PGL and MOONTON Games Bring Mobile Legends Esports to Europe with First PGL MLBB Challengers Tournament

PGL and MOONTON Games have officially joined forces to accelerate the growth of the European Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports ecosystem, unveiling the region’s first-ever PGL MLBB Challengers tournament. The partnership marks a major milestone for mobile esports in Europe, as one of the continent’s largest esports organizers enters the MLBB competitive scene for the first time.

Announced on January 12, 2026, the collaboration positions Europe as the next key battleground for the world’s most-played mobile MOBA, reinforcing MLBB’s global esports ambitions.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Continues Its Global Esports Ascent

Since its launch in 2016, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has grown into a dominant force in mobile gaming and esports. With more than 1.5 billion installations and 110 million monthly active users, MLBB remains one of the most influential titles in the global MOBA landscape.

Its reach extends beyond gaming through high-profile collaborations with franchises such as Star Wars, Transformers, and Kung Fu Panda. On the competitive side, MLBB’s eight-year esports ecosystem continues to deliver scale and engagement. According to Esports Charts, MLBB Esports generated 475 million Hours Watched in 2024, placing it alongside leading global sports and entertainment properties.

This momentum continues into 2026, with the M7 World Championship securing major global partners including Visa, Red Bull, and realme—further validating MLBB’s commercial and competitive strength.

PGL and MOONTON Games Strengthen Europe’s MLBB Esports Foundation

The launch of PGL MLBB Challengers represents a strategic move to develop grassroots competition and identify emerging talent across Europe. PGL brings decades of experience in delivering large-scale international esports events, combined with deep knowledge of regional audiences.

Ajay Jilka, Head of Esports for Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Western Europe, and Türkiye at MOONTON Games, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that Europe is a key focus area for MLBB’s long-term esports development. By combining MOONTON’s global vision with PGL’s regional expertise, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for aspiring professional players and strengthen Europe’s competitive infrastructure.

Sebastian Hudisteanu, Broadcast Producer at PGL, described the tournament as a significant milestone for the organization. With mobile esports gaining momentum across Europe, MLBB stands at the forefront of that growth, offering PGL an opportunity to expand its esports portfolio while helping shape the future of mobile competition in the region.

PGL MLBB Challengers Tournament Format and Schedule

The PGL MLBB Challengers Open Qualifier commenced on January 13, 2026, opening the door for teams across Europe to compete at a professional level. The qualifiers follow a single-elimination, Best-of-One (BO1) format.

The top eight teams from the Open Qualifiers will advance to the PGL MLBB Challengers Main Event, scheduled for January 16 to 18, 2026.

Phase 1: Best-of-Three (BO3)
Upper & Lower Brackets: Best-of-Five (BO5)
Grand Finals: Best-of-Seven (BO7)

The winning team will be crowned the inaugural PGL MLBB Challengers champions, setting a new benchmark for European MLBB competition.

Registration Still Open for Aspiring European Teams

Registration for the PGL MLBB Challengers Open Qualifier remains open, giving teams a final opportunity to enter Europe’s first PGL-hosted MLBB tournament. Interested participants can register through PGL’s official tournament platform.

This open format underscores the tournament’s role as a developmental stage, designed to spotlight new talent and expand the competitive MLBB community across Europe.

A New Chapter for European Mobile Esports

The partnership between PGL and MOONTON Games signals a decisive step forward for Mobile Legends esports in Europe. With a structured competitive pathway, experienced tournament operations, and a globally recognized title, PGL MLBB Challengers lays the groundwork for long-term growth in the region’s mobile esports scene.

As MLBB continues to scale worldwide, Europe now stands poised to play a larger role in shaping the game’s competitive future.

Learn more about MLBB and MLBB Esports:

MLBB • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mobilelegendsgame