KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Red Giants emerged as champions of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Malaysia this season after downing defending champions HomeBois in an absorbing final tonight.
The first four games in the best-of-seven final were split evenly between the two teams at the MBSJ Stadium in Serdang.
But Red Giants, featuring Haqqullah Ahmad Shahrul Zaman, John Vincent Banal, Qayyum Ariffin Mohd Suhairi, Mark Sojero and Amir Zakwan Mohamad Noor, made it count when it mattered and took the last two games to close out the match.
HomeBois were represented by Julian Ardian Syah, Zulhiysam Mohd Noor, Nazhan Mohd Nor, Irfan Aujang, Kenneth Sablande Barro and Akmal Rozali.
Red Giants coach Michael Angelo Bocado, better known by his nickname Arcadia, said his charges were prepared for a tough fight.
"Although we dropped two games, I am very satisfied with our performance tonight. It is not easy to sweep a best-of-seven match," said Arcadia during the post match presser.
"We were mentally and strategically prepared to fight in a best-of-seven series.
"The players were not nervous in the first (game), they were just unable to execute our plan, which can happen sometimes.
"I, however, had great faith in our mental fortitude."
Red Giants esports chairman Simon Lim said the win was for Selangor footballer Faisal Halim, who is better known by his nickname Mickey.
The Red Giants have never won the MPL Malaysia title before.
"Of course this win is for Mickey, this trophy is for you (Mickey)," said Simon.
"He is recovering well and we hope to see him back soon."
Faisal became the victim of an acid attack earlier this month. He suffered serious burns and has since undergone multiple operations.
Red Giants received the lion's share of the RM468,000 prize purse on offer in MPL Malaysia this season.
