SIBOL Loads Up for Bangkok: New blood, old dominance, and a golden standard to protect

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang returns to the Southeast Asian Games this December—and once again, all eyes turn to SIBOL. Now on its fourth SEA Games appearance, MLBB remains the Philippines’ most decorated esports discipline, and the 2025 delegation arrives in Bangkok carrying both the pressure of history and the promise of a new generation.

Set from December 13 to 17 at Sala Phra Kieo in Chulalongkorn University, the competition brings together the region’s elite for both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

 For the men’s side, SIBOL has doubled down on familiarity and firepower, tapping the core of MPL Philippines Season 16 champions Team Liquid Philippines.

Veterans like Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz form the backbone of the squad—an ensemble of players used to high-pressure stages and championship expectations.

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PARA SA PILIPINAS

Mery Christine Vivero shares her thoughts on representing the country with the SIBOL MLBB Women in the 33rd SEA Games happening in Thailand this December. | via Gillian Trinidad/One Sports#SIBOL #LakadMatatag #SEAGames pic.twitter.com/yNrJ1hDkJb

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 30, 2025

Injecting youth into that structure is super rookie John Carlo “Caloy” Roma of Twisted Minds PH, whose explosive rise in local competition has made him one of the country’s most anticipated young stars.

 Steering this high-powered roster is Cavalry’s Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz, whose system is known for its structure and discipline—two traits that often define international MLBB success.

The women’s squad brings its own mix of consistency and momentum. Fresh off winning the SIBOL qualifiers, NaVi PH will represent the nation, led by Gwyneth “Ayanami” Diagon, Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, Kaye Maerylle “Keishi” Alpuerto, and Rica Fatima “Amoree” Amores. They’ll be reinforced by Clarisse “CLA” Cordova from Team Liquid Philippines, a calculated addition expected to strengthen the team’s versatility. The group will be under the guidance of Salman “KingSalman” Macarambon, a coach respected for his ability to build synergy quickly.

SIBOL’s men enter as the undisputed dynasts of the MLBB SEA Games stage. Since the tournament’s introduction in 2019, the Philippines has claimed every single men’s gold medal—a three-event sweep no other country has come close to matching.

 That dominance, however, creates a unique kind of pressure. Every opponent now plays with one goal: finally taking down the Philippines.

The women, meanwhile, are entering a storyline still being written. With the division introduced only in 2023, Indonesia stands as the defending champion. 

Their breakthrough gold created a new regional hierarchy—one that the 2025 SIBOL lineup is eager to shake up.

Competition begins with the Men’s Group Stage on December 13, featuring 10 teams split into two groups. The top three from each group will survive and march toward the Knockout Stage on December 15. The Women’s Group Stage follows on December 14, with nine teams separated into Group A and Group B.

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