S8UL Esports has been removed from the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025 after two players participated in a rival title event. The decision has sparked backlash and raised concerns about cross game participation rules.
MOONTON Games has disqualified Indian esports powerhouse S8UL Esports from the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup 2025. The decision, which emerged just weeks before the high profile tournament at the Esports World Cup, has sent ripples through the mobile esports community, especially with S8UL fielding a North American roster previously known as BloodThirstyKings.
At the core of the disqualification are two of S8UL’s players, Jang ‘Hoon’ Seong hun and Michael ‘Mobazane’ Cosgun, who took part in a separate event for Honor of Kings, a rival mobile multiplayer online battle arena title. MOONTON, the developer behind MLBB, referenced its MSC penalty index in their ruling. According to tournament rules, any player who engages in promotional events, livestreams, or competitions of a direct competitor can be subject to penalties, including suspension.
As a result of these actions, S8UL Esports has been ruled ineligible to compete in the Mid Season Cup, effectively removing them from the roster lineup. Additionally, the team failed to meet the minimum player requirement after the suspensions were handed down. Under tournament regulations, teams are not allowed to modify their roster once final submissions are closed, leaving no room for substitution.
The vacant slot has now been handed to Area 77, the runner up from the North America Challenger Tournament Spring 2025. With this sudden change, Area 77 will represent the region at the MSC in place of S8UL, a move that has sparked both relief and frustration across the MLBB fanbase.
Adding to the controversy, S8UL’s own player Ian ‘FwydChickn’ Hohl posted a video statement expressing disappointment and frustration over the decision. In his message, he claimed that the team had verified the terms of the campaign with Honor of Kings beforehand and found no apparent conflicts with the MSC rules at the time. He described MOONTON’s actions as restrictive and unfair, saying the decision forced the team into withdrawal.
“We have been forced to withdraw due to unfair restrictions and bullying from MOONTON,” said FwydChickn. “I don’t blame Hoon or Zane. This [Honor of Kings] campaign was planned a while back, and when planned, they made sure that it would be allowed in accordance with the MSC rulebook. After clear revision, there was nothing that would obstruct us from competing at MSC while they do the campaign.”
So far, S8UL Esports has not issued an official statement responding to the disqualification or addressing the future of their MLBB roster. With one of India’s most prominent names sidelined from the biggest MLBB event of the year, fans now await clarity on the team’s next steps and MOONTON’s broader stance on cross platform participation.
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