The Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL Philippines) has set a new record with its 14th season, reaching 1.62 million concurrent viewers during the grand finals. Season 14, which began on August 16, concluded with a seven-game series between two competitive teams, Fnatic ONIC PH and Aurora Gaming, captured attention not only within the Philippines but also internationally. 

Grand finals and viewership milestones 

Livestreaming platforms experienced a surge in popularity, with TikTok recording over 467,000 peak viewers, a new high for Filipino-language viewership on the platform. Additionally, the match drew 867,800 peak viewers on YouTube, highlighting the MPL’s ability to attract audiences across multiple streaming platforms. This growth reflects a broader trend, as TikTok has gained a larger share of the esports livestreaming audience, increasingly rivalling YouTube’s dominance in this domain.  The league’s regional and international support, bolstered by Filipino-speaking audiences, continues to be a major factor in MPL Philippines’ rising viewership. The playoffs alone accounted for nearly half of the season’s total 21.1 million hours watched, underscoring the intense engagement with high-stakes matches. 

Shifts in the MPL Philippines scene 

The season’s storyline was shaped by changes in the team roster, contributing to a narrative that drew audiences in large numbers. The exit of Team Minana EVOS, due to partner EVOS Esports’ decision to withdraw from the region, led to a reshuffling of players and opened a slot in the league. Serbian esports organisation Aurora Gaming entered the MPL Philippines by acquiring this vacant spot, bringing fresh talent and creating a strong presence in the competition. Many former Minana EVOS players joined Fnatic ONIC PH, a team that partnered with Europe-based Fnatic, gaining newfound support and emerging as a fan favourite. 

Road to the World Championship 

MPL Philippines Season 14 concluded with Fnatic ONIC PH emerging as champions, followed closely by runner-up Aurora Gaming. Both teams have now qualified for the prestigious M6 World Championship, set to take place from 21 November to 15 December at Kuala Lumpur’s Axiata Arena. This championship will feature the top teams from MPL’s regional leagues, including Indonesia and Malaysia, who are completing their seasons soon.