Laro Hub Esports Scrims Setup for MLBB Amateur Teams

Summary

✓Reviewed by Emma Thompson The Laro Hub esports scrims setup for MLBB amateur teams is one of the most important steps that every team serious about reaching MDL PH or MPL PH must take. Many groups play ranked every day...

11 min read
Reviewed by Emma Thompson

The Laro Hub esports scrims setup for MLBB amateur teams is one of the most important steps that every team serious about reaching MDL PH or MPL PH must take. Many groups play ranked every day but fail to improve — because they lack disciplined and structured practice. Scrims, or scripted practice matches, are the method professional teams use to accelerate their development — and now, even amateur squads in the Philippines have access to the tools and systems to do this properly.

In a NutshellThe scrims setup for MLBB amateur teams requires three foundations: a complete roster of 6-8 players, organized communication on Discord or a similar app, and a regular weekly schedule of two to three scrim blocks. Based on the system of the League of Cities of the Philippines, teams with a proper roster and scrim routine are far more likely to be ready for official tournaments.

What Are Scrims and Why Every MLBB Amateur Team Needs Them

In esports, a “scrim” comes from the word “scrimmage” — a controlled practice match between two teams both seeking training. It is not like a ranked game: here, teams can experiment with drafts, pause for coaching, and replay specific situations. For an MLBB amateur team in the Philippines, scrims are the difference between a group of friends playing together and a true esports team with a clear path toward competition.

According to information from MPL Philippines on Wikipedia, the entire competitive ecosystem of MLBB in the Philippines is structured on a talent ladder: from community teams to MDL PH, and from MDL PH to MPL PH. Each level demands a higher degree of coordination — and scrims are the means to reach the next level.

Number of LCP member cities eligible to join the tournament149 cities (League of Cities of the Philippines, 2024)
Age of eligible players in the LCP tournament15-30 years old (LCP MLBB tournament rules)
Roster size per team in the LCP tournament6-8 players (LCP tournament format)
Prize pool of the LCP MLBB tournamentup to ₱3 million (YugaTech Gaming, 2024)

History of Structured Amateur MLBB Esports in the Philippines

In the early years of MLBB in the Philippines (2017-2019), amateur teams played almost entirely in an informal manner — with no official tournaments and no clear path to professional play. When MPL PH was established in 2018 as a franchise-based league, an official talent ladder began to take shape. Within a few years, MDL PH emerged as the development league. By 2024, according to a report from YugaTech Gaming, the League of Cities of the Philippines held the first nationwide amateur MLBB tournament — an official government recognition of the value of structured amateur competition.

Laro Hub Esports Scrims Setup: The First Step — Building Your Roster

Before scheduling even a single scrim, you must first finalize your roster. Based on the format used by the League of Cities of the Philippines in their nationwide tournament, the right number is 6-8 players — five starters and one to three substitutes. This limit is also practical: it is harder to maintain a 10-player squad with varying schedules when everyone is a student or has a job.

The roles that must be filled before scrims can begin:

  • Gold Lane (Marksman or Fighter) — the primary damage dealer in the late game
  • EXP Lane (Fighter or Tank) — applies pressure in the top lane
  • Jungle (Assassin or Fighter) — observes the entire map and decides on rotations
  • Mid Lane (Mage) — provides burst damage and jungle support
  • Roamer (Tank or Support) — the “brain” of the team, establishing vision and leading teamfights

Do not start scrims until every role is assigned. A scrim played by players who are unsure of their roles is a waste of time.

Important NoteSIBOL, the national esports team of the Philippines, uses a three-day scrim-based combine to select members of the national MLBB team, according to a report from One Esports PH. This means that even at the highest level of competition, scrims remain the standard measure of capability.

