SIBOL settles for 2nd as Malaysia claims maiden IESF MLBB crown with 2-0 sweep in Finals

SIBOL settles for 2nd as Malaysia claims maiden IESF MLBB crown with 2-0 sweep in Finals

Defending International Esports Federation Mobile Legends: Bang Bang champions SIBOL concedes to Malaysia after a 2-0 sweep in the Grand Finals of the MLBB event of the Worlds Esports Championship 2024 Friday evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The national team, composed of the core of RRQ Kaito and two personnel from Falcons AP.Bren, fended off both Argentina and hosts Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively to set a rematch with the Malaysians in the finals.

Meanwhile, Malaysia, who suffered a 1-2 defeat against the Pinoys in the group stage, ekes past Türkiye and rivals Indonesia in the playoffs to settle a score with the defending champions.

The Malaysians stole Game 1 from SIBOL as Muhammad Haqqullah “Sekys” Bin Ahmad Shahrul Zaman’s Alpha took the lord in the 21st minute as they warded off any attempts from Michael Angelo “PHI.Sayson” Sayson’s Nolan, forcing the defending champs to retreat.

Ilman Zareef “Gojes” Bin Zulkifli’s Hylos became crucial in the game, neutralizing any quick team fights with the Glorious Pathway while assisting in 10 out of 17 kills for Malaysia and eventually turning the tables against the Filipinos.

It was a quicker Game 2 as Hazziq Danish “Stormie” Bin Mohamad Rizwan and Ealtond “Lolealz” Rayner combined for six kills and nine assists as the Malaysians prevailed 9-4.

It was a bad day in the office for Edferdz “PHI.Fernandez” Fernandez who suffered three deaths without any conversion with his Gatotkaca, while Cymond ”PHI.Torres” Torres’ Irithel dished only a kill and dying twice.

Malaysia will take home USD70,000 in prize money while SIBOL will settle with USD40,000 as they grab their second second-place finish, the first is in 2022.