NU Bulldogs Crowned Champions of First-Ever Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series 2025
In a groundbreaking milestone for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia, NU Bulldogs from the Philippines emerged victorious at the first-ever Galaxy Gaming Academy x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Campus Series 2025, held at Taman Anggrek Mall in Jakarta from June 20 to 22.
The NU Bulldogs battled through a fierce international field, ultimately rising above eight elite campus teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to claim the championship and the grand prize of US$18,000.
A Tournament That Rewrote the Playbook for Campus Esports
The Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series (GGA x MCS) was co-organized by Samsung Electronics and MOONTON Games, aiming to bridge the gap between campus competition and professional esports. With over 1,000 campus teams participating in the qualifiers, the tournament showcased the growing demand for structured collegiate-level esports in the region.
“This competition proves that student gamers deserve serious recognition and support,” said Patrick Balanquit, coach of the NU Bulldogs.
“Playing against the best from Southeast Asia elevated our gameplay and showed us how much talent exists across campuses. Winning the title is a dream come true — and we hope to see even more student gamers take this journey.”
The Final Standings
- 🥇 Champion – NU Bulldogs (Philippines): US$18,000
- 🥈 1st Runner-Up – FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts (Philippines): US$8,000
- 🥉 2nd Runner-Up – VL Team (Indonesia): US$5,000
Powered by Galaxy: Tournament-Level Play on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The tournament also doubled as a showcase for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which served as the official tournament phone. Packed with top-tier hardware and responsive display performance, the S25 Ultra provided professional-grade conditions for all competitors.
“The Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series is part of our long-term vision to empower the next generation of Southeast Asian esports athletes,” said Carl Nordenberg, VP of Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics SEA & Oceania.
“We are proud to support these passionate players by giving them a world-class platform, top technology, and the opportunity to shine.”
Raising the Bar for Campus-Level Esports
MOONTON Games’ Ray Ng, Head of Ecosystem, emphasized the lasting impact of the initiative:
“This partnership with Samsung sets a new benchmark for what campus-level esports can achieve. With the right support and vision, student gamers can flourish and build viable careers in the esports industry.”
From pre-event campaigns to high-stakes grand finals, GGA x MCS 2025 delivered a full-spectrum esports experience, complete with talent scouting and professional exposure. Representatives from top-tier pro teams like EVOS, Onic, Dewa United, and Team Liquid were also in attendance — underscoring the tournament’s role as a launching pad for student gamers into professional play.
What’s Next for Galaxy Gaming Academy?
The overwhelming success of the inaugural GGA x MCS 2025 signals a bright future for the series. With clear pathways from school to stage, Samsung and MOONTON Games are paving the way for sustainable, talent-driven esports development across the region.
To stay updated on future tournaments and Galaxy Gaming Academy programs, visit the Samsung Game Portal.
