Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has made esports history. At this year’s Esports World Cup (EWC 25), the game’s Mid Season Cup (MSC) drew over 3 million peak concurrent viewers, making it the most-watched tournament in EWC history, according to Esports Charts.
Riding this momentum, MOONTON Games has announced details for the upcoming M7 World Championship (M7) — including a new format and slot allocations.
M7: A Return to Indonesia
The M Series makes its way back to Jakarta, Indonesia in January 2026. Considered the spiritual home of MLBB esports, Indonesia will host the largest M Series to date:
22 teams in total
USD 1 million prize pool
New Wild Card format — 8 teams compete for 2 Main Stage slots
Japan’s return to the M Series after a long absence
This change opens opportunities for newer regions while showcasing Indonesia’s role as the heart of MLBB esports.
Why Indonesia Matters
Indonesia has consistently been MLBB’s strongest market — from packed stadiums during MPL Indonesia to record-breaking viewership numbers. At EWC 25, over 45% of MSC’s hours watched came from Indonesian language broadcasts, proving how central the region is to MLBB’s global success.
Government support is also evident. Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, recently highlighted the energy at MPL Indonesia Season 15, where fans filled arenas and outdoor watch zones — comparable to the country’s biggest sports finals.
Esports Charts on MLBB’s Growth
Esports Charts CEO Artyom Odintsov noted:
“MSC not only set a new record for the EWC series, but was one of the most-watched events in MLBB history. With this in mind, MLBB could be the new face of the EWC.”
Looking Ahead to M7
For Indonesian teams, M7 carries extra weight. The country last lifted the M Series trophy in 2019, and competing on home ground adds pressure — and pride. For global fans, M7 represents both competition and culture, with Jakarta set to become a stage for MLBB’s worldwide community.
With MLBB now holding the crown as the most-watched title in EWC history, all eyes will be on Jakarta next January.
In a spectacular celebration of anime’s global influence, Solo Leveling has officially been crowned Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, held in Tokyo. With a record-breaking 51 million votes cast worldwide, fans came together to honor the top creators, performers, and productions that have shaped anime into the pop culture juggernaut it is today.
Singapore fans, part of the ever-growing Southeast Asian anime community, were among the millions who participated in the vote — a testament to anime’s surging popularity across the region.
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Solo Leveling
Dominates the Night
The Korean webtoon-turned-anime juggernaut Solo Leveling didn’t just win Anime of the Year — it swept the awards with a total of six accolades, including:
Best New Series
Best Action
Best Ending Sequence (“request” by krage)
Best Main Character (Sung Jinwoo)
Best Score (Hiroyuki Sawano)
Best English Voice Artist Performance (Aleks Le)
Sung Jinwoo’s dark, intense journey from weak hunter to world-shaking shadow monarch clearly resonated with fans around the world — especially with those who love high-stakes, beautifully animated power fantasies.
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Attack on Titan
Honored with First-Ever Global Impact Award
While Solo Leveling won big, Attack on Titan was celebrated for its cultural legacy. The long-running series received the inaugural Global Impact Award, recognizing its monumental contribution to anime history. Director Yuichiro Hayashi of MAPPA accepted the award on behalf of the entire creative team, following the release of Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK, which brought the epic saga to its gripping conclusion in late 2024.
🌟 Star-Studded Celebration in Tokyo
Hosted once again by beloved voice actress Sally Amaki and veteran presenter Jon Kabira, the ceremony at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo was a true fusion of East meets West.
Presenters included an eclectic mix of global celebrities and anime superfans like Kacey Musgraves, Finn Wolfhard, J Balvin, Rina Sawayama, and Chloe Kim — showing just how far anime’s cultural reach has extended beyond Japan.
Fans were also treated to high-energy performances by Creepy Nuts (performing Mashle’s “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”), FLOW (with the nostalgic “DAYS” from Eureka Seven), and LiSA, who brought the house down with a medley that included Demon Slayer’s iconic “Gurenge.”
🎉 Other Major Winners at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Film of the Year – Look Back
Best Continuing Series – Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc
Best Drama – Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Best Romance – Blue Box
Best Isekai Anime – Re:Zero Season 3
Best Comedy – Mashle: The Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc
Best Anime Song – “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts (Dan Da Dan)
Frieren and Dan Da Dan also had strong showings, with Frieren taking home awards for Best Drama, Best Background Art, Best Director, and Best Supporting Character (Fern). Meanwhile, Dan Da Dan won for Best Opening Sequence, Best Character Design, and Best Anime Song.
