Get ready to experience the ultimate showdown in mobile game development as the world's top teams gather for the 2026 Mid-Season Cup (MSC) at the prestigious Esports World Cup. This year, the stakes are higher than ever, with a massive $3 million prize pool up for grabs.

The MSC is an integral part of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports calendar, bringing together top teams from across the globe to compete in a thrilling tournament. The event has seen some incredible moments in its history, including last year's victory by Selangor Red Giants from Malaysia, led by star jungler "Sekys". It was the first time the tournament was held outside Southeast Asia, and it set a new record for viewership, with 2.38 million peak concurrent viewers and over 29 million hours watched.

This year, fans can expect even more intensity as the global ML:BB elite clash for supremacy. The tournament will feature 16 teams, including the top teams from regional qualifiers and the Wildcard winner. These teams will battle it out in a double-elimination bracket with best-of-one matches, followed by a single-elimination finals phase.

The teams have been divided into two groups of eight, with the top 8 teams advancing to the Finals. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and grand finals will be played in a single-elimination format, culminating in the crowning of the 2026 Mid-Season Cup Champion. The team that emerges victorious will take home a significant share of the $3 million prize pool.

The teams that have qualified for the event include SRG.OG from Malaysia, Team Liquid PH from the Philippines, ONIC Philippines, and many more. These teams will compete in a series of matches, with the top 8 teams advancing to the Finals.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's MSC — including schedule, format, qualifiers, teams, and how to watch:

Qualifiers

The teams that have qualified for the event include:

  • MPL Indonesia S15 – 2 teams
  • MPL Philippines S15 – 2 teams
  • MPL Malaysia S15 – 2 teams
  • MPL MENA S7 – 1 team
  • MSC x EWC 2026 China Qualifier – 1 team
  • MLBB Continental Championships S4 – 1 team
  • MLBB Türkiye Championship S5 – 1 team
  • MPL LATAM S3 – 1 team
  • MPL Cambodia S8 – 1 team
  • MLBB Super League Myanmar S1 – 1 team
  • MPL Singapore S9 – 1 team
  • MSC Wildcard – 1 team
  • NA Challenger Tournament Spring – 1 team (BloodThirsty Kings)

Group Stage

The 16 teams will be divided into two groups of eight, competing in double-elimination brackets with best-of-one matches. The top 8 teams will advance to the Finals.

Finals

The top 8 teams from the Group Stage will advance to the EWC ML:BB Finals, consisting of:

  • Quarterfinals
  • Semifinals
  • Grand Finals

This phase is single-elimination, culminating in the crowning of the 2026 Mid-Season Cup Champion.

Prize Pool

The total prize pool for the event is $3 million USD, one of the largest for any MLBB tournament. The prize money will be split among top-placing teams, with the champion earning a significant share (in 2024, the winner, Selangor Red Giants, took home $1,000,000).

MVP Bonus

An additional $10,000 is awarded to the tournament's Most Valuable Player for outstanding performance.

How to Watch

You can stream the 2026 ML:BB Mid-Season Cup live on the Esports World Cup's official Twitch channel at twitch.tv/ewc. Fans can also watch matches and replays on the EWC YouTube channel (@ewc), which includes VODs, highlights, and official announcements.

Don't miss out on the excitement of mobile game development as the world's top teams clash in the 2026 Mid-Season Cup!