The new documentary series Level Up will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on June 6, spotlighting the personal stories and challenges faced by professional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports players.
The series features MLBB stars Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya from Team Liquid Philippines and Indonesian sisters Michelle “Chell” Siswanto and Cindy “Cinny” Siswanto of Team Vitality. It aims to shed light on the realities behind the players’ competitive successes, revealing their struggles beyond the virtual arena.
Sanford shares how he became the primary breadwinner after his father suffered a stroke shortly before competing in the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 24, carrying the weight of family and national expectations. Chell and Cinny faced the loss of their grandfather the day they arrived in Riyadh for the MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) at EWC 24 but still competed, emphasising representation and the challenges faced by female pro gamers.
“Being featured in the docuseries is important to me as it gave me a platform to share more about my life story and the struggles I had to face before winning a title or participating in a major tournament, like the MSC 2024,” said Sanford.
Chell said, “It’s a meaningful opportunity for us to represent women in the gaming community who share the same struggles or challenges, and show that female players also deserve a spotlight.” Cinny added, “If you truly love this path, I hope you pursue it wholeheartedly and do it for yourself and the people you love.”
MOONTON Games’ Head of Esports Ecosystem, Ray Ng, highlighted the docuseries as a reflection of MLBB’s global presence and a platform for players’ inspiring stories. He also noted the company’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the MLBB esports ecosystem.
The docuseries will release in three episodes, with Sanford’s story featured in the second episode on June 13, and Chell and Cinny’s in the third episode on June 20.
MLBB continues to expand its competitive landscape, with the MWI at EWC 25 featuring 16 teams and MSC at EWC 25 welcoming new entrants from Japan and Vietnam via Wild Card slots.
Level Up offers fans and aspiring esports players a deeper understanding of the human side of professional gaming beyond the competition.
