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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Acer Asia Pacific Predator League) |
The sixth edition of the Asia Pacific (APAC) Predator League by Acer has officially concluded, presenting a grand regional eSports tournament that has grown significantly since its inception in 2018. The prestigious tournament was held for the first time in Malaysia last January 11-12, 2025 with the country's Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh gracing the opening ceremony on the first day. The APAC Predator League 2025 marks a new era with the introduction of two dynamic champions (avatars) Nero and Yuffy. These characters, born from a regional design competition, embody the Predator brand’s pursuit of gaming excellence and tactical precision, adding a new layer of excitement to the tournament. Nero and Yuffy’s journey, from childhood friends to formidable contenders, highlights themes of rivalry, support, and inner strength, reflecting the Predator League’s position as a stage for high-stakes battles that test both skill and character. To further enhance the event’s cultural engagement, the league unveils “It Lies Within”, a new theme song performed in local languages by renowned artists of each region. This reflects the league’s commitment to embracing local cultures and languages, fostering a deeper connection with the growing audience in the region.
A total of 28 teams from 14 regions have converged at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur to vie for a place in gaming history and triumph. Acer Pan Asia Pacific President Andrew Hou said, “Anchored on our flagship gaming brand Predator, the APAC Predator League is more than just a tournament – it is a vibrant, community-driven platform that connects gamers of all levels while empowering every role in eSports. With the introduction of new characters, an animated storyline, and fresh music, we envision this tournament to evolve into a dynamic and unifying gathering where gaming, technology and entertainment come together.” Acer Malaysia Managing Director Kon Tek Yoong added, “The Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 Grand Finals at MITEC will offer a festival-like experience beyond the typical eSports tournament. The event seeks to bridge the gap between gamers and non-gamers by showcasing the vibrant spirit of competitive gaming. Visitors will enjoy an immersive experience that highlights the energy, teamwork, and community aspects of eSports. Alongside top eSports teams, Acer has arranged special guest appearances by international singers and Malaysia’s award-winning artists. The Predator League is a unique celebration of eSports, inviting everyone to explore the depth and excitement of competitive gaming beyond online representations.” Headlining the performances at this year’s APAC Predator League were Sandara Park, also known as Dara, and Minzy of the iconic K-pop group 2NE1 as well as Malaysian stars Aina Abdul and Hael Husaini and G22 from the Philippines. The two-day event also featured a Coswalk competition that highlights the creativity and passion of the gaming and pop culture communities. Visitors, on the other hand, were able to engage in immersive on-site activities to claim rewards, transforming the APAC Predator League 2025 into an event that goes beyond an eSports tournament.
The APAC Predator League features DOTA 2 and VALORANT with teams comprising enthusiasts and professional players showcasing their strategies and gameplay throughout the tournament. Gamers in this year’s Predator League were equipped with the Predator Orion X desktop, Predator XB253Q gaming monitor, Predator Galea 365 gaming headset, and Predator gaming chair. In the end, it was Malaysia's Myth Avenue Gaming and Indonesia's Alter Ego which have emerged victorious, granting them the prestigious Predator Shield and the grand cash prize of US$65,000. In DOTA 2, the path to victory saw Myth Avenue Gaming first triumph in a hard-fought semi-final match against Philippine contender Ivory, clinching a 2-1 victory. The second semi-final featured an intense battle between Mongolia’s 123 Gaming and Indonesia’s Team Helios, with Team Helios advancing after a 2-1 win. The grand finals showcased Myth Avenue Gaming at their peak as they faced off against Team Helios. Displaying exceptional teamwork and strategic execution, the Malaysian squad secured a commanding 2-0 victory, cementing their position as the region’s top DOTA 2 team. Team Helios claimed second place and a $20,000 prize, while Ivory and 123 Gaming shared third place, each taking home $7,500. Adding to Malaysia’s triumph during the Predator League 2025 DOTA 2, Myth Avenue Gaming’s Bob King received the Intel MVP Award for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament. On the other hand, the VALORANT tournament’s semi-finals featured intense matchups between four top teams from across Asia Pacific. Alter Ego demonstrated their exceptional skills by defeating Japan’s Crest Gaming ZST with a decisive 2-0 victory. In the other semi-final match, ZOL eSports from the Philippines dominated Malaysia’s XIPTO eSports, also securing a 2-0 win. Moreover, the grand finals showcased a showdown between Alter Ego and ZOL eSports, with the Indonesian squad maintaining their momentum to claim a clean 2-0 victory, cementing their position as the region’s top team. The tournament’s prize pool was distributed among the top four teams, with runners-up ZOL eSports receiving $20,000, while both Crest Gaming ZST and XIPTO eSports earned $7,500 each for their third and fourth-place finishes respectively. Adding to Alter Ego’s triumph during the APAC Predator League 2025 VALORANT, their player CUD was recognized with the INTEL All-Star MVP award for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
At the conclusion of the APAC Predator League 2025 Grand Finals, Acer revealed that its India office will host the next edition of the prestigious eSports tournament. The symbolic handover took place at the event's closing ceremony between Acer Malaysia’s Managing Director Kon Tek Yoong and Acer India’s President and Managing Director Harish Kohli who received the Predator League pennant during the ceremonial transfer. This transition showcases Acer’s ongoing dedication to developing the eSports and PC gaming ecosystem across the Asia Pacific region, continuing its tradition of supporting grassroots competitions and hosting premier gaming events. For more information about the APAC Predator League 2025, visit the official website at www.predator-league.com and follow the tournament’s exciting developments on Facebook and Instagram.
