BREAKING: MOONTON Expands Footprint in Europe
International video game company MOONTON Games has partnered with esports organizer PGL to expand the European Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports ecosystem, unveiling the inaugural PGL MLBB Challengers—PGL’s first MLBB tournament in the region.
One of Europe’s largest esports organizations, PGL brings the world’s most watched mobile esport to a new competitive stage. With more than 1.5 billion installations and 110 million monthly active users, MLBB continues to shape the global mobile gaming and esports landscape. The new tournament aims to develop emerging talent while strengthening Europe’s competitive scene.
A global gaming and esports phenomenon
Launched in 2016, MLBB has grown into one of the world’s most popular mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) titles. Beyond gaming, the title has expanded its cultural footprint through collaborations with major entertainment franchises such as Star Wars, Transformers, and Kung Fu Panda.
Its eight-year-old esports ecosystem has been central to that growth. In 2024 alone, MLBB Esports generated 475 million Hours Watched, according to Esports Charts—placing it alongside the biggest names in global sports entertainment. Building on this momentum, the M7 World Championship recently announced global partners including Visa, Red Bull, and realme.
Scaling MLBB Esports with regional expertise
PGL brings extensive experience in staging large-scale esports events worldwide. Its understanding of regional audiences and proven production track record position the organization to deliver a seamless competitive experience for European MLBB players.
“As MLBB continues to grow worldwide, our goal is to build a stronger foundation for esports in Europe,” said Ajay Jilka, Head of Esports for Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Western Europe, and Türkiye at MOONTON Games. “Partnering with PGL, one of Europe’s leading esports organizations, is a significant step. Their deep understanding of the region and experience in hosting global-scale tournaments make them the perfect partner. This tournament is an important step in developing the grassroots scene and nurturing the next generation of competitive talent.”
“Hosting our first MLBB tournament in Europe is a significant milestone for PGL Esports. Mobile esports is growing rapidly across the region, and MLBB is at the forefront of this movement. This partnership allows us to expand our esports portfolio while helping shape a sustainable and thriving MLBB ecosystem in Europe,” added Sebastian Hudisteanu, Broadcast Producer at PGL.
Registrations now open
The PGL MLBB Challengers Open Qualifier begins on January 13 and will follow a single-elimination, Best-of-One (BO1) format. The top eight teams will advance to the Main Event, scheduled from January 16 to 18.
Phase 1 matches will be played in a Best-of-Three (BO3) format, with later Upper and Lower Bracket rounds shifting to Best-of-Five (BO5). The tournament will conclude with a Best-of-Seven (BO7) Grand Finals to crown the inaugural champions.
Registration for the Open Qualifier is now open via Battlefy.
