Esports continues to grow as an official sport in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) announced as the headline game for the 33rd SEA Games, set to take place in Thailand from December 9 to December 20, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive SEA Games where esports will be included, a tradition that started in 2019, and MLBB has become a standout title in the lineup.
Esports at the 2025 SEA Games: Mobile Legends takes the spotlight
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has rapidly gained popularity across Southeast Asia, making it a natural choice to headline esports events at the upcoming SEA Games. Following strong viewership at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, MLBB returns for both men's and women's competitions. According to Esports Charts, the 2023 SEA Games saw over a million peak concurrent viewers for MLBB, with an average viewership of over 300,000 throughout the tournament—impressive numbers solidifying its place as a fan favourite.
MLBB also recently claimed the Mobile Esports Game of the Year award for the second year in a row, underscoring its importance in gaming. Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, the developer and publisher of MLBB, expressed his excitement for the game's return, calling its role as a medalled sport “another positive step forward for esports.”
The game's inclusion highlights the rapid evolution of esports in the region, with MLBB's widespread appeal and viewer engagement making it a strong contender for future SEA Games. Esports' presence in major sporting events like the SEA Games reflects the growing global acceptance of competitive gaming as a legitimate sport while boosting MLBB's influence in the Asian gaming community.
A look back and forward: Esports at the SEA Games
Esports became part of the SEA Games in 2019, and its inclusion has been met with enthusiasm from fans and players alike. Since then, esports has grown in popularity, becoming one of the most-watched events within the Games. This year's SEA Games will see Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla hosting the 33rd edition, where MLBB retakes the spotlight.
While Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is the only confirmed title so far, other popular games are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the event. In past SEA Games, games like Valorant, PUBG Mobile, and League of Legends: Wild Rift have been featured, drawing immense fan engagement and competitive excitement. Last year's games saw Singapore and Indonesia win gold in Valorant after a highly competitive match, demonstrating the high skill level and dedication that esports athletes bring to these events.
Alongside traditional sports, esports has been a welcome addition to the SEA Games, showcasing the digital skills and dedication of young athletes from across the region. With MLBB leading the charge, the 2025 SEA Games aims to engage both live audiences and online viewers, making esports one of the most dynamic categories in the event.
Competing countries and host cities prepare for a big year
The SEA Games are known for fostering camaraderie and competitive spirit among Southeast Asian nations. Eleven countries will participate this year, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, and Vietnam. Each nation will bring its strengths, with esports representing one of the fastest-growing areas of competition.
The 33rd SEA Games, hosted by Thailand, will occur across multiple cities, including Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla. The esports events, especially with MLBB as the main attraction, are expected to bring in a massive in-person and online following as fans tune in to support their teams. This growth of esports at a prestigious event like the SEA Games highlights the increasing acceptance of gaming as a significant and respected sport.
With Mobile Legends: Bang Bang returning as a headlining title, the stage is set for an exciting esports showcase in Thailand. As the Games draw closer, more details on additional esports titles and event schedules will be announced, making this year's SEA Games a highly anticipated milestone for gaming enthusiasts across Southeast Asia.
