KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian esports teams competing at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have been offered a RM20,000 reward for every gold medal won, as the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) seeks to motivate the national contingent.
MESF president Naim Al-Amin Saharudin announced the incentive today, saying it would apply to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team and any other Malaysian esports team that secures a gold medal at the Games.
The announcement was made on the third day of the MLBB Malaysia Professional League (MPL MY) at the MPL Arena, Quill City Mall.
Naim also urged Malaysians to rally behind the national contingent competing in Japan.
“MESF will offer a RM20,000 reward to the MLBB team, as well as any other esports team that wins a gold medal for the country,” Naim told reporters during a press conference.
“Let us continue supporting and encouraging Team Malaysia. Good luck to all of you.”
Malaysia will compete in nine of the 11 esports events at the Asian Games, with MESF targeting at least five medals.
The MLBB, Honor of Kings, E-Racing, E-Football and Identity V teams have been identified as Malaysia’s main medal prospects. The country will also field a team in PUBG Mobile.
The PUBG Mobile players were selected based on merit and their performances in professional competitions.
The Malaysian esports contingent comprises 44 athletes and eight coaches, with almost the entire squad made up of newcomers to the Asian Games.
Xorn controversy
Naim also apologised to supporters over the recent controversy involving veteran MLBB player Zul Hisham Noor, better known as Xorn, who was omitted from the final Asian Games squad.
Zul Hisham was initially named as a substitute and played a key role in Malaysia’s 2-1 victory over Indonesia in the Southeast Asian qualifier. However, he later revealed that he had learned of his removal from the final squad through WhatsApp.
Naim said he had since met Zul Hisham to address the misunderstandings surrounding the matter.
“When we give the players this responsibility, we, as fans, also have a responsibility to continue giving the team our full support wherever they compete,” said Naim.
MPL Malaysia takes two-week break
Meanwhile, the MPL Malaysia Season 18 competition has entered a two-week break to accommodate the Asian Games and will resume on October 8.
Week Six concluded on Sunday with Team Rey defeating SRG 2-1, while Bigetron Malaysia edged Invictus Gaming by the same score.
On Saturday, Team Vamos swept Bigetron Malaysia 2-0, Invictus Gaming defeated RRQ Tora 2-1, and SRG secured a 2-0 victory over All Combo Esports.
Team Rey opened the week with a 2-1 win over Team Flash on Friday, while Team Vamos also prevailed 2-1 against RRQ Tora.
The Asian Games esports competition is scheduled to begin at Aichi Sky Expo on Wednesday. – September 21, 2026