The Middle Eastern powerhouses are ready to compete in the strongest MLBB region in the world.
Saudi Arabia-based organizations Twisted Minds and Team Falcons have officially entered the Philippine esports scene for the upcoming MPL Philippines season 15. Both teams will be taking the remaining franchise slots left behind by Blacklist International and RSG Philippines.
“We are thrilled to welcome Saudi Arabian esports organizations Twisted Minds and Team Falcons into the league, as part of the franchise teams,” said Matthew Chan, MOONTON Games PH Esports Head of Operations.
“This partnership is aligned with our mission to expand further the ecosystem through overseas partnerships and forge a sustainable ecosystem that benefits our teams. We are also positive that this initiative could potentially position the Philippines as an attractive esports business hub and it could open doors for collaboration with organizations outside Southeast Asia,”
Twisted Minds and Team Falcons will be participating in the country’s longest running and most competitive esports league. The Philippines has excelled in international events like the M-series World Championships and the MLBB Mid Season Cup. It remains one of the most formidable regions in MLBB esports, having the most championship titles across all global tournaments.
Grant Rousseau, Team Falcons Global Director of Esports, is familiar with the region’s reputation and is ready for the challenge. “The Philippines is the strongest region for MLBB players from a competitive point of view,” said Rousseau. “After an initial test year with AP.Bren, the organization now understands the market’s competitive nature, and we are ready to pick up our own franchise and team to compete and to win.”
Entering the Asian Competitive Scene
Rousseau also revealed Team Falcons’ expansion plans in Southeast Asia, starting from the Philippines. “Falcons intend to build out an entire Southeast Asia department, based in the Philippines, focused around MLBB. We’re already starting on a staff buildout, with lots of plans in the future being created to help bring fandom to life for Philippines and Falcons under the MLBB banner.”
“We want to expand overseas, especially in Asia, in the Philippines,” said Ibrahim Bin Jibreen, Twisted Minds Chief Executive Officer and Founder. He shares Rousseau’s thoughts and is excited to compete in Asia. “We want to compete on the highest level in MLBB esports, and the Philippines is the right country to be in.”
“We wanted to have our own journey in the Philippines’ MLBB esports scene,” continued Jibreen. “It is the best one, especially when it comes to community building and competition. We’re excited to bring opportunities for players, coaches, and managers—all of them will be composed of Filipinos. It will be an opportunity for us to know the Filipino market by working with them and we will provide them with a place to work in.”
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of the Esports World Cup, has been advocating for the growth of esports globally. MLBB is among the titles featured in the EWC and the only title with both men’s and women’s tournament divisions.
MPL PH Season 15 will commence in March 2025. More details about the tickets, matches, and rosters will be revealed soon.
Banner photo from MOONTON Games.