Chinese video game developer Moonton has announced that the 2021 Mobile Legends Bang Bang World Championship will take place in Singapore.
The developer also confirmed that the event will be held offline behind closed doors.
RELATED: ONE Esports and Moonton unveil Mobile Legends Professional League Invitational
The competition will be held in January 2021 with developer Moonton organising the event alongside the Singapore Cybersports and Online Gaming Association (SCOGA).
Justin Yuan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Moonton, spoke on hosting the tournament: “Mobile Legends traces much of its global success today to its roots in Southeast Asia and MOONTON is very pleased to bring this great news to gamers everywhere with much thanks to the support of the Singapore government and our industry partners. This will be our most exciting event ever as our top players embark on this epic journey to battle it out in Singapore.“
RELATED: Singapore Games Association launches with esports initiative
In 2020, Mobile Legends became one of the biggest esports titles across Southeast Asia. In November, Moonton reported that nearly 10bln matches have been completed with 9.8m players reaching the highest rank available.
The M2 World Championship will see teams from across the globe compete for a share of $300,000 (£223,392) in prize money and the chance to be crowned Mobile Legends World Champion.
Nicholas Khoo, Co-Founder of SCOGA, also commented: “The team at SCOGA and myself are very humbled to be working with the wonderful team at MOONTON along with local government agencies and industry partners. Hosting one of the world’s biggest events right here in Singapore not only gives hope to so many esports fans in a time of unprecedented disruption, it also provides many opportunities to Singaporeans and encouragement to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”
Esports Insider says: Although fans will not be in attendance, it is great to see events slowly returning to an offline environment. With Mobile Legends becoming an extremely popular mobile title, the tournament could well attract a significant number of viewers.