Samsung Electronics has partnered with MOONTON Games to create the largest collegiate Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament ever held in Southeast Asia. This groundbreaking esports initiative, called the MLBB Campus Series (MCS), aims to nurture young gaming talent across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
A New Frontier for Collegiate Esports
The MLBB Campus Series represents a significant milestone in the growth of collegiate esports in Southeast Asia. By focusing on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, one of the region’s most popular mobile games, Samsung and MOONTON are tapping into an existing passion while providing a structured competitive environment for students.
Tournament Structure and Prizes
The MCS follows a multi-stage format designed to identify the best collegiate MLBB teams in Southeast Asia:
- Country Qualifiers: April 25 - May 18, 2025
- Country Finals:
- Indonesia: May 24-25, 2025
- Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines: May 17-18, 2025
- Regional Finals: June 20-22, 2025 (Indonesia)
A substantial $40,000 prize pool awaits the top performers:
- 1st Place: $18,000
- 2nd Place: $8,000
- 3rd Place: $5,000
- 4th Place: $3,000
- 5th-8th Place: $1,500 each
Powering the Next Generation of Mobile Esports
Samsung is leveraging this tournament to showcase the gaming capabilities of its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Participants will have access to these devices during the competition, allowing them to experience top-tier mobile gaming performance.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Mobile Gaming Powerhouse
The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts several features that make it ideal for competitive mobile gaming:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform: Delivers exceptional processing power and graphics performance.
- 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display: Ensures smooth, responsive gameplay.
- Advanced Cooling System: A larger vapor chamber and improved thermal interface material prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
- Long-lasting Battery: Supports hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
Bridging Academia and Esports
The MLBB Campus Series goes beyond just competition. It aims to create a pathway for students to explore potential careers in the rapidly growing esports industry.
Carl Nordenberg, VP of Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania, emphasized this goal: “Through Samsung’s Galaxy Gaming Academy Campus Series, we are not only equipping students with mobile devices that provide the best gaming experience, but we are also creating a forum for them to develop their skills, gain experience and expand their community.”
Opportunities Beyond Playing
While the tournament focuses on gameplay, it also exposes students to various aspects of the esports ecosystem:
- Event Management: Students may assist in organizing local qualifiers.
- Shoutcasting and Commentary: Opportunities for aspiring esports broadcasters to gain experience.
- Team Management: Learning the ins and outs of running a competitive esports squad.
- Content Creation: Encouraging students to document their journey through social media and streaming platforms.
The Future of Mobile Esports in Southeast Asia
The MLBB Campus Series is poised to accelerate the growth of mobile esports in the region. By focusing on the collegiate level, Samsung and MOONTON are nurturing a new generation of players, potentially uncovering future esports stars.
As mobile gaming continues to dominate the Southeast Asian market, tournaments like the MCS play a crucial role in legitimizing mobile esports and creating a sustainable competitive ecosystem. The involvement of major tech companies like Samsung further validates the potential of this growing industry.
The MLBB Campus Series marks an exciting chapter for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia. With its combination of high-stakes competition, cutting-edge technology, and focus on student development, this tournament could serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between tech giants and game developers in the esports space.