Communication: Tools That Amateur Teams Should Use

Fast and clear communication is half the battle in scrims. For most Filipino MLBB amateur teams, Discord is the standard — free, reliable, and supporting voice channels, text logs, and screen sharing for replay review. Here is the recommended Discord server structure for a scrim-ready team:

ChannelPurpose
#generalGeneral team conversation
#scheduleScrim schedule and availability of each member
#scrim-resultsLog of each match: opponent, draft, result, takeaways
#replay-reviewLinks to replays and notes from the coach or IGL
#meta-updatesHero meta changes, patch notes, and discussion
🎙️ Scrim Voice 1In-game comms while playing
🎙️ Strategy RoomPre-game draft discussion and post-game review

Separating the in-game voice channel from the strategy room is critical: while playing, the only thing heard in voice chat should be in-game calls. After the match, move to the strategy room for a calmer discussion.

A team with no clear communication outside the game will fail inside the game — no matter how skilled each individual member is.

How MLBB Amateur Teams Can Find Scrim Partners in the Philippines

One of the most common questions from new amateur teams is: where do I find scrim partners? In 2026, there are many ways:

  1. Discord servers — There are public Discord servers specifically for Filipino MLBB players looking for scrims and teammates, such as those listed in various MLBB community hubs.
  2. Facebook Groups — Groups like “MLBB PH Scrim Finder” or local gaming groups in your city or province regularly post scrim requests.
  3. In-game channels — You can also use the in-game Guild system of MLBB to connect with other guilds that have practice teams.
  4. Local LGU tournaments — Amateur teams that have already participated in official city-based tournaments find it easier to locate scrim partners because other teams have already gotten to know them.
  5. MDL PH community — Teams aspiring to join the MLBB Development League Philippines frequently look for scrim partners in official MLBB community channels.

For beginners, it is recommended to start scrims against teams at a similar level. Once coordination improves, seek out stronger opponents to practice at a higher level of play. Also read the guide to joining esports tournaments for beginners to better understand the full competitive landscape.

laro hub esports scrims setup for MLBB amateur teams

Laro Hub Esports Scrims Setup: Schedule and Structure of Each Scrim Block

Schedule is the foundation of any successful scrim program. For amateur teams with school or work commitments, the recommended frequency is two to three scrim blocks per week, with each block consisting of two to three matches. Here is a sample weekly schedule for an amateur team:

DayActivityDuration
TuesdayScrim Block 1 (2-3 matches) + quick post-game review2-2.5 hours
ThursdayScrim Block 2 (2-3 matches) + replay review of difficult situations2-2.5 hours
SaturdayScrim Block 3 (optional, 3-4 matches) + longer replay review and meta discussion3-4 hours
SundayIndividual ranked grinding + hero pool developmentIndividual

Before each scrim block, all members should already know the following:

  • Start time (and end time)
  • Who the opponent is and what their level is
  • Whether there is a specific draft or strategy to try
  • The rules: side selection, pause rules, and remake rules

Scrim Rules to Agree On Before Playing

The “gentleman’s agreement” in scrims typically includes: no cheese drafts in the first match (so time is not wasted on impractical strategies), each team may use a pause up to twice per match for coaching, and in the event of a technical issue (connection drop, power interruption), a remake is allowed within the first three minutes. These rules must be agreed upon by both teams before the first match begins.

How to Log Scrim Results

Teams that track their results improve faster than those that do not. A simple Google Sheets is sufficient — do not overthink it. What to log after each match: date, opponent, both teams’ drafts (all bans and picks), result, and one to three improvement points. Within two months, you will have a clear picture of what kind of drafts you are weak against and which opponents give you the most trouble.

Tip from the Professional SystemSIBOL uses multi-day scrim combines to evaluate candidate players for the national team. The principle is the same for amateurs: one match is not enough to measure the true capability of a player or team — many matches across different situations are required.

