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On April 22, MOONTON Games disclosed that the M8 World Championship is scheduled to take place in Turkey, marking the first time the esteemed series will venture beyond Southeast Asia. Additionally, the company outlined its aspirations for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at the Esports World Cup 2026.
Where is the M8 World Championship taking place?
Turkey has been selected as the host country for the M8 World Championship, marking a departure from the series’ traditional Southeast Asian locations. While Bangkok will accommodate the Wildcard Stage of the tournament, the main event will unfold in Turkey.
During the M7 World Championship Grand Finals, MOONTON unveiled its 2026 MLBB esports roadmap. In a move towards global expansion, Turkey has been chosen to host the M8 World Championship Finals, making history as the inaugural European location for the game’s premier tournament.
To date, Southeast Asia, the game’s predominant market, has hosted all seven iterations of the MLBB World Championship across venues like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, and Selangor. With the 2026 season commemorating the game’s 10th anniversary, MOONTON has opted to elevate its most prestigious competition onto the international stage.
What are MOONTON Games’ plans for MLBB at the Esports World Cup 2026?
Under MOONTON’s “Two Champions, One Game” vision for the mobile MOBA at EWC 2026, both tournaments now stand as integral components of MLBB’s global mid-season circuit. The rebranded MLBB Women’s International is set to evolve into a fully-fledged global championship for the women’s segment.
Continuing the trend from the past two years, MLBB remains the sole esports title featuring a women’s competition at the Esports World Cup. The MLBB Women’s International (MWI) will run concurrently with the traditional mid-year event, the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC).
The upcoming women’s event at the Esports World Cup 2026 will witness its largest rendition to date, encompassing open qualifiers spanning over 60 regions. This edition will inaugurate the Western Europe qualifiers, aligning with the tournament’s aim to expand its competitive reach.
Of paramount importance, the diverse global qualifiers will enable women worldwide to vie for a chance to participate in the MLBB Women’s International 2026 in Saudi Arabia and compete for the substantial $500,000 prize pool.
“The MWI’s evolution into the MLBB Women’s International reflects the current state of the ecosystem. Our goal is to establish a benchmark for constructing global esports ecosystems. By positioning MWI alongside MSC, we are establishing a unified platform where talent is acknowledged on an equal footing, irrespective of background.”
- Ray Ng, Head of Global Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games
Simultaneously, the MLBB Mid Season Cup will make a comeback in 2026 with expanded global representation, introducing qualification pathways for teams from India, Thailand, South Korea, and Western Europe for the first time. These advancements come at a juncture when MOONTON Games is dedicated to granting more athletes access to the premier esports stage.
Underpinning the ethos of “Two Champions, One Game” is the shared $3.5 million prize pool for the MSC and the MWI, the most substantial offering for a single esports title at the EWC 2026.
FAQs
Where will the M8 World Championship be held in 2026?
In a first for the series, the main event will take place outside Southeast Asia. Turkey will serve as the host country for the M8 World Championship, while the Wildcard Stage is slated for Bangkok, Thailand.
What is the prize pool for MLBB events at the Esports World Cup 2026?
The MLBB Mid Season Cup 2026 and the MLBB Women’s International 2026 will jointly feature a $3.5 million prize pool, the highest among all esports titles at the EWC 2026.
Which new regions will qualify for the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) in 2026?
In a first-time inclusion, the MSC will introduce qualification avenues for teams from India, Thailand, South Korea, and Western Europe in 2026.