The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports ecosystem has only two franchised esports leagues in Indonesia and the Philippines. Yet, the game has been recording strong growth in other regions, comparable to the ‘big two.’ MPL Malaysia is one of them.

The recently concluded Season 12 recorded a 91 percent increase in peak viewership since the previous season.

Image Credits: MOONTON

MPL Malaysia peaked at more than 500,000 viewers.

MPL Malaysia Season 12 peaked at 551,847 viewers, according to Esports Charts. This number was recorded during the Grand Finale of the LAN event between HomeBois and SMG. The average concurrent viewership also saw an increase of 35 percent, reaching 57,828.

There can be many reasons attributed to this growth. While the game is already on a growth trajectory, the increase in the finals’ viewership can be attributed to two fan-favorite teams competing in the finals, particularly HomeBois. With SMG and HomeBois fighting for the title and a chance to represent the country at the M5 World Championship, many fans tuned in. Additionally, the series was a very intense one and stretched to the seventh game to decide the champion.

MOONTON also organized more community engagements during the Playoffs. This included cosplays and even a futsal match with some of the MPL Malaysia players.

Additionally, Season 12 of the competition featured higher stakes than the previous edition. This is because the tournament decided the Malaysia representative in the M5 World Championship. Furthermore, the runner-up secured a spot in the newly introduced Wildcard Stage of the M5 World Championship.

Image Credits: MOONTON

HomeBois and Team SMG to carry Malaysia in the M5 World Championship

As the winners of MPL Malaysia, HomeBois have made it directly to the Group Stage of the M5 World Championship, which is set to kick off on Dec. 2. The M5 features a staggering $900,000 prize pool.

The path will be longer for Team SMG, though, as they will be competing in the M5 Wildcard from Nov. 23 to 25. Here, they will meet seven other teams from around the world and compete for the two spots in the Group Stage.

Before that, HomeBois have also qualified for the ONE Esports MPL Invitational, which is set to feature teams from around the world for the first time in 2023. Serving as a prelude to the M5, this tournament will happen from Nov. 15 to 19 with $100,000 on the line.

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