MPL MENA, the regional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competition covering the Middle East and North Africa, has announced significant changes for its upcoming Season 7. These adjustments aim to create a more streamlined competitive environment and come alongside a newly established multi-year partnership with Twisted Minds, a Saudi Arabian esports organisation.
Building a Sustainable Competitive Ecosystem
The league has stated that these modifications are designed to enhance both the professional standards and commercial viability of the esports landscape throughout the MENA region. The primary objective is to establish conditions enabling participating teams to develop sustainable operations within the competitive framework.
Ray Ng, who manages the Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, explained that the updated format represents an important advancement toward creating a sustainable and professional environment for regional esports. He added that these structural improvements are intended to assist clubs in securing long-term sponsors, building competitive rosters, and establishing stronger connections with their supporters.
Streamlined Qualification Process
Starting with Season 7, MPL MENA will implement a more efficient qualification approach. A single round of qualifiers will be conducted in the first half of the year to determine which teams advance to the main competition.
New Team Composition Structure
The upcoming season introduces a 4+2+2 team composition format:
- Four teams qualify based on their performance in the previous season
- Two additional teams receive direct invitations
- The remaining two slots go to teams advancing through open qualifiers
Mid-Season Cup and Global Competition
Teams participating in Season 7 will also compete for a position in the MLBB Mid-Season Cup, a major tournament taking place during the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This multi-game event will run during the third week of the Esports World Cup, alongside other prominent titles including PUBG Mobile, StarCraft II, Honor of Kings, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Key Changes for Season 7
Here is a comprehensive overview of the confirmed updates for the new season:
- Team Structure: Implementation of a 4+2+2 format (four top teams from previous season, two invited, two from qualifiers)
- Strategic Alliances: Twisted Minds has entered a two-year collaboration with MPL MENA, spanning four seasons
- Performance Incentives: Introduction of an annual club award, with the winning organisation receiving a £7,476 incentive
Part of Wider MLBB Competitive Evolution
The changes within MPL MENA are elements of a broader initiative by the MLBB competitive scene to evolve and maintain growth. MPL Singapore has similarly modified its structure in Season 9 with an emphasis on long-term regional stability.
These transformations indicate a coordinated strategy across various leagues to elevate the professionalism of the esports ecosystem and ensure a more sustainable future for competitive Mobile Legends across different regions.