Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam made an impressive feat in the international esports scene after bagging the silver medal in the PUBG Mobile category with a total of 186 points during the 14th World Esports Championship 2022 in Bali, Indonesia.
The team only trailed Kazakhstan overall who won the event with 193 points, with Jordan coming in third place with 151 points.
The PUBG Mobile members comprised Muhd Safwan Hakimi Abdullah Husaini, Mohd Hadif Fadhli Haji Sufari, Md Danish Haqeeme Hizami bin Muhaimin and Md Danial Hadhrami Safiuddin bin Muhaimin.
The Sultanate also bested a field including the likes of Saudi Arabia, hosts Indonesia, Iraq, Taipei, Morocco, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Egypt.
The association had sent six athletes and two officials including Tekken 7 participants Muhd Hafey Mirza bin Haji Mohd Shafiee and Muhd Abdul Qawiy Wafiyuddin bin Haji Zulaihee who competed in the eFootball 2023 accompanied by Esports Association of Brunei President Abdul ‘Azhiim bin Haji Abdul Latif and General Secretary Hawaii Yee.
Abdul ‘Azhiim said, “It is truly an honour to witness this amazing journey from these four young boys who for the first time representing their country abroad and put up such a top class performance.”
He added, “They have shown capabilities worthy of a champion since the play-in stage and onto the finals.”
The president also shared that Hafey managed to secure a round of 16 finish in his debut while Muhd Abdul Qawiy managed to give a good account of himself against professional players from Spain, Thailand and Bosnia.
Meanwhile, PUBG team captain Muhd Safwan Hakimi said, “It is our first time competing abroad and also against world class athletes.”
Organised by the International Esports Federation (IESF), a total of 106 countries participated in the global stage.
The game titles competed included PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, eFootball 2023, Tekken 7, Dota 2, CSGO (Men) and CSGO (Women).