Visa and MOONTON Games have expanded their partnership around Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports, following the conclusion of MPL Philippines Season 18 and the announcement of a three-year partnership covering the next three editions of the M Series.
The collaboration included fan activities and experiences during MPL Philippines Season 18, which drew 20,000 onsite fans and recorded more than 1.49 million peak concurrent viewers during its two-month run, according to Esports Charts.
The renewed Visa and MOONTON partnership will continue through the M8, M9, and M10 World Championships from 2027 to 2029.
Visa and MOONTON extend partnership through 2029
The expanded collaboration follows Visa’s designation as the Global Payment Partner for the next three M Series editions, covering the M8 World Championship in 2027 through the M10 World Championship in 2029.
Over 20,000 onsite fans filled the PhilSports Arena for the exciting conclusion of MPL Season 18, which drew 1.49 million peak concurrent viewership according to Esports Charts. Fans got to enjoy a variety of gameday experiences courtesy of Visa, while Visa cardholders got to enjoy exclusive seating and meet-and-greet opportunities with MPL’s top teams through the Visa Mythical Glory Day Pass.
The M Series is MLBB’s international esports competition. The release cites Esports Charts data showing that the tournament has recorded 5.68 million peak concurrent viewers, making it the most-watched mobile esports tournament in history according to the source.
The partnership also forms part of MLBB Esports’ global expansion strategy, with Visa’s global payments network supporting the collaboration.
MPL Philippines Season 18 featured fan experiences
During MPL Philippines Season 18, Visa and MOONTON Games organized activities aimed at connecting fans with teams, players, creators, and the wider MLBB community.
Visa cardholders received early access to purchase the Visa Mythical Glory Day Pass, which included access to VIP seating, meet-and-greet opportunities with teams and players, and the Visa Mythical Glory Lounge.
Visa also sponsored the Alamat Awards, which recognized players through categories including the Visa Most Improved Player, Visa Comeback Player, and Visa Rising Player awards.
Partnership focuses on esports community engagement
Visa Philippines Head of Marketing Nico Leviste said the success of MPL Philippines Season 18 highlighted the engagement of the Filipino esports community and described the renewed partnership as an opportunity to create additional fan experiences.
MOONTON Games Esports Business Development Head for the Philippines Lee Viloria said the partnership also supports activities connecting fans with teams and players while recognizing emerging esports talent.
The collaboration reflects Visa’s broader approach to partnerships in gaming and esports, while continuing MOONTON Games’ work around MLBB’s competitive ecosystem.
MPL Philippines and MLBB esports continue to expand
The Philippines remains an important market for MLBB esports, with the release citing an estimated gaming and esports market size of 68 million.
MLBB Esports has expanded across multiple leagues, including the MPL series in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. According to the release, the MPL series has surpassed 1 billion hours of watch time globally.
The renewed Visa and MOONTON partnership will continue through the M8, M9, and M10 World Championships from 2027 to 2029.
