Team Liquid Enters Mobile Legends with ECHO and AURA Acquisition

Overview

Team Liquid, a prominent multinational esports organization, has officially expanded into Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) by acquiring Southeast Asian esports organization STUN.GG along with its esports properties, AURA Esports and ECHO Esports.

Acquisition Details

• Rebranding:
  • AURA Esports will be rebranded to Team Liquid ID.
  • ECHO Esports will be rebranded to Team Liquid PH.
• Staff Integration: Existing staff of AURA and ECHO will join Team Liquid’s global business operations.
• Resources: The acquisition will provide additional resources to grow the presence of AURA and ECHO in Southeast Asia under the Team Liquid banner.
• Financials: The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Competitive Success

• ECHO Esports:
  • Achievements: M4 World Championship winner and MPL Philippines Season 11 champion in 2023.
  • Social Media: ECHO has a significant following across multiple platforms, contributing to over 10 million followers combined with AURA.
• AURA Esports:
  • Achievements: Secured consecutive third-place finishes in MPL Indonesia Season 9 and 10 in 2022.

Market Impact

• MLBB’s Popularity: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a leading mobile esports title globally, often surpassing established MOBA titles like League of Legends and Dota 2 in viewership.
  • Top Events: In 2023, five of the top 10 most-viewed esports events were MLBB tournaments, with MPL Indonesia Seasons 11 and 12 reaching peak viewership figures of 1.89 million and 2.1 million respectively.

Strategic Goals

• Regional Expansion: The acquisition strengthens Team Liquid’s presence in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines.
• Fan Engagement: Team Liquid aims to leverage the intense and loyal fan bases in these regions.
• Synergy with Existing Values: Team Liquid seeks to align with organizations that share similar values and philosophies.

Leadership Perspective

Victor Goossens, Co-CEO of Team Liquid:

“We have always admired the intensity and loyalty of fans in Indonesia and the Philippines, which we’ve experienced firsthand in esports events in the past. When we saw an opportunity to strengthen our presence in Southeast Asia with these incredible competitive teams, we knew we had to do it with an organization built with the same values and philosophy as our own. We found that partner in the staff and fans of AURA/ECHO.”

Future Outlook

Team Liquid’s strategic acquisition of AURA Esports and ECHO Esports, now rebranded as Team Liquid ID and Team Liquid PH, is set to enhance its competitive edge in the burgeoning Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports scene. With a strong foundation and increased resources, the organization is poised to make a significant impact in upcoming MPL seasons and beyond.