PLDT mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and gaming developer and publisher Moonton Games have once again teamed up for the 14th season of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Philippines (MPL PH).
Running from Aug. 16 to Oct. 6, the tournament will see eight teams vying for a $150,000 prize pool and a chance to represent the Philippines at the M6 World Championship in Kuala Lumpur this November.
The participating teams include Blacklist International, Falcons APBren, Fnatic Onic, RSG Philippines, Smart Omega, Team Liquid Philippines, TNC Pro Team, and the new team, Aurora. These teams, featuring top-tier esports athletes, will battle it out in a revamped format that promises heightened competition.
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Moonton introduced an Open Global Transfer System for the season, allowing mid-season transfers between MPL and MDL teams. Teams can also bring in players from other MPL regions, expanding their strategies. The tournament will feature best-of-three (BO3) matches, with points determining the rankings. Notably, the lower bracket final has been changed to a best-of-seven series to intensify the fight for a spot in the Grand Finals.
“Our longstanding partnership with Moonton is one of our flagship esports collaborations aimed at empowering Filipinos with the best mobile gaming experience,” said Alex Caeg, Head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business.
As the official telco partner, Smart is launching the “MPL PH Smart Battle Trips,” giving community heroes and student leaders a chance to watch matches live. Fans can also look forward to “Smart Heroes Within,” a content series that will spotlight top players’ performances and statistics throughout the season.
Esports enthusiasts can catch all the action on the Smart Facebook page and Smart Livestream App. Smart subscribers can enhance their gaming experience with Magic Data, offering no-expiry data for uninterrupted gameplay.