KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 — Malaysia delivered a dominant performance to retain their IESF World Esports Championship 2025 crown by sweeping Cambodia 3-0 in the grand final of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) showdown at Quill City Mall, last night.
The defending champions stamped their authority from the opening game, powered by the all-star lineup of Idreen Jamal (Momo), Muhd Qayyum Ariffin Mohd Suhairi (Yums), Muhd Haqqullah Ahmad Shahrul Zaman (Sekys), Haziq Danish Mohd Rizwan (Stormie) dan Ealtond Rayner (Lolealz).
Cambodia fielded Phengkong “Oppi” Chhuon, Chandavan “Detective” Nhem, Amey “Xing” Khuon, Dane “Wadu” Vann and Virea “Boxi” Sok but were unable to match Malaysia’s pace, synergy and relentless aggression throughout the series.
Today’s triumph adds to Malaysia’s growing legacy in the field following their historic 2-0 victory over the Philippines in the grand final of the 2024 edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim were among those present to witness the thrilling title defence.
After the competition, Zahid painted a bright future for Malaysia’s e-sports scene, saying that the industry would continue to be strengthened with support from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
He noted that TVET institutions such as GiatMara and Mara Skills Institute (IKM) provided specialised training in the field, while Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) offered courses in e-sports content development.
“The future of e-sports in Malaysia is very bright because we know TVET will continue to run specialised programmes.
“… what is important is that it is not just the athletes who get involved, but that it should also become an industry,” he told reporters
The win saw the Malaysian team take home US$32,500 (about RM134,000) in prize money.
