ESL One Kuala Lumpur's hometown heroes

As ESL One Kuala Lumpur draws near, five local heroes are busy crafting strategies and honing skills as ambassadors of Malaysia.

Local heroes serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring individuals within their communities. Seeing someone from their own region succeed on a global stage can ignite the passion and determination of emerging talents. In the world of esports, aspiring gamers often look up to local heroes as proof that success is achievable with dedication and skill.

Read Around the world; Dota 2 in Southeast Asia and Malaysia

Hailing from the diverse landscapes of Malaysia, five Dota 2 players are not just competitors; they are the embodiment of resilience, skill, and the spirit of a nation that refuses to be confined to geographical boundaries.

Malaysians are known for their resilience, navigating through economic challenges and societal changes. Just as Dota 2 players face their own set of challenges, be it financial constraints or the skepticism surrounding esports as a viable career, it is important to emphasize the parallels between the players' determination to succeed in the competitive gaming world and Malaysia's ability to overcome hurdles on its path to development.

Their significance as local heroes goes beyond individual achievements; it becomes a shared cultural experience and a source of pride for the nation. Their success contributes to the broader narrative of Malaysia's presence in the global esports arena, shaping the identity and aspirations of the local gaming community.

ESL One Kuala Lumpur Local Heroes

Former pro player, Wong "ChuaN" Hock Chuan was the first (and only!) Malaysian and Southeast Asian to ever take home the Aegis back in TI2.

Others have come within inches of grabbing it.

Players from Orange Esports —Chai "Mushi" Yee Fung, Lee "kYxY" Kong Yang, Khoo "Ohaiyo" Chong Xin, Joel "XtiNcT" Chan Zhan Leong and Lim "Net" Wai Pern— came close with third place at TI3. Tue "ah fu" Soon Chuan with LGD.Forever Young at TI7, Wei "xNova" Yap competing for PSG.LGD at TI9 with a third-place finish, and Cheng "NothingToSay" Jin Xiang, playing for PSG.LGD at TI2021 when he came in second place and third place in TI12.

Despite such Dota 2 is vibrant in Malaysia, producing high-caliber players who continue to carve their path on the global stage.

At ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 these five players will be front and center, attempting to cement a legacy for Malaysia and setting ablaze the path for the future generation to follow.

Team Secret

Tue "ah fu" Soon Chuan as the coach of Team Secret
Yeik "MidOne" Nai Zheng, a highly decorated core player with a prolific history has rejoined Team Secret.

Invictus Gaming

Wei "xNova" Yap is now representing Malaysia under the iG banner.
Cheng "NothingToSay" Jin Xiang is now wearing the iG colors and logo for ESL One Kuala Lumpur.
Thiay "JT-" Jun Wen joins his countrymen on Invictus Gaming.

These five stand as a testament to the boundless potential of talent that resides within the nation. Their journey is not just a narrative of gaming prowess; it's a saga of dreams pursued, barriers shattered, and a nation's pride revitalized. As they continue to compete, these local heroes inspire not only aspiring gamers but anyone who dares to dream beyond the ordinary.

ESL One Kuala Lumpur December 11 - 17,2023

Group Stage: December 11 - 13, 2023

Two single round-robin groups of six teams each
Top two teams from each group advance to upper bracket of playoffs
3rd to 4th place teams from each group advance to lower bracket of playoffs
5th to 6th place teams from each group are eliminated

Playoffs: December 15 - 17, 2023

Double-elimination bracket
All matches except Grand Final are Bo3
Grand Final is Bo5

EPT Points distribution

1st place: 4,800
2nd place: 3,600
3rd place: 3,000
4th place: 2,400
5th-6th place: 1,680
7th-8th place: 780
9th-10th place: 420
11th-12th place: 210

Directly invited teams

Qualified teams

Team Liquid (WEU)
Invictus Gaming (China)
Blacklist International (SEA)
BetBoom Team (EEU)
9Pandas (EEU)
Team Falcons (MENA)
Team Secret (WEU)
TSM (NA)
Wawitas Sagazes (SA)

Author

Cristy "Pandora" RamadaniPandora is a behind the scenes Dota 2 professional Jack of All Trades. When not busy with Dota 2 work, she is out trying to save the world or baking cupcakes. Follow her on Twitter @pandoradota2