Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) once again proved its dominance in the global esports scene as developer and publisher MOONTON Games swept four top honors at the GamingonPhone Awards 2025, held at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
MOONTON Games was named Mobile Game Developer of the Year, while Mobile Legends: Bang Bang took home Mobile Esports Game of the Year. Adding to the celebration, Team Liquid Philippines (TLPH) was crowned Mobile Esports Team of the Year, and MLBB superstar Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno claimed the Mobile Esports Player of the Year award.
These victories cement MOONTON Games’ status as one of the world’s premier gaming companies—dedicated to innovation, player engagement, and esports excellence.
MOONTON Games: A Legacy of Innovation and Global Reach
MOONTON Games continues to push the boundaries of mobile gaming innovation. The company’s recognition as Mobile Game Developer of the Year highlights its commitment to delivering fresh and engaging experiences for its players worldwide.
Following MLBB’s ninth anniversary celebration, “9th to Meet You,” the game introduced new modes, a girl group-themed event, and community-driven content that resonated with millions of fans. With over 1.5 billion registered users and 110 million monthly active players, MLBB remains one of the most-played mobile titles on the planet.
MOONTON’s portfolio has also expanded with hit releases like Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG), Silver and Blood, and Acecraft. MCGG hit over 30 million downloads within just two weeks of launch, while Silver and Blood topped the Apple App Store charts in South Korea, Macau, and Thailand. Acecraft, meanwhile, reached nearly 10 million downloads, ranking first in 34 countries on iOS.
Together, these successes underline MOONTON Games’ mission to redefine mobile gaming through creativity and a player-first philosophy.
MLBB: The Reigning Champion of Mobile Esports
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang clinched Mobile Esports Game of the Year for the fourth time, reaffirming its unparalleled influence in the competitive gaming landscape.
According to Esports Charts, MLBB dominated 2024 with over 475 million Hours Watched (HW), making it the most-watched mobile esports title worldwide. Its 2025 momentum continued at the Esports World Cup (EWC), where the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) broke records with more than 3 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV)—the most in EWC history.
The MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) also stood out as the largest women’s tournament at EWC 2025, underscoring MOONTON’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity in esports.
Looking ahead, MLBB is set to feature as a medaled event at both the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December 2025 and the 2026 Asian Games, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of mobile esports.
“Our wins are a recognition of the passion that everyone at MOONTON Games has for gaming and esports,” said Marcus Lim, Head of Overseas Public Relations at MOONTON Games. “Guided by our values of Player-First Experience and Rise Above Limits, we’ll continue to innovate, inspire, and deliver experiences that matter to players worldwide.”
Team Liquid Philippines and KarlTzy Shine on the Global Stage
Team Liquid Philippines (TLPH) was named Mobile Esports Team of the Year, following a monumental season that saw them win MPL Philippines Season 15 and capture the MSC 2025 trophy at the Esports World Cup. This achievement completed the team’s MLBB Esports trophy collection, a historic feat unmatched by any other team.
Now, TLPH sets its sights on achieving the Golden Road—winning all major MLBB titles in a single year—with their sights on the upcoming MPL Season 16 and M7 World Championship.
The team’s powerhouse lineup includes Sanji, Jaypee, Perkziva, Oheb, KarlTzy, and Sanford, under the leadership of Mitch Liwanag, who expressed deep gratitude for the recognition:
“This award means the world to us,” Liwanag said. “We share it with our fans, coaches, and everyone in the Team Liquid family. Here’s to more wins, trophies, and memories together!”
The night’s only individual accolade went to Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, crowned Mobile Esports Player of the Year. Known as the “Face of MLBB Esports,” KarlTzy became the first player to achieve a Career Grand Slam, with victories in both M Series and MSC, plus four MPL Philippines championships.
“I’m truly grateful to everyone who supported my journey—from my teammates to all the fans,” KarlTzy said. “I’ll keep doing my best to make you proud!”
M7 World Championship: The Next Chapter
The next milestone for the MLBB community is the M7 World Championship, set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January 2026. Returning to the city that hosted the M4 World Championship, M7 promises to be the largest MLBB tournament to date, bringing together elite teams from across the globe to battle for supremacy in the heartland of MLBB esports.
With momentum from the GamingonPhone Awards 2025 and a thriving global player base, MOONTON Games and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang are poised to continue their reign as leaders in mobile gaming innovation and esports excellence.
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