MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025: A New Era in Women’s Esports Begins

The global esports scene is set for a historic summer as the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Held as part of the much-anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, this premier all-female Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament brings together 16 of the world’s most elite teams to battle it out for glory, recognition, and a record-setting prize pool.

As the only global Mobile Legends event dedicated exclusively to female athletes, the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup has quickly become a symbol of empowerment, skill, and opportunity for women in esports.

A Historic Stage: The EWC 2025 in Riyadh

Running from July 7 to August 24, the Esports World Cup 2025 is the largest esports festival in history, featuring over 25 official tournaments and a staggering $70 million prize pool. Hosted in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, this world-class event is not only a celebration of competitive gaming but also a strategic effort to promote tourism, innovation, and youth engagement through digital entertainment.

Among the flagship events at the EWC is the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup, set to take place from July 15 to 19. The tournament has grown immensely in size and reputation, thanks to the rising popularity of Mobile Legends in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Growth and Global Expansion

The MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 marks a major milestone in women’s esports. The tournament will feature 16 qualified teams, up from 12 the previous year. This expansion is the result of MOONTON Games’ commitment to inclusivity and global representation. New regions such as Africa, Mongolia, and Türkiye have received qualifiers, ensuring a broader and more diverse competitive field.

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, stated:

“MWI at EWC 25 is our way of making sure women are seen, heard, and celebrated. We are amplifying the voices of women worldwide. This is how we empower women esports athletes—by advancing the women’s ecosystem and breaking down barriers.”

The Prize Pool and Stakes

This year’s MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup features a $550,000 prize pool, making it one of the richest tournaments in women’s esports history. In addition to the main prizes for team rankings, a special $10,000 MVP Award will go to the player who demonstrates outstanding performance throughout the event.

The stakes go beyond just cash prizes. Teams also contribute points toward the Esports World Cup Club Championship, which awards additional incentives from a $27 million pool reserved for high-performing organizations across multiple game titles. This makes the MWI more than just a standalone tournament—it’s a vital component in a cross-title championship.

The Defending Champions: Smart Omega Empress

Last year’s MWI 2024 finale stunned the world when Smart Omega Empress, a team from the Philippines, defeated the dominant Team Vitality in a 3-0 sweep. This victory ended Vitality’s three-year, 24-tournament winning streak, instantly elevating Smart Omega to legendary status.

Now competing under the banner of Natus Vincere (NAVI), Smart Omega Empress returns to Riyadh as the reigning champions. Expectations are high as they aim to defend their title against some of the strongest all-female teams from around the globe.

Team List and Qualification Path

Teams qualified for the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 through various regional qualifiers and international tournaments. Here are some of the notable teams and their paths to Riyadh:

• DreamMax Girls – LATAM Qualifier

• CFU Serendipity – Queen Legends S1

• NAVI MY – MYSG Qualifier

• Falcons Vega MENA – Africa Cup

• BOG Season 1 – Top 2 from Indonesia

• Athena League – Top 2 from the Philippines

• Lady MVP S7

• MWI Türkiye Qualifier

• MWI Mongolia Qualifier

• MWI China Qualifier

• MWI Mekong Qualifier

• MWI NA Qualifier

• MWI Myanmar Qualifier

• MWI Middle East Qualifier

With 57 qualifying regions, the expansion reflects a global effort to level the playing field and create opportunities for women everywhere to shine.

Tournament Format

The MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 will be played across three phases:

1. Wildcard Round Robin

The event begins with a round-robin format involving eight wildcard teams. This phase trims the field and sets the stage for the final 16.

2. Group Stage

The top 16 teams will be placed in a double-elimination group format, where teams must fight through both upper and lower brackets. This format gives underdogs a second chance and encourages strategic adaptation.

3. Finals

The top 8 teams advance to the single-elimination playoffs, culminating in a Grand Final showdown on July 19. Every match in the finals is high-stakes, with no room for error.

The Philippines: A Powerhouse in Women’s Esports

The Philippines enters the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup with unmatched confidence. As the defending champions and one of the most consistent performers in Southeast Asian mobile esports, Filipino teams carry the hopes of an entire nation. With two team slots allocated to both the men’s and women’s categories, the Philippines stands as a dual-threat contender for the entire tournament.

Keith Medrano, MOONTON’s regional PR head, emphasized:

“We are actually the defending champions of the Women’s Invitational. So, it’s really important to defend our title as the strongest country in MLBB sports gaming for women.”

Duane “Kelra” Pillas of Onic Philippines also voiced determination:

“In the upcoming EWC, we will make sure that one of us will win. We are preparing to bring the MSC title back too.”

Why the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup Matters

The MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament—it’s a statement. A statement that women belong in esports. That they can not only compete, but dominate. That esports is no longer an exclusive domain, but a vibrant, inclusive arena for all gamers.

With increased visibility, sponsorship, and infrastructure, MWI helps build a pipeline for female athletes to pursue esports as a legitimate career path. It challenges the norms, breaks the glass ceiling, and creates role models for the next generation.

How to Watch

Fans around the world can tune into all the action from July 15 to 19 via:

• Twitch: twitch.tv/ewc

• YouTube: @ewc (Esports World Cup official channel)

Whether you’re a hardcore MLBB player or a fan of high-level competition, the MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 promises to deliver drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

Final Thoughts

The MLBB Women’s Invitational World Cup 2025 is poised to become a landmark event in the history of esports. With a broadened global reach, record-breaking prize pool, and a renewed focus on inclusivity, it represents a giant leap forward for women’s representation in competitive gaming.

As the world watches these elite teams clash on the battlefield of Land of Dawn, one question remains: Will Smart Omega Empress retain their crown, or will a new queen rise? One thing is certain—when the games begin in Riyadh, the world will be watching.