The MLBB Super Cup Invitational (MSI) 2025 has officially kicked off, and the opening day has already delivered plenty of excitement. For the first time ever, global audiences have been able to watch Chinese MLBB matches live via YouTube.

Previously, Chinese tournaments had only been broadcast through local Chinese streaming platforms. The only opportunity for international viewers to see Chinese teams in action had been during major global events like the M-Series or MSC.

With this broader visibility, several noticeable differences have emerged. From smoother graphics to unexpected hero picks, the contrasts have stood out.

These differences can be explained by the use of China’s unique MLBB server, which operates separately from the global server. While the gameplay remains mostly the same, the hero pool is significantly different.

Why Have Draft Picks Looked So Unusual at MSI 2025?

Many fans have raised this question after watching the event, particularly following EVOS Academy’s opening loss to YBG. Several S-tier heroes were surprisingly absent, and the picks themselves appeared unusual. Heroes like Ling, Dyrroth, Yu Zhong, and Freya have unexpectedly emerged as top choices.

The reason behind this lies in the hero availability on China’s server. Key META heroes such as Zhuxin, Joy, Lukas, and others have not yet been added to the Chinese version of the game.

As a result, pro players—especially those invited from outside China—have had to adapt to the limited hero pool. The Chinese server currently features fewer than 100 heroes, whereas the global server has already surpassed 120.

This has directly impacted the drafting strategies seen at MSI 2025. Nonetheless, the tournament remains incredibly compelling. It’s not just about supporting Indonesia’s representative, EVOS Academy, but also about evaluating how far Chinese MLBB teams have progressed.

If any of these teams have reached a truly competitive level, they may pose a serious threat in future international tournaments.

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