In an exciting development for the Philippine esports scene, Saudi Arabian organizations Twisted Minds (TWIS) and Team Falcons (FLCN) have officially entered the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League (MPL) Philippines. These teams will compete in the 15th season of the country’s longest-running esports league, completing the roster of eight franchise teams.
Matthew Chan, MOONTON Games PH Esports Head of Operations, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Saudi Arabian esports organizations Twisted Minds and Team Falcons into the league, as part of the franchise teams. This partnership is aligned with our mission to expand further the ecosystem through overseas partnerships and forge a sustainable ecosystem that benefits our teams. We are also positive that this initiative can potentially position the Philippines as an attractive esports business hub and it could open doors for collaboration with organizations outside Southeast Asia.”
Both Twisted Minds and Team Falcons bring a wealth of experience to the vibrant PH MLBB esports ecosystem. The Philippines is renowned for its dominance in international MLBB events, boasting numerous championship titles from global tournaments like the M Series and MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC).
Grant Rousseau, Team Falcons Global Director of Esports, highlighted the competitive strength of the Philippines, noting, “The Philippines is the strongest region for MLBB players from a competitive point of view. After an initial test year with AP Bren, the organization now understands the market’s competitive nature, and we are ready to pick up our own franchise and team to compete and to win.”
Rousseau also revealed plans to build a Southeast Asia department based in the Philippines, focusing on MLBB and fostering a strong fanbase.
He adds, “Falcons intend to build out an entire Southeast Asia department, based in the Philippines, focused around MLBB. We’re already starting on a staff buildout, with lots of plans in the future being created to help bring fandom to life for Philippines and Falcons under the MLBB banner.”
For Twisted Minds, this marks their first foray into the local esports scene. CEO and Founder Ibrahim Bin Jibreen emphasized their goal of creating a champion-caliber team and expanding their presence in Asia. Jibreen expressed excitement about working with Filipino players, coaches, and managers, and providing them with opportunities to excel in the MLBB esports scene.
“We want to expand overseas, especially in Asia, in the Philippines. We want to compete on the highest level in MLBB esports, and the Philippines is the right country to be in. We wanted to have our own journey in the Philippines’ MLBB esports scene as it is the best one, especially when it comes to community building and competition. We’re excited to bring opportunities for players, coaches, and managers—all of them will be composed of Filipinos. It will be an opportunity for us to know the Filipino market by working with them and we will provide them with a place to work in,” Jibreen added.
Saudi Arabia, known for advocating the growth of esports globally, continues to make significant strides with MLBB being one of the featured titles in the Esports World Cup (EWC), which includes both men’s and women’s tournament divisions.
The MPL PH Season 15 is set to kick off in March 2025, with more details about tickets, matches, and rosters to be announced soon
