The opening week of MPL Philippines Season 15 concluded after seven action-packed matches at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City. The tournament witnessed a remarkable surge in viewership compared to the first week of the previous season, highlighting the increasing popularity of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports in the region. This growth was driven in large part by an explosion of interest from two prominent regional language communities, reflecting the league’s expanding reach.
By the end of the first weekend, two familiar powerhouses—Team Liquid PH and Aurora Gaming—emerged as the dominant forces in the tournament. Both teams secured back-to-back victories in their initial matchups, maintaining their unbeaten streak and positioning themselves as early frontrunners. These results underscore the steady rise of both teams, who made significant strides in the 2024 season and now look poised to continue their momentum.
MPL Philippines Season 15 (image via Getty)Record-Breaking Viewership in MPL Philippines Season 15
The opening week of MPL Philippines Season 15 achieved an impressive 556,080 peak viewers (PV), a milestone reached during the highly anticipated clash between reigning world champions ONIC.PH and Aurora Gaming are on Day 2. With both teams securing victories on Day 1, fans were eager to witness this early-season showdown, which did not disappoint. Aurora Gaming claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory, further fueling its growing reputation as a formidable contender.
This staggering peak concurrent viewership figure represents a more than 90% increase compared to Week 1 of MPL Philippines Season 13, showcasing the league’s growing influence. Notably, with other MLBB professional leagues yet to commence their seasons, a significant portion of this surge in interest came from Indonesian and Burmese audiences. These language communities registered substantial increases in watch time, demonstrating the cross-border appeal of MPL Philippines.
Additionally, the first week saw a notable rise in the number of channels co-casting the tournament, a factor that further amplified its reach. Compared to the 2023 season, this expansion of broadcast avenues contributed to a larger and more engaged audience base, solidifying MPL Philippines Season 15 as one of the most-watched esports leagues globally.
MPL Philippines Season 15 (image via Getty)Most-Watched Matches and Key Trends
The tournament’s first week also generated impressive engagement metrics, accumulating over 2.8 million hours watched (HW) and an average viewership (AV) of 183,616 across 16 hours of airtime. These figures represent a 65.2% and 74.12% increase, respectively, compared to MPL Philippines Season 13. The format adjustments made to the Regular Season and Playoffs appear to have struck a chord with the audience, driving renewed interest in the competition.
Interestingly, the absence of Blacklist International—one of the most successful MLBB esports organizations—did not significantly impact the league’s popularity. As a former world champion and a major draw for fans, Blacklist International’s unexpected exit from MLBB esports raised concerns about the potential impact on viewership. However, the first week’s numbers indicate that the league remains as ever, with new narratives emerging to keep fans engaged.
With the MPL Philippines Season 15 just getting started, there is plenty more action to come. Teams will be vying not only for domestic supremacy but also for a coveted spot in the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025. With the Grand Final scheduled for June 1, fans can look forward to months of thrilling competition as the region’s best teams battle for glory.
