KUALA LUMPUR: Esports competitions have rapidly increased in popularity in recent years and are also a good way to encourage the public to stay at home during lockdowns.
The THQ Mobile Legend 'Bang Bang Stay at Home' Championships, which will move into the playoff stages on June 11-13, is proof of this.
Slots in the competition, organised by THQ Esports Club with support from La Crista Hotel, Malacca and PennaWrites Academy, were snapped up within a day.
THQ founder Aimanhaq Zaharudin hopes to keep gamers occupied during the lockdown.
"With this online championship, we hope to help the government by encouraging people to stay at home and subsequently ensure that Movement Control Order 3.0 is effective in stopping the spread of Covid-19," said Aimanhaq.
"The reception for this tournament has been very encouraging, more than 1,500 players from 256 teams are competing.
"We had to close registration after only a day. No registration fee is charged.
"Eight of the best teams from qualifying (which ended yesterday) will progress to the playoffs on June 11-13."
The competition offers a total prize purse of RM10,000.
The overall champions will take home RM4,000 while second and third place teams bag RM2,500 and RM1,500 respectively.
Those interested can watch the competition virtually through the Team Haq Esports Club Facebook page.