Kuala Lumpur, 15 December 2023 – At the joint ceremony with ESL, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) hailed the return of the globally recognised ESL One tournament powered by Intel® to Malaysia, in keeping with its goal of becoming the esports hub of Southeast Asia.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Tuan Adam Adli had a walkabout at the venue of ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, which was held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC), today. Accompanying him were YB Puan Michelle Ng Mei Sze; Ahmed Faris Amir, Chief Executive Officer of Esports Integrated (ESI); Caitlin Kang, Managing Director of ESL Malaysia; Eugene Hong, Senior Project Manager of ESL One; and JB Hewitt, Managing Director of ESL Asia-Pacific Japan.
This year marks the fourth iteration of the international DOTA 2 tournament in Malaysia and it will battle it out in front of the live audience in the arena of MITEC from December 11 to 17.
12 of the world’s best DOTA teams will compete for one of six spots in the live Playoffs and be in the running for a prize pool of US$1million (RM4.6 million).
YB Tuan Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports during the walkabout event said, under the “KBS Sports Development Strategic Plan 2020 2025, KBS has outlined a focus on fostering a sustainable sports ecosystem among stakeholders at all levels. This includes investment in infrastructure and talent development as well as organising regional and international events in Malaysia, such as ESL One.”
“In line with the aspiration to make Malaysia an esports powerhouse in the Southeast Asian region, KBS would like to invite more world-class esports events such as ESL One to organize their esports leagues and tournaments here. Hopefully this effort can spur the continuous and sustainable growth of the esports industry in our homeland,” he added.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the world’s best Dota 2 teams to our fans in Malaysia and across the region,” said Caitlin Kang, Managing Director of ESL Malaysia at ESL FACEIT Group. “With a prize pool of USD 1,000,000 this year, and a more accessible location, we are ready to welcome thousands of Dota 2 fans to Kuala Lumpur this weekend, and build on the legacy of ESL One in Malaysia.”
Competing in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 are:
| Team | Region | Status |
| Gaimin Gladiators LGD Gaming Azure Ray Betboom Team 9Pandas Team Liquid Team Secret TSM Wawitas Sagazes Invictus Gaming Blacklist Rivalry Team Falcons | Western Europe China China Eastern Europe Eastern Europe Western Europe Western Europe North America South America China South East Asia Middle East & North Africa | Direct Invite Direct Invite Direct Invite Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier Qualifier |
Visit ESL Dota 2 on Facebook and Twitter for more info.
For more general information, head to about.eslgaming.com and follow ESL Gaming on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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About EFG
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is the leading esports and video game entertainment company dedicated to creating worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become community. EFG is built on a legacy of world-renowned brands including ESL, FACEIT, DreamHack and DreamHack Sports Games, providing innovative ecosystems for global communities of players, fans and creators around the games they love. Working alongside leading partners, brands and global IPs, EFG operates an unmatched portfolio of live events, digital platforms and developer tools that reach and engage millions of gamers worldwide. For more information visit www.eslfaceitgroup.com
About ESL One
In ESL One, teams and players from all over the world compete in an esports tournament unlike any other. Featuring Dota 2, ESL One gives out hundreds of thousands in prize money every year. With events taking place in stadiums all over the world, it puts the players in front of enthusiastic audiences, cheering them on in their attempt to secure the one trophy and the glory that comes with it (www.esl-one.com).
About Esport Integrated
Esports Integrated (ESI) is an initiative to catalyse a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Esports ecosystem powered by Impact Integrated under the purview of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. At ESI, we aim to create structures and programmes to support the establishment of a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive ecosystem which enables growth, ensures protection and expands diversity. As an initiative, ESI cares about nurturing and encouraging the growth and expansion of the Esports ecosystem while at the same time ensuring that the ecosystem’s environment embraces healthy values and is inclusive.
Press contacts
| Esports Integrated: Mia Amira IshakPublic Relations & CommunicationsEmail: media@esportsintegrated.comTel. No. : +6014 689 6068 | EFG: Alex Blaikie, Elke Zweers, Katarzyna MaleckaE-mail: press@efg.gg |