MSC 2023 oversaw an increase of team representation from different regions of the World including North America, Turkey and MENA.[1] The qualification for MSC 2023 happened during the spring-split of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) seasons, Moonton approved Regional tournaments and qualifier tournaments before the main tournament. MLBB powerhouses of the Philippines[2][3] and Indonesia[4][5] qualified its champion and first runner-up teams, while the remaining regions qualified the champions of their respective region.[6] However, with the lack of compliance as per the MLBB Rulebook for MSC 2023, North American Champions of NACT 2023 Spring BloodThirstyKings were disqualified from the tournament. In replacement, first runner up team Outplay will be representing the region.
The hashtag "#SEATheWorld" was used as the official hashtag during the eight-day tournament.[7]
Blacklist International and ONIC would once again face in a grand finals matchup. The most recent matchup in the grand finals for both teams was during MPLI 2021 where ONIC defeated Blacklist in four games.[8] After being withheld of an international title since 2019,[9] Indonesia won its first international title[10] with ONIC winning their second MSC title. They defeated Blacklist International in six games,[11] ending the dominance of the Philippines over the discipline temporarily.
Background
On 14 March 2023, Moonton announced their partnership with the Esports Federation of Cambodia (EFC) to "co-promote the growth of the local esports industry and enhance the competitive gaming landscape of the country." Hence, declaring Cambodia to be the host for MSC 2023.[12] The announcement of Cambodia's hosting for MSC 2023 was also announced during the MLBB M4 World Championship.[13]
Tournament format
Group stage
The Group Draw results were announced in Social Media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter of Mobile Legends Esports.[14][15] Among the twelve participating teams, every group will be drawn a designated champion from the regions of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar, and the remaining teams will be drawn evenly. Each group will undergo a single round-robin tournament with matches being a best-of-three format.[16]
The top two teams of each group will advance to a bracket draw for the playoffs and the third-seeded team of each group will be eliminated.[17]
Knockout Stage
Unlike the previous iteration of the tournament, MSC 2023 will have a single-elimination bracket with games, and Knockout Stage matches will be best-of-five formats. [18] Teams that lost in the Semifinals will proceed to the third-place match.[19] The Grand Final is scheduled for 18 June 2023 with a best-of-seven series.
Participating teams
MSC 2023 expanded its regional qualifications, qualifying teams from Turkey, North America, and MENA in the process.
