International video game company, MOONTON Games, has partnered with realme to launch two programmes aimed at celebrating the power of technology and storytelling in esports. The M7 World Championship (M7) will introduce the second edition of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Media Championship (MMC) and debut the M7 Awards for Best Media. These initiatives will place media in the midst of MLBB's flagship tournament, as the M7 looks to crown the next world champions.
The MMC and M7 Awards for Best Media will take place alongside the M7, set to be the largest M Series to date. From 3 to 25 January, the M Series will celebrate its return to Indonesia—the home ground of MLBB Esports—for the first time since the M4. Indonesia is home to the title's most passionate fanbase with the MLBB Professional League (MPL) Indonesia recording over 100 million Hours Watched (HW) in each of its past five seasons. According to Esports Charts, MLBB emerged 2024's most popular mobile esports title with over 475 million HW. This achievement was fuelled by the M6, which became the M Series' most-watched edition with over 85 million HW.
Bringing esports to life for the world
Under the banner of #LetTheWorldSeeUs, the MMC will honour media for their role in capturing the stories that drive the convergence of esports and technology. Through the MMC, media representatives will gain first-hand insight into the competitive dynamics that powers MLBB Esports.
Adrian Cher, Global Head of Partnerships for MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, said: "Hosting the MMC alongside the M7 gives us a chance to showcase the ecosystem behind MLBB Esports. Esports is more than just the game and our players. What many don't get to see is how technology powers gameplay and how our valued media partners bring these moments to life for audiences around the world. Through the MMC, we're excited to let media representatives experience MLBB Esports first-hand and highlight the role they play in connecting us with our passionate community. The tournament is a celebration of how competition, technology, and storytelling come together to shape the future of esports."
Daogen Qin, Head of Gaming Business Line at realme, said: "realme is proud to support the MMC and the growth of mobile esports through our technology. With the realme 15 Pro's immersive esports features, media will have the chance to explore the technical side of competitive play and experience how innovation shapes competitive play. The MMC is a great opportunity to show the world how mobile technology powers esports and brings games to life on a global stage."
Media teams to compete for MLBB Esports glory
Up to eight onsite media teams will go head-to-head, competing across the Elimination Round and the Grand Finals during the M7 Knockout Stage. The tournament champions will walk away with five realme smartphones and the lion's share of the 270,000 Diamonds (in-game currency) prize pool. The inaugural MMC took place on the sidelines of the M6 where Malaysia's WTM Today claimed the title. More information on the MMC will be released at a later date.
Earlier, the realme 15 Pro was named the "M7 Official Gaming Phone". The partnership aimed to strengthen the mobile esports ecosystem by bridging realme's tech-savvy audience with MLBB's global community. The collaboration reflected a shared "Let the World See Us" vision, by leveraging the M7 as a platform for the youth to showcase their love for gaming to the world.
Celebrating excellence in MLBB Esports storytelling
In recognition of excellence in MLBB Esports storytelling and journalism, the M7 Awards for Best Media has been officially announced, with realme coming onboard as the programme's supporting partner. The initiative shines a spotlight on media professionals whose compelling storytelling have helped to shape MLBB Esports. Through their work, players, communities, and key milestones are brought to life, driving the ecosystem's continued growth.
The M7 Awards for Best Media will feature three (3) categories, namely, Trendspotter Award by realme, Best in Esports Business Journalism Award by realme, and the Outstanding Feature Award by realme:
The Trendspotter Award by realme honours the journalist and/or publication that produced the most engaging and timely trends report or story around the M7 and the MLBB community.
The Best in Esports Business Journalism Award by realme is presented to the journalist or media organisation behind the most impactful business-focused story related to the M7. The award recognises individuals that explore partnerships, ecosystem developments, brand innovation, and broader market trends that shape the MLBB landscape.
The Outstanding Feature Award by realme recognises excellence in long-form and feature storytelling, honouring journalists or media outlets that have demonstrated consistency, quality, and impact across their coverage—whether through in-depth articles, compelling profile features, or engaging multimedia content throughout the M7 season.
Adrian added: "The gaming and esports industry doesn't grow in isolation. It grows through the stories that are told about it and the people who tell them. The M7 Awards for Best Media programme acknowledges the writers, journalists, scribes, and creators who give shape and meaning to MLBB Esports as it continues to evolve. We're also excited to have realme's support as it reflects our shared belief in empowering the media community and investing in storytelling that looks ahead. This initiative is about recognising the voices that tell the stories of the past, present, and future of our ecosystem."
Winners will be awarded a certificate of recognition, 50,000 Diamonds each, and a brand-new realme smartphone, equipping them with powerful tools to further elevate their coverage of MLBB Esports events. Get full access to the M7 media activities here: https://moonton.feishu.cn/share/base/form/shrcnM9RRUjlAZlLclwZsR27FTe
