Onic Esports

Origins and Growth

Onic Esports was founded in Indonesia by Justin Widjaja in 2018. The organization began its competitive journey with a single division in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, joining the Mobile Legends Professional League Indonesia during its second season. From this foundation, Onic expanded into a multi-game entity, establishing teams in other popular mobile titles across Southeast Asia, including Free Fire, Pokémon Unite, and Honor of Kings.

Its growth was marked by a consistent presence in national and regional leagues, building a structure that includes primary teams and official second squads, known as sister teams, in development leagues. This structure supports talent development and ensures competitive depth across its divisions.

Dominance in Mobile Legends

Onic Esports is most celebrated for its achievements in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The organization fields two main competitive teams, one in MPL Indonesia and another in MPL Philippines, with the Indonesian squad being active since MPL ID Season 2 and the Philippine team joining in MPL PH Season 4. Each main team has a dedicated sister squad competing in their respective development leagues, MDL Indonesia and MDL Philippines.

By the start of the 2025 season, Onic had accomplished an unusual feat by winning every premier tournament organized by Moonton, the game's developer, making it one of the first organizations to do so. This historic record includes seven MPL Indonesia championships and one MPL Philippines title. The organization has also secured two MPL Invitational wins with its Indonesian team, two Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup championships in 2019 and 2023, and one M World Championship title, which was won by the Onic Philippines roster at the M6 tournament.

Organizational Structure and Partnerships

The organization maintains a robust structure with sister teams supporting its main rosters. In Indonesia, Onic Prodigy competes in the MDL Indonesia as the official second squad. In the Philippines, Onic Arsenals collaborates with the organization Nine Lives for its MDL Philippines campaign.

In May 2024, Onic entered a significant partnership with the London-based global organization Fnatic. Onic Philippines announced the partnership ahead of the MPL Philippines playoffs, followed by a similar announcement from Onic Indonesia via an Instagram post that featured the Onic porcupine logo embedded with the Fnatic logo. This collaboration marked Fnatic's entry into the professional MLBB scene alongside other global clubs like Team Liquid. The partnership concluded on January 4, 2025.

Expansion into Other Titles

Beyond Mobile Legends, Onic Esports has diversified its competitive portfolio. In April 2024, the organization entered the Pokémon Unite scene by acquiring the existing RISE roster. Later that same year, in August 2024, Onic expanded into Honor of Kings, preparing a team for the Indonesian qualifier of the Honor of Kings Championship 2024.

The organization also previously fielded a team in Valorant, which competed in the Valorant Champions Tour Challengers format during 2021 and 2022. This shows a pattern of strategic entry into emerging competitive scenes, though some divisions like Valorant have since been disbanded.

Global Recognition and the Esports World Cup

Onic's success has earned it recognition on a global stage. In March 2025, the organization was selected as one of three Indonesian clubs, alongside RRQ and EVOS Esports, to join the Esports World Cup Foundation's Club Partner Program. This program highlights Onic's status as a leading esports institution with a sustainable model.

The organization's results in the Esports World Cup are tracked up to the 2026 edition, where it continued to compete against the world's best. Its performance in international events, including the MSC where it avenged a loss to Aurora Turkey in the 2026 knockout stage, remains a key part of its competitive legacy and global appeal.

Roster and Community Presence

Onic Esports has been home to many notable players who have contributed to its trophy haul. Key figures in its Mobile Legends success have included Skylar, Kairi, Kiboy, Sanz, Lutpii, CW, and Adi. The roster for its MPL Indonesia team in Season 18 featured players like CW as coach, Kiboy in the Roam role, Sanz in Mid Lane, Kairi in Jungle, Lutpii in EXP Lane, Kelra in Gold Lane, and substitutes Ssamuel and Killuaa.

The organization maintains a strong connection with its fanbase through significant social media presence. It has millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where it shares content related to competitions at events like the EWC, MPL, and eFootball. This community engagement is a fundamental aspect of its brand as a popular SEA esports organization.