Putting Malaysia on the map
Malaysian players prove their mettle in one of the most prestigious esports tournaments – the International 10.
MALAYSIANS playing for international esports teams are proving to be worthy contenders. A 20-year-old Malaysian was part of the team that won second place in The International 10 Defense of the Ancients (Dota 2) tourclinching nament, US$5,202,400 (Rm21.7mil) in prize money.
Cheng Jin Xiang plays as Nothingtosay for China-based PSG. LGD, which lost to Moscow-based Team Spirit in the finals that was held on Oct 17 in Romania.
Muhammad Farouq Abdul Patah, Malaysia Electronic Sports Federation (MESF) director of communications, said coming in second place in a renowned international competition is no easy feat.
“It was also Cheng’s first time playing in the TI and we should be proud of his achievement,” he said in a phone interview.
Apart from Cheng, other Malaysian players in the tournament include Thiay “JT-” Jun Wen and Chan “Oli” Chon Kien who both played for Chinabased Invictus Gaming, which came in fourth place, earning over Us$2.4mil (Rm10mil).
Another Malaysian – Ng “Chyuan” Kee Chyuan – played for Uk-based team Fnatic which won US$800,400 (Rm3.3mil) after tying 9th to 12th place with three other teams.
TI 10 had a prize pool of over Us$40mil (Rm166mil) and the tournament is recognised as one of the most lucrative esports competitions. Champions Team Spirit walked away with over Us$18mil (Rm75mil) in prize money.
Muhammad Farouq said the players’ achievements will inspire local efforts, especially as the Youth and Sports Ministry has taken a keen interest in esports.
Last month, the ministry was instrumental in helping Cheng and Chan obtain permission to travel to Romania to participate in TI 10, he said.
However, he felt that more could be done to help esports players in Malaysia to achieve success on the world stage.
“To be honest, the players get a lot of support from their overseas organisations, which provide them with a salary, travel allowance, high-end equipment and training.
“We hope to facilitate more engagement between the ministry and relevant stakeholders to create a similar supportive environment for our local players,” Muhammad Farouq said.
In a Facebook post, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker congratulated the Malaysian players who took part in the tournament.
They have made a name for themselves, he said, adding that Cheng is an excellent player at handling the hero Boush, the Tinker.
In a Bernama report on Oct 17, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu assured that esports will receive an allocation under Budget 2022 which will be tabled on Oct 29.
However, he declined to say if it will receive more or less than in the last budget, adding that the government will be focusing on economic recovery due to Covid-19.
“I’m not saying whether it (allocation) will be increased or decreased, but what is certain is that we will focus on the development of this sport,” he said during a press conference after attending the closing ceremony of the Mobile Legends Pro League (MPL) Malaysia Season 8.
esports has received an allocation three years in a row – Rm15mil under Budget 2021, Rm20mil in Budget 2020 and Rm10mil in
Budget 2019.