In a landmark event for collegiate esports in Southeast Asia, the NU Bulldogs from the Philippines have emerged victorious in the inaugural Galaxy Gaming Academy x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Campus Series 2025, hosted by Samsung and MOONTON Games. The historic inter-country tournament concluded in dramatic fashion at Taman Anggrek Mall, Jakarta, drawing elite student talent and a US$40,000 prize pool.
The NU Bulldogs outshone eight of the region’s strongest university teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, securing the championship title and taking home the grand prize of US$18,000.
“Taking home the championship title is beyond what we imagined,” said Patrick Balanquit, coach of the NU Bulldogs. “Playing against Southeast Asia’s best has elevated our game. This tournament shows that campus esports is ready for the spotlight and we’re proud to lead the way.”
First runners up: FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts team from the Philippines.
Second place went to fellow Filipino squad FAITH NOVUS Bravehearts (US$8,000), while Indonesia’s VL Team secured third place and US$5,000.
A Milestone for Campus Esports in Southeast Asia
The Galaxy Gaming Academy x MLBB Campus Series 2025 (GGA x MCS) is the first-ever inter-country campus tournament for MLBB, reflecting a rising tide of competitive gaming among university students in the region. The three-month tournament began with over 1,000 registered teams and progressed through national qualifiers before culminating in the cross-national grand finals held from June 20-22 in Jakarta.
Second runners up: VL Team from Indonesia.
Carl Nordenberg, VP of Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania, emphasized the importance of this milestone:
“Samsung is committed to nurturing the next generation of esports talent. The Galaxy Gaming Academy provides young gamers with world-class technology and a platform to shine. We’re proud to power this journey for student athletes across Southeast Asia.”
Ray Ng, Head of Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, added:
“This partnership with Samsung sets a strong foundation for campus esports. It’s more than just a competition it’s a gateway for aspiring players to build professional careers.”
The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the centerstage as the tournament phone for the MLBB Campus Series. The cutting-edge device provides optimal and professional-level gaming experience for the participants.
Powered by the Galaxy S25 Ultra
All matches during the finals were played on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, delivering professional-level performance, ultra-responsive gameplay, and immersive visuals. Spectators packed the venue to watch the action unfold, highlighting the growing popularity of esports at the collegiate level.
A Talent Pipeline to the Pros
The finals also drew interest from major pro teams including Dewa United, Onic, EVOS, and Team Liquid, showcasing GGA x MCS as a credible talent pipeline for professional esports organizations. This presence helped validate the tournament’s mission to connect campus players with real opportunities in the wider gaming ecosystem.
What’s Next for GGA x MLBB Campus Series
The resounding success of this inaugural edition has set a new benchmark for collegiate esports. By combining high-level competition, regional cooperation, and strong industry backing, GGA x MCS 2025 is poised to become a recurring highlight in the esports calendar.
To learn more about the Galaxy Gaming Academy and upcoming esports initiatives, visit Samsung’s Game Portal.
