A renewed partnership between the Portuguese Esports Federation (FPDE) and MOONTON Games aims to solidify Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as a cornerstone of Portugal’s competitive gaming framework.
The move aligns with the federation’s Esports Vision 2030, a five-year strategic plan for Portugal to gain official recognition for esports, develop integrity-focused competitive pathways, and promote inclusion. The partnership leverages MLBB’s substantial global footprint, which includes over 1.5 billion installations and a record-breaking M7 World Championship viewership, to advance these domestic objectives.
Operationally, the renewal ensures MLBB will remain a featured title at the Portuguese Esports Cup 2026, following a 2025 edition where the game was a standout performer. According to organisers, the event last year generated €170,000 (~USD200,000) in media value, a 126% return on investment for partners. Beyond domestic competition, the FPDE has actively nominated national MLBB teams for international tournaments over the past two years, a practice set to continue.
Commenting on the broader vision, Vladislav Samokha, Esports Ecosystem Lead for MOONTON Games in the Western Europe region, said, “With FPDE’s professional and long-term approach to ecosystem development, we’re building a local ecosystem where talent and passion can thrive.”
“This partnership with MOONTON Games represents a significant milestone for FPDE and demonstrates the viability of Portugal as a premium esports market,” stated Pedro Honório da Silva, President of the FPDE.
The Portuguese initiative coincides with wider European expansion for the mobile MOBA title. Recently, MOONTON partnered with tournament organiser PGL to launch a new MLBB Challengers circuit in the region. Furthermore, MLBB’s confirmed inclusion in the upcoming 2026 Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh hints a role the Portuguese Federation might play in setting foundations for the country’s presence on the world stage.
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