Moonton’s brief went far beyond aesthetics. The trophy needed to translate a cultural mission into a physical object: celebrating the rise of women in competitive esports, in a scene where they have long been underrepresented. Every design decision had to serve that narrative.
At the same time, the object had to work in two very different contexts: imposing enough to read clearly from a distance on a large championship stage and refined enough to feel premium and meaningful in the hands of the winning team.
The integration of in-game elements added an extra layer of complexity. The five player roles from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang needed to be embedded into the base in a way that felt deliberate and elegant, not decorative. The crystal, a key element in the game’s “final stand” mechanic, had to become the centrepiece of the design.
Design process
The trophy went through eight design iterations between December 2024 and April 2025. Each round required new renders, material samples and feedback loops, all within a fixed delivery deadline.
Three concepts were explored in December 2024: a spiral form, a pillar-and-crystal structure, and a more organic flowing shape. The client chose the second direction but pushed for something smoother and more elegant with feminine elements throughout, the five player roles in the base, and a ruby-red crystal at the top.
The body was narrowed, petals were raised, and the crystal received the brand’s red tone. The MLBB logo was integrated directly into the geometry rather than applied as a surface element. Two versions were developed in parallel (gold and white) to explore the colour direction.
A late intervention by Moonton’s team required a shift from gold to rose gold. This triggered a full revision of the finishing direction and a new 3D version of the MWI logo.
In April 2025, the client approved the final design. The trophy stood 60 cm tall, finished in pearl opal with rose-gold details, and shipped in a custom flight case with foam insert and wooden export crate.
