Liquid ECHO and Falcons APBren are set to fly the Philippine flag high at the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid-Season Cup (MSC) 2024. This event is part of the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 3-14.
Both teams secured their spots by emerging as champion and runner-up, respectively, in the recent Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 13.
The MSC 2024 marks the first time the event will be held at the Esports World Cup and outside Southeast Asia, boasting a significant prize pool of USD 3 million. Sixteen international teams from regions including the Philippines, Indonesia, MENA, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, North America, EECA, Turkey, Latin America, and China will compete.
With the most world championship titles, the Philippines stands a strong chance to claim the top prize of USD 1 million (PHP 57 million). This year, the country aims for its fourth MSC championship title.
The competition promises to be fierce as international teams have enlisted top Filipino players as imports, further elevating the level of play in Riyadh.
Falcons APBren will kick off the Group Stage on July 3 at 11:00 (GMT+3) against Xianyou Gaming. Liquid ECHO will face Twisted Minds on the same day at 14:00 (GMT+3). The full rosters for both teams are listed below:
In addition, the Philippines will be represented by Smart Omega Empress in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2024, featuring 12 international teams and a prize pool of USD 500,000. One of the most anticipated matchups is between Smart Omega Empress’ Meraaay and Team Vitality’s Vivian, dubbed the “Indonesian Mother of Tanks.”
Harry Leonardo, MOONTON Games Esports Marketing Manager, praised the Philippines’ impact on the MLBB esports scene: “The Philippines is home to many local and international players that have made it big beyond their MLBB careers. The supremacy does not just stop at a local level, where talents have been known to go beyond their limits, becoming highly acclaimed international stars.”
“This MSC 2024, we wish our male and female teams good luck as they participate in this life-changing tournament, and also our Filipino players who are part of the other competing international teams,” Leonardo added.
Various watch parties will be organized by Falcons APBren and Liquid ECHO, with more details to be announced soon. Additionally, the #PinasPataas video series will be launched from July 1-2, 2024, showcasing the inspiring stories of the representatives and how this tournament will be transformative for them.
MLBB content creators and influencers Jiji Plays, Elgin, and Fuego will provide live updates through their social media channels. Two-time MPL-PH Best Team Correspondent Dannica Suazo will join Smart Omega Empress to offer real-time stories of the team’s journey.
For more information about the official tournament, visit esportsworldcup.com and MOONTON Games.