The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The world watched today (9 January) as Jakarta transformed into a living Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) stage at the M7 Opening Ceremony! Held under the theme Rise as One, the event celebrated MLBB’s rise as one of Indonesia’s national sports and positioned the country as a global esports hub. MLBB now stands alongside football and badminton as one of the nation’s most-loved competitive disciplines, united by a shared spirit of national pride and community. The ceremony also marked the official start of the M7 World Championship (M7), the seventh edition of MLBB’s flagship tournament. Jakarta came alive in a night to remember as cultural performances, traditional music, and futuristic displays lit up the skyline.
MLBB ranks amongst the world’s most-popular mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) titles, boasting over 1.5 billion installations and 110 million Monthly Active Users (MAU). Its global ecosystem amassed 475 million Hours Watched (HW) in 2024, placing it alongside the biggest names in global sports entertainment, according to Esports Charts. The M7 will run until 25 January, marking the return of the M Series to Indonesia for the first time since M4. As the home of MLBB Esports, the nation continues to show unmatched passion for the game, with MLBB Professional League (MPL) Indonesia surpassing 100 million HW in each of its past five seasons.
Tradition meets modernity in Jakarta’s grand spectacle
Inspired by the grandeur of major sporting events, the M7 Opening Ceremony set the tone for the largest M Series showcase to date. The cinematic production celebrated Indonesia’s cultural richness while reflecting the spirit of MLBB Esports, blending tradition with modern expression.
Irene Umar, Vice Minister of Creative Economy, graced the M7 Opening Ceremony, witnessing the citywide celebration and the rise of MLBB as a symbol of national pride and global unity. She said: “The M7 places Indonesia at the centre of the global esports stage. For the next few weeks, the world will not only watch the best MLBB teams compete. They will also see Indonesia’s passion, creativity, and energy. Through technology and competition, it allows a nation like Indonesia to be seen, heard, and celebrated by a global audience. Together with MOONTON Games, we have seen how MLBB has become more than a game. It has grown into one of the most-watched and beloved entertainment titles in the world. As a federation, we recognise MOONTON Games’ role in building a professional, sustainable, and globally respected esports ecosystem. I would like to express our appreciation to MOONTON Games as well for creating opportunities, inspiring young talent, and uniting millions of fans. Tonight, let the world see Indonesia. Let the world see esports at its best. Welcome to the M7!”
Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, said: “Rise As One is more than just a theme—it’s a message for our community and fans worldwide. The M7 Opening Ceremony was a celebration of that idea and a showcase of the global influence of MLBB Esports. It brought together cultures, honoured heritage, and aimed to inspire our fans to come together to celebrate their shared passion. Tonight was a statement of what MLBB Esports represents today, and reflects the journey that we’re headed towards in the future. By blending tradition with innovation, the ceremony embodied our vision for MLBB to uplift and empower the communities that matter most to us. We want to continue creating shared experiences that unite the world through the power of gaming, sports, culture, and entertainment!”
The event was held at the iconic Batavia PIK, a cultural hub where colonial heritage meets contemporary design. The world’s first overwater shopping, dining, and entertainment complex came alive with Rise in Indonesia—a powerful opening performance by the Swargaloka Dance Crew. The showcase brought Indonesia’s cultural diversity to a single stage, blending colour, movement, modernity, and heritage in celebration of the M7 host nation.
The performance featured 60 dancers in traditional attire representing regions across the archipelago, including Gandrung (East Java), Legong (Bali), Dayak (Kalimantan), Papua (East Indonesia), and Betawi (Jakarta). Together, they formed a unified expression of Indonesia’s diverse identities, reflecting the shared spirit that defines the nation and MLBB Esports. Elements of Indonesia’s rich mythology were also woven throughout the performance. Spiritual figures like Kadita (Javanese and Sundanese), Reog (Ponorogo), Leak (Bali), and Hudog (Kalimantan) highlighted the depth of the country’s cultural roots, shaped by art and rituals passed down through generations. Catch the showcase here and witness Indonesia’s story at the heart of MLBB Esports. Let the World See Us.
