The 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) are set to take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from May 5 to 17, 2023. As one of the biggest multi-sport events in the region, the SEA Games feature athletes from 11 nations competing in 37 different sports. One of the most highly anticipated events is the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) competition, where the best players in the region will come together to battle it out for the gold medal. This will be the third time that MLBB has been included as a competitive title in the SEA Games, with the Philippines dominating the scene in the last two years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the upcoming MLBB competition and what we can expect from the participating teams.
The History of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in the SEA Games
Since its debut in the 2019 SEA Games, MLBB has quickly become one of the most popular titles in the competition. The game is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that pits two teams of five players against each other in a battle to destroy the enemy’s base. It is a game that requires teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes, making it a perfect fit for the competitive gaming scene.
The Philippines has been the dominant force in MLBB at the SEA Games, winning the gold medal in both 2019 and 2021. Indonesia has been the closest challenger, taking home the silver medal on both occasions. With the 2023 SEA Games set to take place in Cambodia, the question on everyone’s minds is whether the Philippines can maintain their dominance or if another country will rise to the challenge.
The Format of the MLBB Competition
The MLBB competition at the 2023 SEA Games will feature two categories: the Men’s and Women’s divisions. The men’s event will start on May 11, with the group stage matches taking place over the course of four days. The top two teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, where they will compete in a double-elimination bracket. The grand finals are set to take place on May 17.
The women’s event, on the other hand, will start on May 8, with the group stage matches taking place over three days. The top two teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, where they will compete in a single-elimination bracket. The grand finals are set to take place on May 15.
The Teams to Watch Out For
With the MLBB competition featuring some of the best players in the region, there are several teams to watch out for. Here are some of the top teams that will be competing for the gold medal:
Philippines
As the two-time defending champions, the Philippines will be the team to beat at the 2023 SEA Games. The country has a strong esports scene, and their MLBB team has proven to be the best in the region. Led by captain Z4pnu, the Philippines will be looking to make it a hat-trick of gold medals.
Indonesia
Indonesia has been the closest challenger to the Philippines in the last two SEA Games, taking home the silver medal on both occasions. The country has a deep pool of talented players, and their team is known for their aggressive playstyle. With players like Lemon and Wannn, Indonesia will be looking to go one step further and take home the gold medal.
Malaysia
Malaysia is another country that has a strong esports scene, and their MLBB team has been making waves in the region. Led by captain Ace, Malaysia has a good mix of experienced players and team’s strategy.