Under the banner of “Rise as One,” the M7 Opening Ceremony transformed Indonesia’s capital into a living esports showcase. Blending tradition, competition, and modern spectacle as the seventh edition of MLBB’s flagship tournament officially kicked off.
More than an opening show, the event doubled as a cultural statement, positioning Indonesia not just as a host nation, but as the heart of MLBB Esports. Jakarta didn’t just host the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M7 World Championship opening ceremony—it became it. m7-opening-ceremony
With the M Series returning to Indonesia for the first time since M4, the ceremony set the tone for a tournament that runs until January 25, and for a scene that continues to grow.
M7 Opening Ceremony
Held at Batavia PIK, Jakarta’s overwater cultural and lifestyle hub, the opening ceremony leaned heavily into Indonesia’s heritage. A large-scale performance by the Swargaloka Dance Crew opened the night, bringing together 60 dancers in traditional attire representing diferent regions across the archipelago.
The performance at the M7 opening ceremony fused folklore and mythology with contemporary choreography. featuring spiritual and legendary figures such as Kadita, and Reog. The result was a visual narrative that celebrated Indonesia’s diversity while mirroring MLBB’s own global identity. Many regions, one game.
A National Sport on a Global Stage
MLBB’s scale loomed large throughout the night. With over 1.5 billion installations worldwide and more than 110 million monthly active users. The title has become one of the most-watched mobile esports globally. Indonesia, in particular, has emerged as its strongest pillar. With MPL Indonesia recording over 100 million hours watched in five consecutive seasons.
That significance was echoed by government representation, as Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Creative Economy highlighted how MLBB has evolved into a symbol of national pride. Standing alongside traditional sports like football and badminton.
For MLBB Esports, M7 isn’t just another championship. It’s a statement of how far the ecosystem has come, and where it’s headed next.
Flags Raised, Legends Honored
One of the night’s most striking moments came during “Voices of M7: Rise as One,” as a choir performed the M7 theme song. While the flags of the 16 Main Stage teams were raised together. Each flag was carried by a Gatotkaca cosplayer, n MLBB hero inspired by Indonesian folklore. Tying competitive ambition directly to cultural roots.
The M7 opening ceremony reached its peak during the Grand Finale. When past and current Indonesian champions Luminaire, Wannn, and Vivian carried the M7 Trophy onto the stage. Joined by local sports icon Igede “Igedz Executioner” Dharma Susila. It was a symbolic passing of the torch—honoring past triumphs while ushering in the next chapter, led by the real life Gatotkaca, M7’s featured hero, Igedz.
More Than a Tournament
Beyond the arena, MLBB’s M7 opening ceremony celebrations extend across Indonesia. A nationwide campaign has turned city streets into canvases with murals inspired by Gatotkaca, while in-game events and player rewards continue to pull fans into the season.
The upcoming M7 Carnival will further blur the lines between esports, music, and pop culture, featuring live performances, fan activations, and appearances from top creators and pro players.
As M7 gets underway, one message is clear: MLBB isn’t just hosting a world championship in Indonesia. It’s showcasing how deeply esports has become woven into the country’s cultural fabric. And for the global MLBB community, Jakarta has set the bar high.
