The excitement is building as Week Two of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia gets underway — and leading the charge is the much-anticipated return of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Women’s Invitational (MWI).
Now on its second consecutive year at EWC, the MWI is making history as the largest edition to date, spotlighting the world’s elite female esports athletes. Since its debut in 2016, MLBB has evolved into one of the most successful mobile MOBA titles globally, boasting over 110 million monthly active users and drawing massive international audiences through its regional leagues and tournaments.
Last year’s MWI Grand Finals delivered a defining moment in MLBB history, as the underdog Smart Omega Empress — an all-Filipina squad — shocked fans by sweeping the heavily favored Team Vitality, ending the Indonesian team’s jaw-dropping three-year, 24-match unbeaten streak. The match drew over 265,000 viewers, according to Esports Charts, cementing its place as one of the most thrilling upsets in MLBB history.
This year, the stakes are even higher. MWI at EWC 2025 expands to 16 teams from 13 regions, up from 12 last year, following qualifiers held in 57 territories worldwide. The tournament represents a key pillar of MOONTON Games’ inclusivity efforts, aimed at amplifying opportunities for women in the competitive gaming space.
“Our goal with MWI goes beyond just being a tournament,” said Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games. “It’s about laying the foundations for a more sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem. Being the largest women’s tournament at EWC 25 is a milestone, but it also reinforces our responsibility to lead by example.”
Returning champions — formerly Smart Omega Empress — are now competing under the prestigious Natus Vincere PH banner. They’ll once again face off against fierce rivals Team Vitality, who have claimed victory in several rematches since last year. Natus Vincere MY from Malaysia and Team Liquid also join the fray, adding even more firepower to this year’s competition.
Competing Teams at MWI 2025:
- Team Vitality
- ONIC Pertiwi
- Natus Vincere PH
- Team Liquid
- Natus Vincere MY
- SFU Serendipity
- Falcons Vega MENA
- DreamMax Girls
- Rising Rage
- WAOW GG Esports
- Virtus.pro FE
- FUT Esports
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Twisted Minds Orchid
- Tidal Legends Gaming
- Terror Queens
These powerhouse teams will battle it out for a $500,000 prize pool, with an additional $50,000 MVP award and 3,350 Club Championship points up for grabs.
The rapid growth of the MLBB women’s competitive scene has drawn serious attention from global esports organizations. Powerhouses like Natus Vincere, Team Liquid, and Virtus.pro have all acquired women’s MLBB rosters, joining returning giants like Vitality and Falcons in what promises to be a high-stakes battle not just for the MWI title, but also for critical positioning in the EWC 2025 Club Championship.
With history on the line and momentum building, the MLBB Women’s Invitational at EWC 2025 is poised to set a new benchmark for women in mobile esports.
