PHNOM PENH, 18 June – The M5 World Championship will introduce a Wild Card format in addition to the Group and Knockout stages of the competition. Marking its fifth anniversary, the M Series turns to a new chapter with a new and upgraded tournament model to boost the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports ecosystem.

This marks the first time the international MOBA tournament has introduced the format to the prestigious M-series, involving both mature and emerging regions. The move serves to empower the global esports ecosystem with more opportunities to engage in cross-regional dialogues and encourage inclusivity. The Wild Card will be hosted in November, featuring eight regions in a different country, followed by the Group and Knockout Stages at the Philippines in December. The M5 Champion will walk away with the lion's share of USD 900,000. 

The list of confirmed regions as of this time of writing for the Wild Card include: Malaysia, Mekong, Latin America, South Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), and Mongolia. The remaining (two) regions will be announced at a later date.