James Kon
More than 500 local gamers are vying for the BND15,000 pool prize in the Brunei Esports Championship 2020, at the Bridex Hall 2.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, and InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) Chairman Sheikh Haji Abas bin Sheikh Mohamad jointly launched the championship yesterday.
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and InfoCom Federation Brunei are organising the three-day championship as part of the Brunei December Festival (BDF) 2020.
The gamers are competing in Dota 2, Tekken 7, Mobile Legends and PUBG Mobile.
Sheikh Haji Abas said, “Esports is now a multi-billion-dollar industry globally, especially in Southeast Asia, where it has become a highly popular sport among youth.
“The inclusion of esports at the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila is a testament to the immense popularity of esports in this region, and with Vietnam next year to include esports in the up-coming 31st SEA Games, prove that it is here to stay for the long run.”
He added, “Brunei also has its own talented esports players, who have been actively competing in tournaments here and abroad. Although just coming into existence, there have been positive signs of growth in Brunei in recent years.
“We have witnessed a high number of tournaments being organised and increased sponsorships from the private sector in the past two years. This is to ensure that our e-athletes are well-equipped to compete regionally and globally, and ultimately win gold medals for our country.”
Sheikh Haji Abas also expressed hopes that the tournament would inspire more youth to take up esports and compete on the international arena, carrying the Brunei flag.
The ministers, toured the championship and try their hands on a few games.
