Table of Contents
Indian gamers have long favored shooters and battle royales, with titles like PUBG, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Free Fire dominating the charts. However, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has seen a surge in popularity, now boasting 32.4 million monthly active players in India.
Following the M7 World Championship, where 5.68 million viewers tuned in, MLBB has gained momentum in India. Despite the absence of an Indian team in the finals, the game garnered significant attention across the country.
Local content creators found success by showcasing high-level gameplay, indicating a growing interest in MOBA content among Indian audiences.
India’s MOBA Scene Before the Bans
Before the bans, MOBAs had a niche following in India, particularly in cyber cafes where games like Dota 2 and DotA mod thrived in the early 2010s.
Dota 2 was a key player in shaping the Indian esports landscape, fostering communities, rivalries, and LAN culture. However, with the rise of mobile gaming and increased internet accessibility, the popularity of cyber cafes waned.
As smartphones became more prevalent, games like MLBB and Arena of Valor gained traction, offering a familiar MOBA experience akin to Dota 2.
Unfortunately, bans in 2020 saw the removal of popular titles like MLBB, Arena of Valor, and PUBG Mobile from Indian app stores, leaving the community in limbo.
While PUBG Mobile rebranded as BGMI, MOBA titles struggled to find a local foothold, leading to uncertainty among players.
Survival of MLBB Post-Ban
In contrast to Arena of Valor, MLBB managed to make a comeback in India, thanks to strategic decisions by Moonton.
Moonton retained Indian player accounts despite the ban, allowing fans to continue playing through VPNs and unofficial means. When the game relaunched as Moba Legends: 5v5! in 2026, players could seamlessly resume their progress.
Conversely, Arena of Valor failed to preserve Indian server data, resulting in the loss of player progress and community trust.
The Rise of MLBB in India
The M7 World Championship marked a turning point for MLBB in India, with a monthly player count of 32.4 million and a burgeoning competitive scene.
The entry of major Indian esports organizations like GodLike Esports has further fueled the game’s popularity, with events like the MOBA Legends 5v5 Masters Series and the Esports World Cup garnering local interest.
Betting platforms have also taken notice of MLBB’s growing popularity in India, offering odds and live markets for Indian audiences.
With upcoming tournaments like the MPL Split 2, India’s competitive MLBB scene is set for an action-packed year.
Explore full viewership data on MLBB tournaments and compare India’s audience with Southeast Asia on the Esports Charts Events Dashboard or track streamer-level data on Streams Charts.
The Future of MLBB in India
While shooters like BGMI and Free Fire have a strong foothold in India, MLBB is steadily gaining traction among gamers.
The potential for MLBB to surpass shooters in popularity remains uncertain, but it signifies a shift from a single-game dominance to a more diversified gaming landscape in India.