The moment fans across the globe have been waiting for has finally arrived—the Group Stage of the MSC 2025 is set to begin. With the Wildcard stage concluded and all 16 participating teams locked in, the official group draw has been released. RRQ Hoshi, one of Indonesia’s most iconic teams, finds itself placed in Group B, alongside a mix of regional champions and international powerhouses.
Scheduled to run from July 23 to 27, 2025, the Group Stage will determine which teams advance to the Knockout Stage—and which ones must face an early exit.
Check out our Editor’s Choice: How Southeast Asia Became a Powerhouse in Mobile Esports
Group Stage Format and Rules
Before diving into the results of the group draw, let’s break down the tournament structure to provide clarity:
- A total of 16 teams have qualified for the Group Stage.
- These teams are divided into two groups of eight.
- Teams were drawn based on two seeding pools:
- Pool 1: All MPL champions from Indonesia (ID), the Philippines (PH), Malaysia (MY), as well as the top-seeded teams from EECA and Myanmar.
- Pool 2: Remaining teams including MPL runners-up, non-MPL regions, and the Wildcard winner.
- Region protection is in effect—no two teams from the same region can be placed in the same group.
- The format follows a Double Elimination structure.
- All matches will be played in a Best-of-Three (Bo3) format.
- Only the top 4 teams from each group will advance to the Knockout Stage. The bottom 4 will be eliminated.
Official Team List – MSC 2025 Group Stage
Pool 1:
- ONIC (MPL Indonesia)
- RRQ Hoshi (MPL Indonesia)
- Team Liquid PH (MPL Philippines)
- ONIC PH (MPL Philippines)
- SRG.OG (MPL Malaysia)
- HomeBois (MPL Malaysia)
- Team Spirit (EECA #1)
- Mythic SEAL (Myanmar #1)
Pool 2:
- Ultra Legends (MENA #1)
- Corinthians (LATAM #1)
- DianFengYaoGuai (China #1)
- Aurora Türkiye (Turkey)
- CFU Gaming (MPL Cambodia)
- AREA 77 (NACT / North America)
- Team Flash (MPL Singapore)
- Virtus.pro (Wildcard Winner)
Group Draw Results: RRQ Hoshi Lands in Group B
Following the official draw, here’s how the teams are distributed:
Group A:
- Team Liquid PH (MPL PH)
- ONIC (MPL ID)
- SRG.OG (MPL MY)
- Mythic SEAL (Myanmar #1)
- Ultra Legends (MENA #1)
- CFU Gaming (MPL Cambodia)
- Virtus.pro (Wildcard Winner)
- Corinthians (LATAM #1)
Group B:
- RRQ Hoshi (MPL ID)
- ONIC Philippines (MPL PH)
- HomeBois (MPL MY)
- Team Spirit (EECA #1)
- Team Flash (MPL Singapore)
- Area 77 (NACT / North America)
- DianFengYaoGuai (China #1)
- Aurora Türkiye (Turkey)
Group B is shaping up to be a battleground. RRQ Hoshi will face stiff competition, including a high-stakes rematch with ONIC PH, the reigning world champion. However, with a seasoned roster and deep synergy, RRQ Hoshi has the tools—and the heart—to emerge on top. This group stage is more than just a test of skill; it’s a measure of resolve and mental strength.
Wildcard Recap: Virtus.pro Clinches Final Slot
The Wildcard Stage, held from July 10–13, 2025, served as the last chance for teams outside the direct qualification pool to join the main stage. Featuring 8 international teams in a high-pressure double-elimination format, only one could earn their place among the best.
Wildcard Participants:
- Team Falcons (MENA #2)
- INFLUENCE RAGE (LATAM #2)
- Virtus.pro (EECA #2)
- Legion Esports (China #2)
- Nightmare Esports (Myanmar #2)
- ZETA DIVISION (Japan)
- The MongolZ (Mongolia)
- Rare Atom (China #2)
In the end, Virtus.pro stood tall. They swept The MongolZ 2–0 in the crossover semifinal and secured a decisive 3–1 victory against Rare Atom in the final. With that triumph, they earned the last available slot and joined Group A for the MSC 2025 Group Stage.
Can RRQ Hoshi Make It Through?
With a diverse group of opponents each representing distinct playstyles and regional metas, Group B will be an intense proving ground for RRQ Hoshi. Their fate rests not just on mechanical brilliance, but on their ability to adapt, stay composed, and play as one.
The road to the Knockout Stage is tough—but for RRQ Hoshi and their fans, hope is alive and burning bright.
Let the battle begin.