MPL MY tickets are no longer free. Fans in Malaysia can’t just walk-in and take a seat anymore. They have to pay RM10 in order to secure a ticket if they want to watch MPL Malaysia live in-person at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara in Kuala Lumpur.
Why?
Before MPL MY Season 15 starts on April 19, Fikri Rizal Mahruddin, Malaysia Esports Lead at Moonton Games spoke at a media roundtable to explain the game developer’s decision to start charging for MPL MY tickets.
Why fans have to start paying for MPL MY tickets this Season 15
MLBB esports in Malaysia has grown tremendously over the years with the introduction of a second-tier league, the influx of new talent, increased collaboration with government, partners, and sponsors, and increasingly high viewership — in 2024, MPL Malaysia was among the top 10 most-watched mobile esports events globally, reaching a peak of 870,000 concurrent viewers.
Besides evolving into a premier international product, the region also achieved unparalleled success on the international stage when the Selangor Red Giants won MSC 2024 x EWC after defeating M5 world champions, AP Bren, 4-3.
To qualify for MSC 2025 x EWC, teams will need to finish in the top-two spots in the MPL MY Season 15 playoffs.
“We’re introducing a nominal ticket price for MPL MY Season 15 as part of our multi year growth plan. This will let us improve the quality of our events, reinvest in fan experience, and elevate the league’s stature,” said Fikri. “We are seriously considering the shift to franchise league format in the midterm future.”
While the team did consider various pricing structures and options, including the possibility of a season-long ticket, they ultimately decided on RM10 per ticket.
Fikri explained that the revenue generated from MPL MY ticket sales will go towards enhancing the fan experience and improving the underlying infrastructure to consistently deliver a professional, highly entertaining, and engaging esports tournament.
MPL MY recognizes that esports is, first and foremost, a form of entertainment. To effectively entertain the fanbase, the primary focus must be on ensuring that fans are actively consuming engaging content, Fikri said.
A crucial element in achieving this is the strategic building of narratives within MPL where they draw inspiration from combat sports and traditional sports to highlight rivalries between competitors.
MPL MY also encourages their teams to actively cultivate their own communities. By doing so, they fostering a stronger connection between players, the organization, and their supporters, which ultimately enhances the fan viewing experience.
In terms of franchising, this model is already running in MPL Indonesia and MPL Philippines. MPL MY hopes to replicate their success by establishing a more stable and financially secure environment for teams through longer-term investment opportunities and valuable partnerships.
They are seeking to create a more organized ecosystem for players to achieve their aspirations, and ultimately a more sustainable esports landscape. “These benefits would bring MPL Malaysia and Malaysia Esports into the next level,” said Fikri.
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