MWI 2024 was an outright success at the EWC, but the event’s brilliance stretches far beyond the grand final, as we look towards the future.
It has been almost a week since Smart Omega Empress proved to the world that they were the best team at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational 2024. While the Esports World Cup continues to showcase tons of talent from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – MWI stands alone as the only female event to have appeared at this year’s tournament. While it may seem odd, the tournament has been allowed to speak for itself, as it lets MLBB pave the path forward for women’s esports.
Setting an example
Esports itself is still an ever-evolving entity, continuously changing as new titles release, and the world finds new ways to improve and adapt. Women’s esports are an even greater part of this, with the teams and players in a constant struggle to have major events for them to show off their talent. However, when it comes to MLBB, MOONTON has given its players a fantastic chance to move onwards and upwards – with the 2024 MWI event just a small stepping stone on the path upwards.
Why is MWI important?
As with any tournament, it stands as a great way for players and teams to make a statement in whichever game they might be a part of – and show the world just what they can do. When it comes to MWI 2024, it has done this for the teams, and a whole lot more for women’s esports along the way. As the only female event at the EWC, MWI had to take it upon itself to bring the MLBB women’s scene to the forefront, and it did so with stellar results.
Not only did MWI set records in its prize pool for MLBB itself, but the tournament pulled in a massive number of viewers, expanding the game beyond its boundaries. The event, and others like it, gives the players, teams, and companies, a chance to spread their influence, make new fans, and find new players to reach their dreams. The women within these tournaments stand to inspire those around them and continue to do so at every tournament.
Where do we go from here?
The question that is always on everyone’s mind after a tournament such as MWI is what the next step might be. The answer is a simple one; onwards and upwards.
As we head into the second half of the year, we are likely to see more focus on women’s esports in general, and the likelihood of more tournaments coming into play too. However, one thing we have already seen from MOONTON Games is the ability to integrate both their male and female players into the same events. This is something we are beginning to see more of now, and it will be very interesting to witness.
Having already integrated some female teams into Season 9, the Mobile Legends Developmental League Season 10 in Indonesia is set to see both Falcons Vega and Team Vitality Female fighting against some of the best male teams in their region. While ID is a starting point for this, regions such as the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia could quickly follow in the coming years – giving these women an even greater chance to shine.
Although it may seem like a small start, the prevalence of women’s tournaments such as MWI 2024 is paramount in continuing to grow the scene. As more and more people find their home in esports, having excellent role models will only enrich the scene, and ensure that more companies continue to notice and nurture the talents of their female player base.