Draft Practice: The Most Neglected Part of MLBB Scrims

Many amateur teams enter scrims without a clear draft plan — picking their favorite heroes and hoping to win. At the MDL PH level and above, the draft is the majority of the battle. To accelerate your team’s draft development, follow this simple progression:

  1. First month: Practice two to three core compositions you know work well (for example: turtle comp, poke comp, teamfight comp).
  2. Second month: Begin introducing flex picks — heroes that can be played in two or more roles to confuse the opponent.
  3. Third month: Study the ban phase — which heroes you need to ban to prevent the opponent from executing their strongest strategy.

For the current hero meta, read the MLBB Meta 2026 and changes in hero win rates to know which heroes to include or ban in your draft preparation.

In MLBB, a team with a clear draft strategy wins the match before the map even loads — that is what coaches of professional teams say.

The Path to MDL PH: How Your Scrim Record Prepares You

According to information from MOONTON Games, the MLBB Development League Philippines expanded its role in 2026 as the primary development tier for the next generation of Filipino MLBB talent. MPL PH Season 18, which began on August 21, 2026, serves as proof that the competitive ladder is active and seeking new talent.

To be ready for the MDL PH qualifier, your team should have:

  • A minimum of three months of consistent scrim records showing a pattern of improvement
  • A clear roster with a designated IGL (in-game leader) responsible for draft and macro decisions
  • At least one member with experience in an official tournament (LCP, local LGU events, or university leagues)
  • Documented win rate against other competitive amateur teams

Frequently Asked Questions About MLBB Scrims Setup

How often should an amateur MLBB team scrim per week?

For amateur teams with school or work commitments, two to three scrim blocks per week is sufficient. Consistency matters more than volume — two well-structured scrim blocks with replay review are better than five rushed sessions with no takeaways.

What if we cannot complete the roster for a scrim?

That is one of the main reasons a 6-8 player roster is needed, not just 5. Substitutes exist precisely for this situation. If a member is frequently absent, it is time to discuss each person’s level of commitment — a cancelled scrim is a lost opportunity.

What communication app is best for MLBB scrims?

Discord is the common standard for Filipino MLBB teams because it is free, has low latency for voice, and provides the ability to organize multiple channels for different purposes. Telegram can also be used for text-based coordination, but for real-time voice comms while playing, nothing beats Discord.

Does an amateur MLBB team need a coach?

A formal coach is not required at the start. What matters more is a strong IGL (in-game leader) who can lead draft decisions and macro calls during matches. Once you reach the MDL PH preparation stage, begin looking for a player-coach from within your own group — a retired player or a member who is stronger in macro analysis.

How do you handle disagreements within the team during scrims?

Disagreements over drafts, rotations, or macro decisions are normal. The rule is: while playing, the IGL has the final say. After the match, everyone can speak in the review. Never discuss disagreements in the middle of a match — it is disruptive and harms the concentration of the whole team.

Can ranked games replace scrims?

No. Ranked and scrims are two different types of practice with different purposes. Ranked is for individual improvement and hero mastery. Scrims are for team coordination, draft practice, and macro decision-making. Both types of practice are necessary for a team that wants to grow.

Summary: The Right Esports Scrims Setup for MLBB Amateur Teams

Building a solid scrim program does not require a large budget or special equipment — it only requires discipline, consistency, and the right structure. For MLBB amateur teams in the Philippines serious about reaching MDL PH or official city-level tournaments, the foundation is simple: a complete roster, clear communication on Discord, a regular schedule, and documentation of every match. By following these principles, your team will be prepared for any official competition — from MPL PH tournament venues to local LGU events in your city.

Key Takeaways
  • Build a 6-8 player roster before scheduling even a single scrim
  • Use Discord for all team communication and documentation
  • Scrim two to three times per week with replay review
  • Log every match: draft, opponent, result, and takeaways
  • The IGL has the final say during matches; everyone speaks during the review

References

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Kyla Santos

Kyla Santos is a passionate gamer and esports analyst based in Manila. She specializes in MOBA guides, mobile gaming tech reviews, and tracking the Philippine competitive gaming circuit.

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