M7) in Jakarta in January 2026.
Indonesia marches on to its home soil world title campaign
This season has been defined by a singular national ambition: to build the strongest possible foundation ahead of Indonesia's campaign to win a world title on home soil at the M7. Indonesia has fallen just short on the global stage in recent years; the M7 presents a chance to reclaim leadership and secure a historic victory in front of the nation. The pursuit of this trophy has become a point of pride, and now both finalists from MPL ID Season 16 will serve as the nation's official representatives, carrying Indonesia's hopes on the global stage.
"This victory is not only a testament to ONIC's excellence, but a reflection of the growth and passion of the Indonesian esports community," said Martinus H Manurung, Head of Esports Ecosystem, MOONTON Games Indonesia. "Indonesia has proven time and again that we are a global esports powerhouse, and M7 is our moment to show the world once more."
Early bird tickets for the Grand Finals of the M7 sold out within hours of their release on 2 November, signalling overwhelming fan anticipation and national pride as Indonesia prepares to host the world. More information about tickets for the M7 can be found here: id-mpl.com/m7
The road to M7: Indonesia takes centre stage in the next era of mobile esports
The M7 will bring the world's biggest mobile esports championship to Jakarta, uniting 16 of the strongest global teams in a moment that marks more than competitive prestige. As shared during a press conference on 1 November, the M7 represents the start of MLBB's next phase of global growth and a milestone for Indonesia as it positions itself as the centre of the mobile esports ecosystem.
For the first time, MOONTON Games' global leadership joined local executives and the Indonesian Esports Central Board (PBESI) to outline a shared vision for the future of esports. The group emphasised that mobile titles are set to play an increasingly defining role in the global esports landscape, supported by stronger public-private cooperation and expanded partnerships across creative and digital industries.
From left to right: Martinus H. Manurung, Head of Esports Business Development, MOONTON Games Indonesia; Stanley Tjia, PBESI, National Team Manager and Head of Refereeing; Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports, MOONTON Games
Speaking at the event, Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, highlighted M7 as the beginning of a new chapter for global mobile esports. "The M7 is more than a tournament. It's a moment of connection, where competition meets culture, and where passion meets purpose. We want the world to see what esports looks like when it becomes part of a nation's identity, and how that identity can inspire the world". He added, "We want to show that mobile games will be one of the most important Esports ecosystems all around the world".
To underscore the importance of this moment, PBESI highlighted the M7 as a landmark in Indonesia's public-private collaboration with MOONTON Games. The federation shared its long-term commitment to building a sustainable esports ecosystem in partnership with the developer, reflecting a shared goal to position Indonesia as a global epicentre for esports.
"The M7 is a chance to prove that Indonesia is not just a participant, but the centre stage of esports," said Stanley Tjia, National Team Manager and Head of Refereeing at PBESI. "MLBB also supports Indonesia by driving the digital creative economy and creating many creative jobs. The M7 is an opportunity to inspire national pride as a symbol of Indonesian leadership in global esports."
The recording of the press conference can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nUHaq9Yfmq0tkKbGw3qVe7ZpmeriG3AG/view
Cultural showcase and Career Fest spotlight Indonesia's creative economy
The Season 16 Grand Finals opened with a cultural showcase supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (EKRAF), demonstrating Indonesia's national commitment to esports as a source of pride and unity. The collaboration reflects MOONTON Games' deepening partnership with Indonesia's creative institutions and its commitment to integrating local artists and cultural talent into world-class esports productions, elevating Indonesian creative identity on the global stage.
"Lakon Dwitunggal Jagad Pralaya" (Uniting Two Bodies to Change Destiny) (Credit: MPL ID)
The opening performance, "Lakon Dwitunggal Jagad Pralaya" (Uniting Two Bodies to Change Destiny), brought together Javanese gamelan, wayang storytelling, dalang narration and Wayang Orang performers to symbolise Indonesia's journey. It expressed the nation's message ahead of M7: although Indonesia will send two representatives, we stand united behind one mission. The ceremony encouraged fans to set aside team allegiances and rally behind Indonesia as one country, one audience, and one voice.
Season 16's Playoffs also featured the "MPL Indonesia Career Festival", giving local talent the chance to connect directly with employers in gaming, technology and creative industries. The event highlighted esports not only as entertainment, but as a driver of employment, skills development and professional opportunity.
"As the strongest gaming community in ASEAN, if not the world, I appreciate MPL pushing for the esports ecosystem beyond just having a strong player base. The job fair is a direct testament that gaming is not just for play but an industry that creates jobs. Who else would be the most passionate workforce if not the community itself. To welcome M7 in Indonesia, look forward to more collabs with local culture n brands to fortify our positioning as the mekka of esports in the world" said Irene Umar, Vice Minister of Creative Economy of Indonesia.
Record-breaking finale and rising challengers
ONIC's run throughout the regular season and playoffs demonstrated exceptional form and roster depth, culminating in a commanding 4-1 victory over AE in the Grand Finals. The match was held at the newly opened Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) and drew the largest live audience in MPL ID history, with fans filling the venue and surrounding festival areas. Online, the finals peaked at more than 3 million concurrent viewers across platforms, according to Esports Charts.
The victory cements ONIC as eight-time MPL ID champions in seven years, reinforcing their status as the benchmark of excellence in Indonesian esports and the nation's leading contender heading into the M7. AE also delivered a standout performance, reaching the Grand Final for the first time after 10 seasons and securing their place at the M7.
PBESI leaders attended the Grand Finals to celebrate both teams and reaffirm national support ahead of the M7. "Congratulations to ONIC and Alter Ego. We express our deepest appreciation for your outstanding performance. Here, on behalf of PBESI, we fully support the two teams competing in the M7 event," said Glorya Famiella Ralahallo, Deputy Chair of the Competition Division at PBESI, on stage.
Regional champions prepare for Jakarta
Across Southeast Asia, champions are being crowned as the global field for the M7 takes shape. The weekend marked a historic moment for MPL Singapore as EVIL emerged victorious, defeating four-peat champions, Team Flash, with a 4-1 win. What started out as a community team in Season 3 has evolved into a championship story years in the making. Their long-awaited triumph this season perfectly capped off MPL Singapore's landmark 10th season. This victory also secures the team's first international appearance at the upcoming M7 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With MPL Indonesia Season 16 concluded, focus turns fully to the M7. Indonesia aims not only to host, but to set the standard for competitive excellence, cultural presentation and fan engagement. This is a moment for Indonesia to lead global esports, showcase its creative strength, and bring the M Series trophy home.
The PR Materials for MPL Indonesia Season 16, including logos and match photos, may be downloaded here.
