NAVI PH will face defending champions Team Vitality in the grand final of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s International 2026 on July 18 in Paris. The best-of-seven series marks a significant moment for women’s esports but stands out for its lack of any cryptocurrency sponsors, highlighting a persistent gap between the esports world and the crypto industry.
NAVI PH earned their spot by decisively sweeping Galaxy Phoenix 3-0 in the semifinals, showcasing strong dominance in a 16-team tournament. Their roster, made up of former Smart Omega Empress champions, brings experience and momentum into the championship. On the opposite end, Team Vitality, a well-known French esports organization, enters as the reigning champion, aiming to defend its title in what promises to be a strategic and endurance-testing series.
The tournament's context reveals the growing esports economy, particularly for women’s competitive Mobile Legends, but it also exposes a reluctance or missed opportunity by blockchain and crypto companies to engage in this expanding market. Despite the global visibility provided by the Esports World Cup framework, no crypto-related brands have attached themselves to this event. The collapse of major players like FTX has left a cautious atmosphere among organizers and teams, wary of the volatility surrounding digital asset promotions.
