Smart, MOONTON Games gear up for stronger PH esports scene as partners for 2023 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament

Strengthening its position as a patron of Philippine esports, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has announced the extension of its partnership with international gaming developer and publisher MOONTON Games to be the official local telco partner for the upcoming 2023 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournaments.

Now on its sixth consecutive year, Smart’s partnership with MOONTON Games includes the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) Seasons 11 and 12 set to happen this February and August, respectively; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) in June; and the much-awaited M5 World Championship, which will take place in the country in the last quarter of the year.

Smart is also the official local telco partner for the newly added league, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Development League – Philippines (MDL-PH), the official amateur tournament league for esports players. This will serve as a breeding ground for promising amateur players to further bolster the dominance of the region in the esports scene.

“Smart has always believed in the talent and skill of Filipino esport athletes. Through our partnership with MOONTON Games, we aim to continue empowering them and further inspire others to level up their gameplay and make the most of every gaming moment, powered by the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group – Individual at Smart.

We thank Smart for our meaningful partnership for six years. They have been supporting the growth and sustainability of esports and we are happy to be partnering once again to elevate the gaming and streaming experience of Filipinos,” said Tonyo Silva, MOONTON Games Senior Marketing Manager.

MPL Season 11 & MDL Season 1

Smart’s partnership kicked off this February with the start of the regular season MPL-PH Season 11 last Feb. 17 and the debut of the new tournament, MDL-PH Season 1 last Feb. 15.

The MPL-PH Season 11 featured 8 franchise teams – Blacklist International, Bren Esports, ECHO, Nexplay EVOS, ONIC Philippines, RSG Philippines, Smart Omega, and TNC Pro Team.

On the other hand, MDL Season 1 featured 10 rookie teams including Gamelab, the grand champion of the recently concluded Smart League Tournament. They will be joined by Blacklist Academy, ZOL Esports, ECHO Proud, ONIC Arsenals, RSG Ignite, Smart Omega Neos, BREN x Euphoria Esports, Nexplay EVOS Tiger Cub and TNC Neo.

The whole MPL-PH Season 11 and MDL-PH Season 1 – from regular season matchups all the way to the playoffs and finals – will be available to stream on Smart’s official Facebook page, enabling mobile gaming fans and enthusiasts to catch the matches on the go and root for their favorite MLBB teams. As a treat, Smart is also giving away special prizes to those watching the games.

Advocate for safer online spaces

As the longtime official telco partner of MLBB esports in the Philippines, Smart has cemented its position as a staunch supporter of esports – including esports athletes, fans, game publishers, and tournament organizers – in the country.

Filipino gamers can enjoy leveled-up gaming experiences powered by Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best mobile network in 2022, according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence.

Alongside its support for esports, Smart is an advocate for safer online spaces especially within the Philippine gaming community.

As part of this advocacy, Smart and its parent company PLDT has launched a program consisting of a series of conversations on internet safety among gaming industry experts and advocates through Better Today PH.

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