Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational Expands to 16 Teams for EWC 2025

MOONTON Games has officially revealed the expanded team lineup for the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, marking a significant step forward for inclusivity in competitive gaming. Scheduled to take place from July 15 to 19, this year’s MWI will host a record 16 teams, the largest in the tournament’s history, with Africa, Mongolia, and Türkiye participating for the first time.

A Bigger Stage for Women in Esports

With a $500,000 prize pool, MWI at EWC 2025 stands as one of the most lucrative tournaments in women’s esports. The number of qualifying regions has grown from 46 to 57, underscoring MOONTON Games’ commitment to widening global participation. The inclusion of new territories not only diversifies the competition but also reflects a broader push to recognize and elevate women athletes in the esports arena.

This year’s expanded roster is a clear continuation of the publisher’s effort to break down barriers and create a more representative and equitable competitive scene. By bringing more regions into the fold, MWI 2025 aims to serve as both a proving ground and a platform for aspiring esports athletes worldwide.

From Milestone to Momentum

The MWI debuted on the EWC stage in 2024 as the only women-focused tournament at the event. It marked a turning point for the series, drawing international attention with participation beyond Southeast Asia and clocking over 2.5 million Hours Watched, according to data from Esports Charts.

One of the most memorable highlights was the victory of Smart Omega Empress, who dethroned longtime favorites Team Vitality, ending their 24-match winning streak that had stretched back to 2021. This triumph served as a defining moment for women’s esports, showing that emerging teams could make their mark on the biggest stages.

MOONTON Games: Building an Inclusive Future

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, emphasized that the MWI is more than just a tournament—it’s part of a long-term strategy to promote inclusivity. “We want our tournaments to reflect the full spectrum of our community. MWI is where women get to compete at the highest level and show that esports can be a career path for everyone,” he said.

Ng also noted that the expansion of MWI aligns with similar growth in the company’s men’s tournaments, such as the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at EWC 2025, which has also added more regional slots.

In 2024, MOONTON organized multiple women-focused competitions, including the Asian Esports Games (AEG) and the IESF World Esports Championship (WEC), providing more platforms for women to demonstrate their talent on an international scale. That momentum carries into 2025, not only with the MWI at EWC but also with the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, where women’s MLBB will continue to have a spotlight.

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Through these efforts, MOONTON Games is reinforcing its position as a leading advocate for diversity in esports, ensuring that women players around the world have the recognition and opportunities they deserve.