- MPL is the highest level professional league with huge popularity and wide media exposure.
- MDL serves as a development league to nurture young talent before moving up to MPL.
- Present MPL is much larger (Rp4.86 billion) than MDL (Rp100,000,000), reflecting the level of competition.
Difference between MPL and MDL: From Abbreviations to Prizes
For MLBB fans, the terms MPL and MDL are certainly familiar. But what's the difference between the two?
Broadly speaking, MPL (Mobile Legends Professional League) and MDL are two competitions held in various regions with similar missions.
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Although they sound similar, they both have very different roles in the MLBB esports competitive landscape.
This article will further discuss the differences between MDL and MPL, from their popularity to their prizes. Let's read the full explanation until the end!
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Difference between MPL and MDL

The differences between the MPL and MDL Mobile Legends Bang-Bang tournaments will be explained below:
Popularity

These two tournaments differ in terms of popularity. The Mobile Legends: Professional League (MPL) tournament enjoys significant popularity, with numerous media outlets covering every match.
Meanwhile, the Mobile Legends Development League (MDL) tournament isn't as popular as the MPL. This is likely because the MDL tournament focuses more on finding new talent to become MPL pro players.
Tournament Prizes

The MPL Season 16 tournament had a total prize pool of Rp4.86 billion, reflecting the highest level of competition in the professional Mobile Legends ecosystem. This prize pool is commensurate with the significant exposure and competitive pressure faced by each participating team.
Meanwhile, the MDL tournament offers a total prize pool of Rp100,000,000, focused on developing young players. This prize pool is designed to support the development of new talent before they reach the highest level.
Tournament Levels/Castes

The MPL is at the highest level of the Mobile Legends competitive structure and features professional teams with franchise status. This tournament serves as the main stage, demanding consistent performance and mental preparedness for competition.
On the other hand, the MDL occupies a developmental level, serving as a pathway to the main competition. This tournament provides a platform for new players and teams to build experience before competing at a more competitive level.
Number of Tournament Teams

Judging from the teams participating in the MPL Season 16 tournament, there were nine. All teams competed for first and second place in the Regular Season to secure a spot in the Upper Bracket, while the bottom three teams failed to advance to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the MDL tournament boasts a larger number of participating teams, some of which already have teams in the MPL. This greater diversity demonstrates that the MDL is focused on encouraging talented players to compete in the MPL.
Number of Viewers

MPL tournaments attract massive viewership, both through live online broadcasts and in-person attendance. The high-stakes scale of the competition, the popularity of the teams, and the consistent schedule maintain audience enthusiasm.
Unlike the MPL, the MDL's viewership tends to be more limited due to its focus on developmental competitions. Despite this, the MDL maintains a loyal fan base that follows the journey of young talents before they reach the main stage.
Tournament Format

The MPL tournament uses a regular system format, held weekly. Each team plays two matches during the regular season, with the top two teams receiving the upper bracket, and the bottom three teams failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the competition in MDL It uses a group stage, Swiss Round, and Playoff format. Despite its longer format, the tournament is shorter in duration than the MPL tournament.
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That explains the differences between MPL and MDL, which are MLBB tournaments. Hopefully, the above discussion is helpful and excites you to watch this prestigious tournament.
