The SEA Games 2022 in Vietnam will finally feature esports as a medalled sport (not just an exhibition). Finally, after a long time hustling, esports is getting the recognition it deserves because of the community.
Esports was previously featured in the Asian Games 2018 but only as exhibition games and served as an introduction of esports to the World.
Fingers crossed, given several event cancellations due to Omicron raging across the planet that the SEA Games even manages to commence.
But if it does, the SEA Games Hanoi 2021 will feature 8 games. Free Fire, League of Legends, FIFA Online 4, Mobile Legends (of course), League of Legends Wild Rift, Arena of Valor, Crossfire, and PUBG Mobile. Most of the games the SEA community is very famous for.
For example, as you guys might know already, Mobile Legends get the #3 spot as most-watched esports tournament of 2021, only behind Worlds 2021 and The International 2021.
Speaking of Mobile Legends, we cannot forget how big the Indonesian community is. And now, they are currently looking for esports coaches for the upcoming SEA Games. Looking at the list of the games featured, of course, all eyes on Mobile Legends.
The Indonesia Esports Association has finally opened coach registrations on their website. And what’s even better is, foreign coaches are also eligible to be an Indonesian esports team coach.
“Foreigners can also apply to be the Indonesian esports team coach in the SEA Games,” said Ibnu Riza, President of Indonesia esports Association. This opens up many opportunities and possibilities. As we know, some of the Indonesian Mobile Legends teams have foreign coaches.
Take, for example, Zeys, EVOS’ head coach, is from Singapore. James, who also coached RRQ before Acil stepped in, is also from Singapore. Duckey, who also helped Zeys coached the EVOS Mobile Legends team a couple of years ago, is from the Philippines.
Looking at the community’s response, many mentioned Zeys, Duckey, James, and Acil. Acil was RRQ’s coach for MPL last season and he managed to be runner up on both MPL Season 8 and M3.
When Zeys was asked if he was interested in coaching the Indonesian ML team for the upcoming SEA Games, he casually said, “Interested, ofc.”
As much as we want to buy into the hype, we are going to make sure we wait until the official announcement is out!
