The Queens of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) have done it again! Team Vitality (VIT) successfully defended their MLBB Women's International (MWI) title at the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC), defeating Natus Vincere (NAVI), 4-2, in a nail-biting Grand Finals series to cap off the most-watched edition in MWI history. The French organisation became back-to-back MWI champions, walking away with the lion's share of the US$500,000 prize pool.
The victory carried even greater significance as the tournament ushered in a new era for women's esports, following its rebrand from the MLBB Women's Invitational into a fully realised global championship. The landmark edition also marked MWI's European debut at EWC 26, where VIT, one of the world's leading French esports organisations, lifted the trophy on home soil in Paris. The triumph secured the organisation's record-extending fourth MWI crown, further cementing its legacy as the undisputed Queens of MLBB.
Team Vitality wins MWI at Esports World Cup 2026
MWI is the only dedicated women's esports tournament at EWC 26 and has grown into one of the world's leading competitions for female esports athletes. This year's edition was the tournament's largest yet, with open qualifiers spanning 60 regions before culminating in a 16-team Main Event in Paris. Its continued growth reflects MLBB Esports' commitment to building a more global and inclusive competitive ecosystem, creating more opportunities for women to compete on the international stage.
The Grand Finals also renewed one of MLBB's greatest international rivalries. VIT's Indonesian roster faced the Philippines' NAVI in a rematch of the MWI 2024 Grand Finals, where NAVI, then competing as Smart Omega Empress (OMGE), swept VIT 3-0 to dethrone the defending champions and end their 24-match international winning streak, a run that had stood since 2021. Home to many of MLBB's greatest players and world champions, Indonesia and the Philippines have long set the benchmark for competitive MLBB.
Geltek Cyber Team (GCT) from the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region clinched a podium finish after a commanding 3-0 victory over Cambodia's Galaxy Phoenix (GPX) in the Third Place Match. The result marks the highest-ever international finish in MLBB for the EECA region, while Cambodia achieved its best performance on the global MLBB women's stage. With more regions making their mark on the international stage, MWI continues to inspire and empower the next generation of female esports talent.
The battle for the MSC throne begins
16 of the world's best MLBB teams are set to converge in Paris as the Mid Season Cup (MSC) makes its European debut at EWC 26. The action begins with the Group Stage from 22 to 26 July, followed by the Knockout Stage from 29 to 31 July. The tournament will reach its climax on 1 August, when the final two teams face off in a Best-of-Seven (BO7) Grand Final to crown the next MSC champion. One of the biggest early storylines will be Group B, where reigning champions Team Liquid PH (TLPH) and inaugural MSC at EWC winners Selangor Red Giants (SRG) headline a stacked field of Southeast Asian powerhouses.
