SIBU JAYA – The vibrant town of Sibu Jaya came alive over the weekend as 190 gamers gathered for the “Menuju 2026: Terokai Sibu, Rasai Malaysia” Esports Showdown, held on 26–27 December. The youth-focused event, part of the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), offered a total prize pool of RM5,000 and highlighted Sibu Jaya as a modern and energetic destination.
The two-day showdown featured intense battles in PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends (MLBB), drawing strong participation from local youth. In PUBG Mobile, 18 squads comprising 90 players competed fiercely for the RM2,500 prize, with 6BS ZETA emerging as champions, followed by JUJUTSU ZERO and MPF REDZONE. Meanwhile, the MLBB tournament saw 20 teams, or 100 players, battling for another RM2,500 prize, with Popcorn is back! taking the top spot, and OTAI CRAZY BEASTS and MIAK Masakatsu securing second and third places respectively.
Beyond competition, the Esports Showdown aimed to energise the youth scene in Sibu Jaya while showcasing the town’s readiness to host visitors in the lead-up to VM2026. Organisers highlighted that the event offered not just gaming excitement but also opportunities for community engagement, bringing together different generations through a shared celebration of technology and entertainment.
Local authorities and tourism representatives praised the event for reinforcing Sibu Jaya’s image as a dynamic and modern destination. The success of the esports showdown adds momentum to the upcoming VM2026 celebrations, encouraging visitors to explore the town’s attractions and participate in community-based tourism activities.
With esports wrapped up, attention now turns to the Grand Countdown on 31 December, where locals and tourists will gather once again to usher in 2026 in style. The recent tournament demonstrated how Sibu Jaya continues to embrace innovative and youth-driven events, positioning itself as a vibrant hub in Sarawak for both gaming and tourism.
