Bigetron by Vitality successfully defend their "KINGFINIX" title and secure their spot in the M8 World Championship (Credit: MOONTON Games)
Bigetron by Vitality (BTR) defeated Natus Vincere (NAVI) 4-3 in a thrilling seven-game Grand Finals to claim their second consecutive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia championship.
With the victory, BTR became only the third team in MPL Indonesia history to win back-to-back titles, joining RRQ and ONIC in an exclusive group of champions. The two teams now carry Indonesia's hopes to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) M8 World Championship (M8) in Istanbul, Türkiye, where the M Series will make its historic European debut in January 2027.
Indonesia's redemption hopes begin at M8
Indonesia's hopes at M8 now rest with BTR and NAVI. Indonesian teams recently reached the podium on two international stages, finishing third at the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2026 in Paris and second at the 2026 Asian Games Esports Events: MLBB in Nagoya. Now, BTR and NAVI will look to bring home Indonesia's first M Series title since M1, in an increasingly competitive global field.
For BTR, the achievement extends beyond its MPL Indonesia championship. Bigetron Academy swept EVOS Icon 4-0 to claim a historic third consecutive MLBB Development League (MDL) Indonesia title. The win earns them a place at the inaugural MLBB Championship Tour Southeast Asia (MCT SEA), giving Indonesia's emerging talent another route to qualify for M8. With its MPL and MDL teams competing along the road to M8, the Bigetron organisation has strengthened its position across Indonesia's professional and development leagues.
Bigetron Academy claimed a historic third consecutive MDL Indonesia title and a spot in the inaugural MCT SEA (Credit: MOONTON Games)
Martinus H. Manurung, Head of Esports Business Development (Indonesia) at MOONTON Games, said: "MLBB has become deeply embedded in Indonesia's sporting and gaming culture, and with that passion comes high expectations for our teams on the international stage. Through MPL and MDL, we want to continue nurturing a competitive ecosystem that allows Indonesian talent to develop, challenge the world's best, and carry the nation's pride onto the global stage."
Surabaya welcomes back MPL Indonesia with strong community support
MPL Indonesia Season 18 opened to a sold-out crowd of over 2,000 fans at the JX Expo in Surabaya (Credit: MOONTON Games)
After an eight-year absence, MPL Indonesia returned to Surabaya, drawing more than 13,000 fans to the JX Expo across five Playoff days, with sold-out crowds on four of them. The celebration extended well beyond the arena through the MPL Festival: Goes to Mall at Tunjungan Plaza 6, where crowds peaked at more than 6,000 fans. Watch parties, coaching clinics, interactive activities and community programmes brought families and fans together, reinforcing MLBB's appeal across generations.
Crowds exceeded 6,000 as fans packed Tunjungan Plaza for the MPL Festival: Goes to Mall event (Credit: MOONTON Games)
The Grand Finals was graced by Brigadier General (TNI) Murbianto Adhi Wibowo, Chairman of the Indonesian Esports Federation (ESI), East Java, and Dr. M. Hadi Wawan Guntoro, S.STP, M.Si, CIPA, Head of the Youth and Sports Office of East Java Province.
"I believe MOONTON Games plays a role in helping people understand that esports goes beyond competition. It is also about nurturing young people and giving those who enjoy gaming a positive direction," said Dr. Hadi. "East Java certainly welcomes events like this and we are ready to work with MOONTON Games and the esports community to build a pathway to develop more esports athletes from East Java."
Their presence and support reflected growing recognition of MLBB esports as a platform for youth development and continued collaboration between government and industry.
BTR complete remarkable lower-bracket comeback to defend title
BTR's "KINGFINIX" title defence was tested after a defeat to Team Liquid ID sent them into the lower bracket. The Red Robot fought back with victories over Alter Ego and Team Liquid ID before overcoming NAVI 4-3 in a thrilling seven-game Grand Finals, becoming only the third team in MPL Indonesia history to secure back-to-back championships. EXP laner Dylont "Shogun" Huraihira was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP), capping a championship-winning performance for BTR.
Dylont "Shogun" Huraihira celebrates winning the Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP) (Credits: MOONTON Games)
The championship roster consists of Dylont "Shogun" Huraihira (EXP Laner), Manuel "Nnael" Simbolon (Jungler), Marcel "Moreno" Sinulingga (Mid Laner), Eman "EMANN" Sangco (Gold Laner), and Muhammad "Finn" Hikmatullah (Roamer).
For NAVI, reaching the Grand Finals was also a historic milestone. One of the world's most decorated esports organisations, NAVI reached their first MPL Indonesia Grand Finals less than two years after entering the league in 2025. With an M8 berth secured, they now have the opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage.
The world's best prepare for M8 in Istanbul
The M8 lineup continues to take shape as regional champions secure their places in Istanbul.
In the Philippines, Aurora Gaming PH claimed their maiden MPL title, joining runners-up Team Falcons in representing the six-time defending M Series champion nation. Malaysia's Selangor Red Giants secured a historic sixth consecutive MPL title, with runners-up Team Rey also qualifying.
In host nation Türkiye, Aurora Gaming defended their MLBB Türkiye Championship title with a 4-3 victory over FUT Esports, who will compete in the Wild Card. Elsewhere, Team Spirit swept Aurevia Team 4–0 to win the MLBB Continental Championships (MCC) Season 8 and qualify for the M8 Main Stage. Having already won MCC Season 7 and the MLBB Mid Season Cup at the 2026 Esports World Cup, Team Spirit will now pursue MLBB Esports' first Golden Road—the feat of winning major regional and international titles within a single competitive year.
As MLBB celebrates its 10th anniversary, the M8 will become the first M Series to span two continents, beginning with the Wild Card in Bangkok, Thailand, before heading to Istanbul, Türkiye, for the Main Stage. Sixteen of the world's best teams will compete for the world title and a share of the US$1 million prize pool, as MLBB Esports' flagship international tournament prepares to crown its first world champion on European soil. For Indonesia, BTR and NAVI will now seek to turn domestic success into international glory.
For the latest news and updates on MPL Indonesia, please like and follow: YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Website.
Season 18 of MPL Indonesia is powered by MOONTON Games in collaboration with the Indonesian Esports Central Board (PBESI). This season is presented by Infinix as the Official Gaming Phone, with GoPay as the Official E-Wallet and Todak as the Official Gaming Chair. AIMS joined the Playoffs as the Official Trading Partner, while AQUA, Good Time, So Good, and Telkomsel Group supported the league as Partners in Esports. HokBen joined as an Advertiser during the Playoffs, alongside Fairrie Games, Captain Barbershop, and Platinum Cineplex as Suppliers.