🌍 Anime is Global — and Getting Bigger
Crunchyroll revealed that fans from across the globe cast their votes, with high participation from countries like Brazil, India, Mexico, and the UK. For the first time, Canada and Chile entered the top 10 most engaged regions.
“Anime isn’t just entertainment — it’s identity,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “These works of art are part of our lives, and this year’s 51 million votes prove just how connected global fans are to this medium.”
🎥 Missed the Show?
Fans in Singapore can catch the full Anime Awards show on demand soon via Crunchyroll’s YouTube and Twitch, Sony Pictures Core, and Sony’s global platforms.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or new to the genre, the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards showed just how vast and diverse the anime community has become. From powerhouses like Solo Leveling and Attack on Titan to emotional epics like Frieren, anime continues to evolve and resonate on a global scale.
For Singapore-based fans, the message is clear: Anime is no longer a niche — it’s a movement.
Stay tuned to GameTrader.SG for more anime reviews, fan features, and event coverage.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Weekend of Pop Culture Adventures!
This weekend, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre transforms into the ultimate playground for pop culture fans at Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2024, running from December 7–8. Whether you’re a collector, a parent seeking family-friendly fun, or an aspiring creator, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the must-see highlights for SGCC 2024:
Disney Magic Awaits
Head to Booth B2-E01 for Disney’s immersive offerings:
• Shop Iconic Collectibles: From Disney to Star Wars, find exclusive pre-releases and holiday must-haves.
• Disney Cruise Line Adventure: Test your mettle on the Iron Cycle Test Run rollercoaster simulation and preview Marvel Landing.
• Marvel Studios Fun: Snap photos at the Captain America: Brave New World backdrop and join trivia giveaways on the Main Stage.
Dive into Bikini Bottom
Nickelodeon celebrates SpongeBob’s 25th Anniversary at Booth B2-E04 with:
• Interactive games like feeding anchovies at The Krusty Krab.
• An immersive recreation of SpongeBob’s pineapple house.
• Exclusive collectibles and cosplay prizes.
Don’t miss SpongeBob’s first-ever episode screening on the Main Stage with fun giveaways!
Bluey’s Backyard Adventure
Young fans can tackle a real-life Bluey and Bingo obstacle course at Booth L1-D04 and earn exclusive memorabilia. On stage, enjoy the Bluey Live Experience featuring festive fun from the Christmas episode Verandah Santa and a Silent Disco with Bluey and Bingo.
Gaming & Esports Excitement with Mediacorp
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Community Challenge finals are happening at Booth L1-D01. Cheer on players competing for a grand prize of 50,000 in-game diamonds and a trip to the M6 Championship. Pokémon fans can also meet Captain Pikachu in person!
Uncover Hidden Gems
• Blokees (L1-F01): Explore exclusive innovations for pop culture enthusiasts.
• Goldwood (L1-B02): Celebrate Singaporean pride with Mr. Merlion & Friends merchandise.
• Three Zero (L1-D05): Marvel at collectibles from Transformers, Evangelion, and more, plus three exclusive items!
Learn, Create, and Connect
Aspiring creators can attend workshops, panels, and portfolio reviews at The W.I.P. Lab. Highlights include:
• Entertainment Art Masterclass with industry icons Kingston Chan and Damien Soh.
• Innovative Toy Making Workshop with insights into 3D resin printing.
• Portfolio Reviews by Yuko Shimizu, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for budding artists.
Don’t Miss the Main Stage Action
Located in Basement 2 (B2), the Main Stage lineup includes musical performances, screenings, giveaways, and the Cosplay Competition Finals.
Level Up at Creators Con
Celebrate Southeast Asia’s creativity at Creators Con (B2), featuring live music, culinary showdowns, and a feast of talent.
Tridentity x SGCC Lucky Draw
Win fantastic prizes like LEGO sets and MerBubu collectibles by entering the Tridentity Lucky Draw at Booth B2-E02. Draws take place on both days at 6 PM!
Geek Out with Food and Fun
Recharge at the Pop Culture Food Zone (B2) with themed eats while geeking out with fellow fans.
Get Tickets Now!
Dates: December 7–8, 2024
Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre
