Led by Filipino playing coach Michael “Arcadia” Bocado, the Selangor Red Giants (SRG) from Malaysia emerged victorious in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid-Season Cup 2024, defeating the reigning champions Falcons AP.Bren (FCAP) of the Philippines before a sellout crowd at Amazon Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With a wealth of international titles under his belt, coach Bocado expertly guided the Red Giants to a thrilling 4-3 victory in the intense best-of-seven (BO7) series.
Since joining SRG, Bocado has transformed the team into a formidable contender, leading the Red Giants to an undefeated run during the MPL MY S13 regular season and a dominant performance in the playoffs.
“We made sure to stay composed. The best-of-seven series tested our mental fortitude, so we had to ensure we were in the zone and laser-focused to execute our plans game by game seamlessly,” said Bocado during the press conference.
Jungler Muhammad Haqqullah “Sekys” Ahmad Shahrul Zaman was named the Grand Finals” Most Valuable Player. The newly crowned champion team SRG will take home $1 million, while FCAP will receive $500,000.
SRG made a historic achievement, becoming the first Malaysian team to secure a major MLBB esports tournament title. Prior to this, no Malaysian team had even reached a Grand Finals.
The win also extends its unbeaten streak in competitive MLBB esports to 106 days.
This year’s MSC has expanded its reach, becoming the largest mid-season MLBB esports tournament by featuring international teams from North America, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Turkey, Latin America, and China. It was the first title announced for the inaugural Esports World Cup.
The SRG roster includes key players Muhammad Haqqullah “Sekys” Ahmad Shahrul Zaman, Mark “Kramm” Rusiana, Muhammad “Zakqt” Noor, Hazziq “Stormie” Rizwan, John “Innocent” Banal, Muhammad “Yums” Suhairi, and Ilman “Gojes” Zulkifli, along with Head Coach Michael “Arcadia” Bocado and Assistant Coach Poon “OzoraVeki” Kok Sing.
FCAP, the current World Champions and the only team with two M-Series championship titles, boasts of a lineup of David Charles “FlapTzy” Canon, Vincent Joseph “Pando” Unigo, Michael Angelo “KyleTzy” Sayson, Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel, Marco Stephen “Super Marco” Requitiano, and Rowgien Stimpson “Owgwen” Unigo. The team is led by Head Coach Francis “Ducky” Glindro and Technical Coach Robert Alexis “Trebor” Sanchez. An MSC championship remains the only title missing from their list of major MLBB honors.
The MLBB esports continues with the upcoming MLBB Women’s Invitational from July 24 to 27.
