INTERVIEW – GuyNgid and Hao Zhen Siew on MSL Thailand to be Noah’s ark

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The recent Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament has wrapped up, and GamingonPhone was proud to be a media partner. We also had the opportunity to interview key figures from MSL Thailand. We spoke with streamer GuyNgid and Hao Zhen Siew, the Head of Esports for MLBB Thailand at MOONTON Games, about MSL Thailand and its future. Both were positive about what’s to come, and we’re sharing their thoughts in this article.

For a long time, Thailand wasn’t a major player in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene, despite being located in Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the country actually hosted the very first MSC tournament in 2017. Since then, Thailand’s commitment to MLBB has grown tremendously, creating a thriving esports environment. Now, the scene attracts millions of viewers and continues to grow with each new competition.

Things are looking up for Thailand’s esports scene! MOONTON Games has announced a new league specifically for the country, called MSL 2026. Starting this February, the league aims to bring together all the excitement and talent of Thailand’s young esports players.

MOONTON partners with creators and organizations to steer the MSL Thailand

Before the upcoming event, MOONTON collaborated with Viratsan “GuyNgid” Ariyawongpisal, a leading figure in Thai esports. He’s the CEO of Bacon Time, a new Thai esports team that launched last month, and also works as the MLBB Thailand Country Manager for MOONTON Games.

We had a quick chat with the rising star at the M7 World Championship in Jakarta. We wanted to learn about his potential, future plans, and any challenges he might be facing. Viratsan was happy to answer our questions, which were similar to those everyone else had.

He spoke with confidence and optimism about the future of esports, expressing his gratitude to his supporters. He emphasized their crucial role in developing the Thai esports scene. He then described his own experience, explaining how he transitioned from being a professional player to a content creator. His goal was to build a strong foundation for esports in Thailand, paving the way for future generations of players and creators.

Hao Zhen Siew was very engaged and shared insightful information about the industry. During our conversation, we discussed the problems MSL Thailand aims to solve, specifically asking what gaps MOONTON noticed in Thailand’s esports scene that led to the launch of MSL Thailand in 2026. We were interested in this because, while Thailand has a history of success – being the home of the first MSC champions – its professional esports infrastructure hasn’t developed as quickly as in countries like Indonesia or the Philippines.

Honestly, Thailand’s always had the skill and drive to compete – we saw that when IDNS won MSC 2017! The thing that was missing was a solid system to help talented players actually keep competing long-term. So, we dug in to figure out what was holding us back and found three major problems that needed fixing right away.

He explained that there were three main issues: a lack of stable, ongoing professional leagues for teams to compete in, unclear opportunities for players to develop their careers, and a close link to the broader Mobile Legends: Bang Bang gaming world.

He concluded by explaining that MSL Thailand was launched to fill these needs, offering consistent, professional service and a connection to the international network. He added that it was the right moment to begin building this type of league.

The approach that focuses on long-term building

We were confident the MSL would succeed after seeing his initial response. Further research, including our study of the Thai MLBB community and esports scene, confirmed these results.

After the first Mobile Legends Southeast Championship in 2017, the Thai community was still struggling, and it felt like there was no clear path forward. We asked MOONTON what specific support they were offering to help Thai teams improve and compete with the best teams in other regions.

He explained that they’re prioritizing building a sustainable esports scene for the future, rather than just focusing on quick wins. This commitment is evident in MSL Thailand, which will be a two-month-long event designed to meet international standards.

This will allow teams to focus on improving their players through better coaching, data analysis, and long-term development programs. By playing more often against international opponents, Thai teams can consistently assess their performance and adjust their strategies. As one representative stated, “We’re not focused on short-term wins; we’re building a program that will succeed in the long run.”

We then had a detailed conversation about how local Thai culture was being included. Specifically, we wanted to know how unique elements of Thai gaming culture were being used in the MSL’s branding and how the event was being run.

He described the community as very close-knit and open, with strong bonds between players, content creators, and fans. He explained that truly engaging with fans and involving creators goes beyond just the game itself, fostering a shared identity and connection.

Thailand is not a newcomer; it’s re-establishing its footprint

Beyond the competition within Thailand, establishing the country as a major global destination will be challenging, especially when facing strong rivals like Indonesia and the Philippines. While Thailand is capable of succeeding, it’s natural to question whether the people planning this initiative have fully considered these challenges.

This raises the question of whether Thailand is a new player in the esports scene, or if they’re simply regaining their footing. According to one observer, the introduction of MSL will increase competition and broaden the overall landscape. However, they stress that Thailand isn’t new to this – they’re actually rebuilding their position within the Southeast Asian esports community. This increased competition will ultimately benefit Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports on a global scale.

With excitement building around the upcoming MSL in Thailand, we’re now asking: what will define success for Thai esports after its first year? Will it be winning a championship, or seeing significant growth in the community?

Hao Zhen explained that first-year success isn’t just about winning championships. They prioritize building a strong base for the future, focusing on team stability, clear career paths for players, increased fan involvement, and greater investor confidence.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is expected to remain popular in Thailand for the foreseeable future. According to Hao, the real measure of success for MSL will be whether they can build enough momentum, resources, and player engagement to maintain that popularity long-term.

The Thai market was studied thoroughly and stamped after positive feedback

Thai esports gained significant traction, and MOONTON officials noted a shift in overall perception following trials conducted starting in mid-2024. This change wasn’t limited to those with financial interests; it encompassed everyone involved in or interested in esports.

Looking at the market from a broader perspective confirms it wasn’t taking big risks, but instead following a predictable path of growth. With strong support from creators, brands, fans, and players, MOONTON decided the time was right to launch the competition in Thailand.

MOONTON is working hard on this new project, and we’ll start seeing results when the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia League (MSL) begins. While not a brand-new event, the MSL is returning and will be a key part of growing esports locally. It will also help prepare Thailand for major international competitions, including the Esports Nations Cup.

So that wraps up my take on the match and what the officials thought! I’m really excited to see more competitive events coming out of Thailand – it’s awesome to watch the sport grow there, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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2026-02-12 10:13