When the spotlight hits the stage in Riyadh for MSC 2025, one team will be carrying more than just their national flag — they’ll be carrying the hopes of an entire region. Ultra Legends, Egypt’s breakout Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad, are set to debut on the international stage after a whirlwind run through Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) MENA Season 7, overcoming long odds and real-world challenges to earn their place among the best.
A Story That Began in Ranked Games
For Ultra Legends, the road to MSC didn’t start in a bootcamp or under the banner of a major esports organization. It began in ranked.
“We just wanted to try the ranked games, and we were doing very well. So we kept practicing, playing scrims, joining local tournaments. Then we decided to participate in MPL MENA. We joined the qualifiers, and then we joined the regular season.,” said Mostafa “Dark Lord” Mahmoud, who has been part of the region’s MLBB community since Season 1 of MPL MENA.
Led by player-scout Throwboy, the team slowly forged their identity: not built around star power or imports, but around trust and shared ambition.
No Stars, No Imports — Just Belief
Unlike many top teams in the MENA scene, Ultra Legends didn’t recruit big-name players or fly in Filipino imports. They didn’t have high-end facilities, analysts, or even consistent internet. But they had belief — and each other.
“We didn’t care about [imports]. We just focused on our gameplay. We beat them many times before MPL MENA. We believed in ourselves, and then we played really well,” said “Dark Lord”.
Their mindset? Play like a family.
“We just play together as a family, not as a team, and we love each other, and we care about each other, and if someone did a mistake, we don’t focus on the mistake. We just keep, you know, encourage him or just, you know, shout out of him. (11:54) So, we still maintain our focus on the game, not on the mistakes that we do. (12:00) I think this is the thing that we special, you know.” said Mahmoud “RiseCrim” Rawash.
When the Power Went Out — Literally
Ultra Legends’ underdog story hit a dramatic twist in the lower bracket final. Just as the team entered the draft phase of Game 3, the electricity cut out for Dark Lord and teammate Pharaoh.
“The electricity cut off while we were in draft. We went into the car, found good mobile data, and just played the game. We charged our phones after every game. That was a lucky point.” recalled Dark Lord
With teammates playing from home and two playing from a parked car, RiseCrim stayed composed and rallied the squad:
“It was a nervous situation for everyone, so I told them, don’t focus on the MSC or [things] outside the game, and just focus on the game so we can win, and I believe in you guys. I just said that because we were playing from our homes, and they had the electricity off, then they got to the car, so I told them and the rest of the team, it’s okay, guys, we still can win this game, and we still have our dream, so we should follow it and do whatever we can.” said RiseCrim.
They won that series — and then the grand final.
The Turning Point
When asked about the most unforgettable moment of the tournament, both players had the same answer: Game 5 vs Twisted Minds — the decider for a spot in the grand final.
“We all got this inner power. We shouted, we yelled. I don’t know if it was special power, but we won that match easily. That was the moment,” said RiseCrim.
“We used a secret pick — Yi Sun-shin. They didn’t expect it. It was one of our best games,” added Dark Lord.
Balancing MLBB and Medical School
Adding to the challenges, three of the Ultra Legends players are studying medicine — a demanding commitment that often limited their practice time during the season.
“It’s really difficult to balance medicine and esports. But once exams are done, we’ll have time to prepare for MSC. We’re not practicing now because they have a lot of exams. But we respect that — they’re studying and playing at the same time.” said RiceCrim.
More Than Just a Win
Beyond their gameplay, Ultra Legends stand for something more: the idea that talent can come from anywhere — and with the right mindset, it can rise to the top.
“We had no bootcamp, no good internet — nothing like other teams. But we didn’t focus on what others had. We just focused on ourselves and followed our dream,” RiseCrim said.
The message is clear: you don’t need much to start — just belief and a team that lifts each other up.
Representing Egypt and MENA
Now, Ultra Legends step onto the MSC stage as flag bearers for Egypt and the broader MENA region.
“We already have seen the playoff watch parties where many people were attending and supporting us. We will not fail them,” said Dark Lord.
They’re proud of what they’ve already achieved — but they’re not stopping there. They hope to inspire more people to follow their dream in becoming a professional esports player.
“You just believe in yourself and they are not better than you. Everyone is equal. They have hands, you have hands. They have phones, you have phones. You can compete with them. Don’t focus on their salaries or equipment. Believe in yourself, focus on your team. If you believe in your dreams, you will achieve it.” said RiseCrim
Next Stop: MSC 2025
Now, the team turns their focus to the Mobile Legends Mid Season Cup — the biggest tournament they’ve ever faced. Their opening match? Against none other than Team Liquid Philippines, a region known for its elite MLBB legacy and global dominance.
“We know it will be a hard challenge, but we are ready for it. We want to gain experience. ONIC, Team Liquid — they are super good. And we’re excited,” said RiseCrim. “
From ranked queues to international qualifiers, from dim apartments to the MSC stage, Ultra Legends are here to prove that Egypt — and MENA — belong at the top.
And they’ll do it with nothing more than phones in their hands, teammates by their side, and belief in their hearts.
