Home Esports Fnatic and ONIC End MLBB Partnership: What It Means for the Future

Fnatic and ONIC End MLBB Partnership: What It Means for the Future

London-based esports organization Fnatic has officially parted ways with ONIC, bringing an end to their Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) roster. The announcement, made earlier today, marks the conclusion of a partnership that began in May 2024. While the collaboration saw success in the MLBB esports scene, the sudden separation has left fans wondering about the reasons behind this decision.

A Successful but Short-Lived Partnership

Fnatic and ONIC joined forces in May 2024, rebranding ONIC’s existing teams in the Philippines and Indonesia to “Fnatic ONIC PH” and “Fnatic ONIC ID.” The partnership quickly bore fruit, with the Indonesian team winning MPL Indonesia Season 13 and securing a prize of over $82,000.

The Philippines roster also saw success, finishing 5th in MPL PH Season 13 and later winning MPL PH Season 14. Their most notable achievement was winning the M6 World Championship, claiming a massive prize pool of $320,000. Despite these victories, the partnership ended sooner than expected, leaving both organizations to reevaluate their future strategies.

Why Did Fnatic and ONIC Part Ways?

The exact reasons for the split remain unclear, as neither Fnatic nor ONIC provided detailed statements regarding the termination of their partnership. Speculations suggest that performance inconsistencies or strategic differences might have contributed to the decision. However, both organizations have chosen to remain silent on the specifics.

The Impact on ONIC’s Future

Following the split, the MLBB roster will continue to play under the ONIC banner. Fans are optimistic about the return of the original ONIC team and hope for better performances in upcoming tournaments. ONIC’s focus on mobile esports titles like Free Fire and Honor of Kings will likely remain unchanged.

2 Trophies. 1 World Championship.

Our partnership with ONIC has been nothing short of memorable. As it draws to a close, we want to thank the amazing team at ONIC for making this partnership and our first entrance into ML:BB so unforgettable. #ThankYouONIC pic.twitter.com/nsUxRnZENT
— FNATIC (@FNATIC) January 4, 2025

Will Fnatic Exit Mobile Esports?

Fnatic’s future in mobile esports is now uncertain. The organization has yet to confirm whether it will collaborate with another team or exit the mobile esports scene entirely. As mobile esports continue to grow, especially in the APAC region, Fnatic will need to rethink its approach to remain competitive in this space.

Community Reactions: Fans Hope for a Stronger ONIC

The split has sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some are disappointed by the early end of the partnership, many welcome the move, believing that ONIC’s original identity will return stronger. With a dedicated fan base and solid performances, ONIC has the potential to continue making waves in the MLBB esports scene.

What’s Next for Fnatic and ONIC?

As the 2025 esports season approaches, both Fnatic and ONIC will need to adjust their strategies. ONIC is expected to remain active in MLBB and expand into other mobile games. Meanwhile, Fnatic’s next steps in the mobile esports landscape remain to be seen.

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Fnatic MLBB

Sai T.

Sai is a social media manager and senior web content creator who spends his days juggling game research, deadlines, and the usual existential crisis. When he isn’t crafting content that hopefully goes viral, he’s a dedicated single parent doing his best to navigate work life balance. And in the rare moments when free time actually appears, he’s usually found with his two dogs, who are fully convinced they’re the ones in charge.