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| An eagle-eye view of the M7 World Championship Opening Ceremony at the Batavia PIK in Jakarta, Indonesia (Image Source: MOONTON Games) |
On January 9, 2026, the world of gaming and eSports watched Jakarta transformed into a living Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) stage through the M7 World Championship Opening Ceremony. Held under the theme Rise As One, the event celebrated MLBB's rise as one of Indonesia's national sports disciplines 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.
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. Indonesia's Vice Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar 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 recognize 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!" MOONTON Games Global Head of MLBB eSports Tiger Xu 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 M7 Opening Ceremony took place 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. The M7 Opening Ceremony paid tribute to Indonesia's rich heritage with a special cultural performance, featuring local performers and cosplayers portraying Gatotkaca, an MLBB hero inspired by the legendary warrior from Indonesian folklore. 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.
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. The citywide MLBB celebration will continue at the M7 Carnival on January 23-25, 2026 where fans can explore six interactive zones, enjoy live performances, and engage in activations that immerse them in the spirit of the M7. Prizes worth IDR2.5B [2.5 billion Indonesian Rupiah (~US$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. Tickets to the M7 Carnival are available online at https://id-mpl.com/m7?q=carnival.
The M7 continues to bring MLBB to life across Indonesia, transforming cities a vivid celebration of the game. At the heart of this initiative is a nationwide campaign transforming the nation's streets into a living MLBB canvas. Unveiled during the M7 Opening Ceremony, over 20 large-scale murals were hand-painted by local artists to honour the M7 and the Indonesian-inspired hero Gatotkaca. By combining artistry with gameplay, the initiative immerses the nation in its rising national sport while spreading pride across every corner of Indonesia. Tiger said, "With this project, we wanted to create something that goes beyond just art or gameplay. The mural project is about celebrating the players who bring MLBB to life while giving local artists a platform to showcase their talent. We want to see the game through the eyes of our fans and how the artists interpret the Land of Dawn in their work. Each mural blends the stories of individual players with Indonesia's culture, turning the country into a celebration of the game and our players. Every mural tells its own story, and together, they create a shared experience that immerses the whole nation in the excitement of M7." Extending beyond Indonesia, fans around the world can take part in the M7 season through a series of in-game experiences. By logging in until January 31, 2026, players can unlock the Edith "Verdant Knight" skin for free. Running alongside this is the M7 Pass, available until February 8, 2026, which features a lineup of limited in-game rewards, including the free Gatotkaca "Solar Spark" skin. Inspired by Indonesian folklore, the Mighty Legend steps into the spotlight as a symbol of the nation's eSports identity as M7 begins.
