After an exciting two weeks of grassroots qualifiers in Setiawangsa and Bangi, Liga Esports Antara Parlimen (LEAP) Season 1 came to a close last Saturday at ATO Gaming Cafe TTDI.
The LEAP Grand Finals gathered the winners from Setiawangsa and Bangi qualifiers to compete for the coveted champion title for these four games: FIFA 23, Street Fighter 6, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and GigaBash from Malaysian studio Passion Republic.
The event was officiated by YB Nik Nazmi, the MP from Setiawangsa and Minister for Natural Resources, Environment & Climate Change, and YB Syahredzan Johan, the MP from Bangi. Leading the charge for their constituencies, YB Nik Nazmi and YB Syahredzan Johan competed in exhibition matches for FIFA 23 and Street Fighter 6.
YB Nik Nazmi and YB Syahredzan Johan also took the opportunity to share their thoughts on the current esports scene in Malaysia. While it is commonly viewed as an unhealthy activity and even addiction, they believe there is potential for esports to be cultivated into a viable hobby and career for future generations.
Other than the Grand Finals matches, attendees also enjoyed the various free-to-play game stations featuring titles like Street Fighter 6 and GigaBash, pop-up booths by THE MAGIC RAIN and Passion Republic, musical performances and sharing sessions held on the stage.
Some of the stage activities included an opening musical performance by Ian Fewbeats, an acoustic guitarist known for playing instrumental covers of anime and gaming soundtracks; as well as a sharing session by Nathalie Tay and Darren Barker, the co-founders of The Cham Drinkers, a collective of Southeast Asian streamers dedicated to spotlighting digital creators and indie games from the region.
Finally after a long day of tournaments, Team Setiawangsa emerged as the overall champions for LEAP Season 1. The Setiawangsa representatives for GigaBash, Street Fighter 6, and FIFA 23 walked away with the grand prizes, while the Bangi representatives emerged triumphant in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament.
For the full list of winners, make sure to check out Kakuchopurei’s recap here.
For more about the future of LEAP, check out Kakuchopurei’s website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
