In a high-octane finale, Kuala Lumpur native Putera Sufrie Nizam bin Subardron emerged as the national champion of the LALIGA Beat the Best Malaysia 2024 esports tournament. The professional FIFA player staged a stunning comeback from a 1-4 halftime deficit to edge out Muhammad Faiz Hariry 7-6, clinching the win with a Golden Goal in the dying moments of the match. His triumph earned him RM2,500 in prize money and an exclusive trip to Spain for a closer look at the world of LALIGA.
Held at SP Sports Park in Kuala Lumpur, the grand finale brought together 16 of Malaysia’s top esports talents who had qualified through earlier rounds. Putera’s mental fortitude and eight years of FIFA experience proved decisive in the pressure-filled final match. His emotional yet composed performance underscored the growing professionalism and dedication within Malaysia’s esports scene.
LALIGA legend Luis Garcia graces the finale
The tournament reached new heights with the presence of LALIGA legend Luis Garcia, a former star of FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid, who electrified the event. Garcia actively participated in fan engagements and even played a friendly FC 25 match, leaving a lasting impression on local fans. His appearance culminated in the personal presentation of the winner’s trophy to Putera, symbolizing the bridge between traditional football stardom and modern digital competition.
The event was packed with interactive activities, including live casting by well-known personalities Aiman Sekaichi and Higen, drawing an energetic crowd. Fans enjoyed challenges and giveaways, while participants competed in an atmosphere that merged the live thrills of sport with the immersive world of gaming—an experience that has become a hallmark of this international tournament.
Malaysia among elite global hosts
Malaysia is one of just three countries—alongside China and the United States—selected to host the prestigious hybrid-format “Beat the Best” tournament. This format, blending online qualifiers with offline finals, showcases a cutting-edge approach to audience engagement, reflecting a global shift in how sports are consumed and participated in. The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of EA SPORTS and LALIGA, with AEON as the title sponsor and Vertex Esports as the local partner.
Kelvin Tee, Chief Marketing Officer of Vertex Esports, credited AEON for playing a vital role in championing local esports development. “We would like to acknowledge and thank the part AEON has played in championing esports development and growth in Malaysia and we hope that other companies can follow suit to ensure that Malaysia as a country continues its traditions to be the birthplace of great sportspersons as the Malaysian legends in other fields of sports. We at Vertex are glad to be a part of the ecosystem and pledge to do more in the future.”
The LALIGA Beat the Best initiative is part of a broader global strategy to bring esports closer to the public and deepen the emotional connection between fans and football. The rising influence of gaming culture can even be seen in the broadcast aesthetics of LALIGA matches, which now feature graphics inspired by videogames.
The convergence of virtual and physical sports has become a key focus for LALIGA and EA SPORTS, who view esports as a vital pathway to youth engagement and global expansion.
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