MANILA, 24 January 2025 – Saudi Arabia-based organizations Twisted Minds (TWIS) and Team Falcons (FLCN) have officially entered the Philippine esports scene through the upcoming season of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League (MPL) Philippines.
Both teams will join the the 15th iteration of the country's longest-running esports league, to complete the eight franchise teams.
"We are thrilled to welcome Saudi Arabian esports organizations Twisted Minds and Team Falcons into the league, as part of the franchise teams. This partnership is aligned with our mission to expand further the ecosystem through overseas partnerships and forge a sustainable ecosystem that benefits our teams," started Matthew Chan, MOONTON Games PH Esports Head of Operations.
He added: "We are also positive that this initiative can potentially position the Philippines as an attractive esports business hub and it could open doors for collaboration with organizations outside Southeast Asia."
Both FLCN and TWIS will be part of PH MLBB esports' vibrant ecosystem. With a proven track record in international events like the M-Series and MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC), the country remains one of the most formidable regions in MLBB esports having the most championship titles from the said global tournaments.
Falcons' soaring higher than ever
Grant Rousseau, Team Falcons Global Director of Esports, said, "The Philippines is the strongest region for MLBB players from a competitive point of view. 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."
Rousseau also revealed its 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."
This will be the first time for TWIS to join the local esports scene. For the organization, the focus is creating a champion-caliber team and also expanding in Asia.
A sudden Twist of events
Ibrahim Bin Jibreen, Twisted Minds Chief Executive Officer and Founder, said, "We want to expand overseas, especially in Asia, in the Philippines. 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 as 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," Jibreen added.
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.
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