Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its tournament format for the Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the upcoming 2025 Esports World Cup. The new structure, themed #EncounterTheUnknown, aims to enhance the competitive spirit while keeping the substantial prize pool at $3 million. Significant changes include a revamped format for both the Wild Card and Group Stages. The Wild Card phase will implement a Best-of-Three (BO3) GSL double-elimination format, moving away from the traditional single-round-robin method.
Eight participating teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the cross-group Semi Finals. The winners of this stage will then compete in a BO5 match for a coveted spot in the main event. The Group Stage also undergoes a transformation, switching from a Best-of-Two (BO2) to a BO3 double-elimination format. Sixteen teams will be split into two groups, and only the top four from each will progress to the Knockout Stage.
A new draw mechanic will allow teams with a perfect 2-0 record to select their Knockout opponents from a pool of 2-1 teams. The team with the shortest total match time gets the first choice, adding an exciting strategic element. For the first time, the MSC will feature a third-place match, allowing Semi Finalists a chance to secure a podium finish. The Knockout Stage will adopt a BO5 single elimination format, culminating in the Grand Finals, which will be a Best-of-Seven contest.
The prize pool remains unchanged at $3 million, with $1 million awarded to the champions, $500,000 to the runners-up, and an increased $250,000 for third place, up from last year’s $200,000.