The ceremony continued with Voices of M7: Rise as One—a choral rendition of the M7 theme song, Sizzle. The performance set a ceremonial tone as the 16 Main Stage teams looked to begin their title campaigns. Against the backdrop of the choir, the flags of the 16 teams were raised in unison. Each flag was carried by a Gatotkaca cosplayer—the MLBB hero inspired by the Indonesian folklore warrior and wayang (show puppetry). Blending cultural tribute with competitive purpose, the segment honoured Indonesia’s heritage and the journeys of the teams stepping onto the largest stage in MLBB Esports to date. It concluded in a collective moment, as all flags flew high and the message “Rise As One, Let the World See Us” was revealed. Watch the performance here and experience the moment that brought the M7 stage together.
The Grand Finale, We Rise as One, brought the 16 Main Stage teams to the stage with their flags. Dancers blended heritage with modern expression, donning neon-accented traditional Indonesian attire inspired by Javanese folk art and warriors. The convergence of traditional forms and contemporary visuals captured the evolving identity of MLBB Esports—anchored in culture while driven by the intensity of today’s competitive scene.
Bold choreography, striking formations, and powerful music conveyed the pace, strength, and intensity of MLBB. The performance reached its peak as the M7 Trophy was carried on stage by Indonesian MLBB champions, Ihsan “Luminaire” Kusudana (M1 champion), Muhammad “Wannn” Ridwan (M1 champion), and Vivi “Vivian” Indrawaty (three-time MLBB Women’s Invitational champion). They were joined by Indonesian bodybuilder and Physical Asia star, Igede “Igedz Executioner” Dharma Susila, appearing in a Gatotkaca-inspired costume. Their presence honoured the achievements of past champions while carrying the hopes of Indonesia and the global MLBB community. It was a moment that marked the continuation of a journey shaped by passion and love for the game. Watch the Grand Finale here and experience the moment the M7 officially began.
The citywide MLBB celebration will continue at the M7 Carnival from 23 to 25 January. Fans can explore six interactive zones, enjoy live performances, and engage in activations that immerse them in the spirit of the M7. Prizes worth IDR 2.5 billion (~USD 150,000) will be up for grabs, including exclusive skins, limited-edition merchandise, and in-game items. Fans can also meet MPL Indonesia teams and popular content creators such as Pascol, Xinnn, Markocop, Jess No Limit, and Ade in exclusive meet-and-greet sessions. Legendary MLBB players Vivian, Wannn, and Luminaire, will also lead the charge for the Allstar funmatch on the second day of the carnival.
Beyond gaming, the M7 Carnival will transform the city into a vibrant entertainment stage. Headlining the Main Stage is Indonesian singer-songwriter Stephanie Poetri, best known for her hit “I Love You 3000”. Poetri is signed to global record label 88rising, alongside fellow Indonesian artists Rich Brian and NIKI. She will join rising girl group, no na, for a special rendition of the M7 Theme Song, delivering a halftime show that captures the spirit of MLBB Esports.
Red Bull (blue & silver) will take over the M7 Carnival with exclusive live performances across all three days. Taking to the Main Stage are popular homegrown artists, Naykilla and Jemsii. Known for soulful take on hip-dut (a blend of Hip-Hop and Indonesian folk fusion music, Dangdut), the pair will kick off the M7 Carnival—setting the tone for a vibrant celebration. On the following days, DJ VILOID and Dipha Barus will take to the Main Stage, keeping festival atmosphere alive.
Beyond the stage, Red Bull will bring the M7 to life with a dedicated Gaming Ground. At the heart of the activation is the exclusive Red Bull Energy Zone, open to athletes, VIPs, and select fans. Attendees can enjoy high-energy breakdancing performances by Miyu, Zeem Ahmad & Mr. Liberty. They can also refuel at the Red Bull Bar which will serve its signature energy drinks alongside playful twists on cocktails and mocktails. The Energy Zone is complemented by the Entertainment Area, featuring the main attraction—a Red Bull Event Car. Live DJ performances will fill the space with music, creating an immersive backdrop for fans to soak in the excitement of the M7. The experience continues into the Gaming Zone, designed to replicate the atmosphere of professional tournaments. Fans can compete, win prizes, and experience the intensity of a live competition, while a dedicated viewing lounge offers a space catch all the M7 action. Experience the MLBB spectacle, tickets are on sale at https://id-mpl.com/m7?q=carnival.