Gaimin Gladiators’ NICHOLETTE shares how her team went from an overlooked region to MWI 2025 underdogs, determined to prove that North America isn’t a joke.
No one takes North America (NA) seriously in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2025 at the Esports World Cup (EWC). It was the region people pointed to when they needed an easy punchline, a so-called "joke region" that lacked the pedigree of Southeast Asia. But Gaimin Gladiators is done with the jokes, and the team made sure no one laughs at NA ever again.
The NA representative went on an underdog run, even defeating the defending champions, NAVI PH, who previously played under Omega Empress, to secure a Grand Finals slot. However, they fell short against the undefeated Team Vitality, who proved too dominant in the final series, ending Gaimin Gladiators' Cinderella run with a clean sweep. In the end, they couldn’t get the championship title, but they are the first NA team ever to reach this far in an international MLBB tournament.
In an exclusive interview with esports.gg, Gaimin Gladiators' Nicole “NICHOLETTE” Huang shared the team’s journey, explaining how being underestimated allowed them to prove themselves and break the stigma that NA can’t compete at the highest level.
From a joke to underdogs
Gaimin Gladiators had a shaky start at MWI 2025 during EWC, suffering a 0-2 loss to NAVI MY in their opening match. The defeat pushed them into the Lower Bracket, forcing them to fight for survival. But fate had more in store. Team Liquid defeated NAVI MY in the upper bracket final, sending them down to the lower bracket. This set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. Gaimin Gladiators first dispatched Tidal Legends Gaming, then faced NAVI MY once again. This time, they rose to the occasion, clinching a 2-1 victory and earning their place in the Knockouts.
Being the one your enemies underestimate is not always a bad thing. For Gaimin Gladiators NICHOLETTE and her squad, it became fuel.
“One of the teams we beat literally said we were ‘easy,’” she said. “I didn’t play my best in that 0-2 series, but we’re way better than that. They didn’t respect our hero pool, our gameplay, any of it.”
She shrugged it off with confidence now, but it clearly stung. Rather than letting that doubt sink in, she turned it into a drive. Gaimin Gladiators stunned the competition with coordinated team fights, smart map control, and calculated aggression. The team even eliminated last year’s champions, NAVI PH, in the Knockouts quarterfinals with a clean sweep.
When asked about her future beyond the Invitational, NICHOLETTE kept it real.
“I hope I get rich,” she laughed. “But seriously, I do want us to win this year. We have a solid chance if we stay prepared and 100% on match days.”
They couldn’t win this year’s MWI. However, after their performance, it’s safe to say, this isn’t the end for NA in the MLBB esports scene just yet. She also opened up about the challenge of pursuing higher-tier or mixed-gender tournaments, saying it’s something she’s still thinking about. She can’t ignore her responsibilities outside of gaming, but the door stays open for the possibility.
“If a team asked me, and we had synergy, I’d consider it,” she said.
She used to play in an open-gender tournament as part of the Blood Thirsty Kings squad. This team had one of the most iconic players in North America, like Michael "MobaZane" Cosgun and Ian "FwydChickn" Hohl. She briefly played as the mid laner before leaving the team to join all-female tournaments.
Related articles
From self-doubt to self-belief
It hasn’t always been this way. Early in her MLBB career, NICHOLETTE struggled with confidence. Her advice to her younger self is simple but powerful: “Just be confident in yourself. Don’t be intimidated by all these players. If you know you’re good, play your game.”
Her transition from being a mid laner to a jungler was not easy, but she made it happen. Her impressive clutch plays even earned her the Day 4 MVP of MWI 2025. With that said, there are still those who doubt NA’s competitiveness on the international stage.
To those still doubting North America and Gaimin Gladiators, her message is blunt: “You can keep hating, and we’ll keep winning. We just beat the previous champs.”
But it’s not just about silencing the critics. For Gaimin Gladiators NICHOLETTE, it’s about inspiring the next generation of MLBB players, especially those grinding in regions that no one talks about, where the spotlight rarely shines.
“Even if you're underestimated or the underdog, keep fighting. Whether it’s ranked, competitive, or a non-tournament match, just play your heart out. Anything can happen.”
From meme region to major contender, Gaimin Gladiators is helping redefine what it means to represent NA on the international stage.
To stay updated, check out esports.gg's MSC 2025 at EWC tournament hub, where you can see the updated scores, match schedule, and livestream links.
