On May 15, 2025, MOONTON Games revealed the slot allocation for a record-setting 16 teams at the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) during the 2025 Esports World Cup, scheduled for July 15–19. This lineup expansion underlines the developer’s mission to elevate women’s esports and foster global inclusivity.

Making Strides in Women’s Esports

This year’s MWI at EWC boasts a USD 500,000 prize pool, ranking it among the largest prize pools in female esports history. The competition has widened its scope from 12 to 16 teams, while the number of qualifying regions has surged from 46 to 57, now including squads from Africa, Mongolia, and Türkiye for the first time. Their participation highlights growing global backing for women in esports. It also strengthens MOONTON’s drive to foster a more inclusive ecosystem. Held on the world’s biggest multi-title esports stage, the tournament spotlights women’s accomplishments.

Spotlight on the 2024 MWI

The 2024 MWI is making history by being the sole women’s tournament at the first-ever Esports World Cup and attracting over 2.5 million watch hours. In that international tournament, Smart Omega Empress clinched the championship by toppling Team Vitality, ending their impressive 24-match winning streak dating back to 2021. Their victory highlights MWI’s role as a competitive platform for women athletes to push boundaries and reach the top.

“At MOONTON Games, we believe that everyone has a place in esports. MWI at EWC 25 is our way of making sure women are seen, heard, and celebrated. The tournament serves as a platform for women to shine at the highest level and opens the door to esports as a viable career path. As we expand the tournament’s reach, we’re amplifying the voices of women worldwide. This is how we empower women esports athletes—by advancing the women’s ecosystem and breaking down barriers.”

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games

Building Lasting Inclusivity

In 2024, MOONTON Games supported several women’s events, such as the 2024 MLBB Women’s Invitational, Asian Esports Games, and the IESF World Esports Championship, to spotlight female talent. These tournaments gave women athletes the opportunity to reach the highest levels of competition and recognition. The momentum carries into 2025, not only with this Women’s Invitational but also at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

“We’ve always aimed to make our tournaments reflect the diversity of the MLBB community. Like how the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at EWC 25 will now include more regions, we’re doing the same for MWI at EWC 2025 because women’s and men’s esports should stand on equal ground. MOONTON Games is committed to building an ecosystem where every esports athlete can thrive and represent their region with pride.”

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games

For more updates on MLBB Esports news, you can follow their respective social media channels.

About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a leading mobile MOBA that unites players through strategic teamwork. It has surpassed 1.5 billion downloads and enjoys 110 million monthly active users across 139 countries, ranking among the top 10 most-played titles worldwide.

About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports

Since its 2017 launch, MLBB Esports has provided a global stage for aspiring competitors. Its leagues—most notably the MPL series in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America—were the first to exceed 1 billion watch hours, spotlighting professional talent and expanding the international esports ecosystem.

About MOONTON Games

Founded in 2014, MOONTON Games is a worldwide game developer, publisher, and esports organizer. With over 1,600 employees across Asia and Latin America, it collaborates with governments and esports bodies in more than 30 countries. Its flagship title, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, leads the mobile MOBA market.

To find out more about MOONTON, visit their official website.