Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), the star game of international video game developer MOONTON Games, returns to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games for the fourth time as an official medal event, reaffirming its legacy as a mainstay in regional competitive and professional gaming. The biennial regional sports event will feature MLBB from 13 to 17 December 2025 at Sala Phra Kieo, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, and will include both men's and women's categories.
With the theme "SEA the Glory," MLBB featured at the region's largest multi-sport event, will unite athletes and fans, serve as a global platform that connects millions of fans and communities in Southeast Asia, and change the lives of its athletes from being local players to international MLBB esports icons. The game holds the record as the most-watched esports event in SEA Games history for both men and women. The 32nd SEA Games held in Cambodia had 1.4 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV) for the men's category, and 1.3 million PCV for the women's category, according to Esports Charts.
MLBB at the 33rd SEA Games will once again set the stage for historic rivalries, redemption arcs, and the rise of new heroes representing their nations. Fans can look forward to classic face-offs among the consistent podium finishers, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The tournament will also witness stalwart contenders like Myanmar eager to rewrite the region's MLBB esports legacy. Beyond the competition, this year's event will bring fans closer to the athletes, spotlighting their personal stories of perseverance, triumph, and the pursuit of national glory.
The action kicks off with the Group Stage on 13–14 December, leading into the high-stakes Knockout Stage on 15–16 December, before concluding with the Grand Finals on 17 December. See below the MLBB at the 33rd SEA Games tournament format:
Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, said: "MLBB's inclusion in the 33rd SEA Games for the fourth time is a testament to its cultural significance and to how MLBB esports has evolved into a recognized and credible sports event and esports title. The addition of a women's category reinforces our ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in esports. We are deeply grateful to the SEA Games committee for this historic recognition, which gives our esports athletes and community a platform to showcase their talent, represent their nations, and SEA the Glory at the podiums."
Santi Lothong, President of Thailand Esports Federation and Asian Electronic Sports Federation, said, "Thailand is thrilled to welcome MLBB back to the SEA Games stage. MLBB has become more than just an esports title. It has grown into a unifying platform that brings pride, passion, and purpose to every nation it represents. This year, we look forward to witnessing Southeast Asia's finest MLBB athletes compete, celebrate their national identity, and inspire the next generation of heroes to chase glory."
The Philippines has remained undefeated, clinching gold in every men's MLBB tournament since the game's debut as a medal event in 2019. Meanwhile, Indonesia, the inaugural champion of the women's MLBB tournament in 2023, is on a mission to defend its title and continue its legacy of glory.
MLBB has been a fixture of the SEA Games since 2019. The game headlined the inaugural roster of esports titles when the discipline was first introduced as a medal event in the multi-sport international competition sanctioned by the Southeast Asian Games Federation. The game was also officially revealed as part of the medal events in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, cementing MLBB's place as a leader in the professional esports scene, embodying the same spirit of passion and perseverance found in traditional sports disciplines.
Thailand, this year's host nation, has seen MLBB reach new heights, leading the Action Game and Overall Game charts on both Google Play and the App Store, a testament to its widespread popularity and strong player engagement nationwide.
The 33rd SEA Games also marks a milestone for MOONTON Games as Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG) makes its debut appearance as a demonstration sport, expanding the company's portfolio of competitive gaming titles and reinforcing its role as a driving force behind Southeast Asia's fast-growing esports ecosystem.
Get to know more about MLBB at the 33rd SEA Games via the following official channels:
