When a storm sweeps the land, you don’t blame the wind. ONIC Indonesia roared through MPL Indonesia Season 16 like a thunderclap, sealing a 4-1 victory over Alter Ego Esports and claiming the MPL Immortal Cup in front of a packed audience at the brand-new Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE). With the crowd buzzing like a hive on fire and gold confetti still clinging to jerseys, ONIC etched their name in the history books once again.
And this isn’t just another trophy polish moment. Indonesia now steps into global spotlight mode as it prepares to host the M7 World Championship in Jakarta this January. Both ONIC and Alter Ego will carry the national banner, chasing the long-awaited dream of lifting the M-Series trophy on home soil.
ONIC’s Dominant Run Secures Back-to-Back MPL Indonesia Titles
ONIC’s run this season could be summed up like a sharpened blade: clean, ruthless, and purposeful. The 4-1 Grand Final performance showcased elite macro play, icy-cool shot-calling, and a roster firing on every cylinder.
This championship marks ONIC’s eighth MPL ID title in seven years. It isn’t dominance anymore. It’s dynasty territory.
Alter Ego, meanwhile, reached their first Grand Final in a decade-long climb, earning not only respect but their ticket to M7. Two rivals. One nation. Same mission.
Indonesia Seeks Global Glory at M7 World Championship
For Indonesian fans, M7 is more than a tournament; it’s a rallying cry. After heartbreaking runner-up finishes in past M-Series events, this is the year the home crowd wants to shake the earth.
“Indonesia has proven time and again that we are a global esports powerhouse, and M7 is our moment to show the world once more,” said Martinus H Manurung, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games Indonesia.
Early-bird finals tickets? Gone within hours. The hype? Bursting at the seams like a power-up meter hitting limit break.
M7: A New Era for Global Mobile Esports
MOONTON Games and the Indonesian Esports Central Board (PBESI) confirmed that M7 signals the start of MLBB’s next global expansion wave. With mobile esports surging worldwide, they envision Indonesia as the ecosystem’s beating heart.
Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports, set the tone:
“The M7 is more than a tournament. It’s a moment of connection, where competition meets culture, and where passion meets purpose.”
Mobile esports isn’t just rising. It is shaping the future of competitive gaming, and Jakarta is sitting in the control seat.
Culture Meets Competition: Indonesia’s Grand Entrance
The MPL ID S16 Finals opened not with pyrotechnics alone, but with soul. Fans witnessed a full cultural showcase supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
The performance, “Lakon Dwitunggal Jagad Pralaya,” merged Ramayana-inspired storytelling, Javanese gamelan, wayang, and dance, symbolizing unity as Indonesia sends two teams but stands as one nation. It felt less like an intro and more like history humming on stage.
Esports as a Career Force: MPL Indonesia Career Festival
Beyond thrilling plays and fan chants, MPL ID brought real-world weight with the MPL Indonesia Career Festival. From gaming giants to creative tech studios, employers connected with aspiring talent.
The message? Gaming isn’t just screen-time. It’s a growing economy, a skill-builder, and a job creator.
“The job fair is a direct testament that gaming is not just for play but an industry that creates jobs,” said Irene Umar, Vice Minister of Creative Economy.
Record-Setting Viewership and Rising Rivals
The Grand Finals drew the largest live audience in MPL ID history, while more than 3 million concurrent viewers tuned in online. That’s not viewership. That’s a tidal wave.
Meanwhile, across the region, storylines are heating up. In Singapore, EVIL ended Team Flash’s four-peat dreams and earned their first-ever M-Series berth. Southeast Asia isn’t just competing. It’s evolving.
The Road to M7 Begins Now
As confetti settles and jerseys get framed, one truth stands tall: all eyes now shift to Jakarta.
Indonesia doesn’t just want to host the M7 World Championship. It wants to define it. Own it. And finally lift the crown where MLBB fandom burns brightest.
Two teams. One dream. A nation ready to roar.
