Cambodia’s leading mobile operator Smart Axiata is hosting the Kingdom’s first ever international e-sports event prior to the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, giving fans a firsthand taste of the thrills and excitement of one of the world’s most popular pastimes.

With e-sports being a part of the SEA Games 2023, which Cambodia is hosting, Smart Axiata is proud to be the first telecommunications company to hold a “homegrown” e-sports tournament with three Cambodian teams – SeeYouSoon, IMP and BurnXFlash – taking part.

SeeYouSoon, IMP and BurnXFlash are the champions of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Seasons 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

The three local teams will compete against the national teams of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia.

The teams will go head to head at AEON Mall Sen Sok City, pitting their skills against each other in the increasingly popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Acting CEO of Smart Axiata Feiruz Ikhwan said: “This is the first international e-sports competition for Cambodia and its gamers.

"We are immensely proud to be able to help put Cambodia on the digital and e-sports stage by hosting this tournament.

"We at Smart Axiata are confident that our Cambodian teams and fans will do the country proud.”

Smart Axiata is the initiator and supporter of the MLBB Professional League (MPL) – the first e-sports league in Cambodia – in the previous first three seasons, which gave an opportunity for the local teams to advance their play against the region’s best teams in international leagues and tournaments.

The tournament will take place from November 19 to December 18, with the grand final held at AEON Mall Sen Sok City.

The champions of the e-sports tournament will win $10,000 in cash.

Leexin, team lead of BurnXFlash said: “We are thrilled to be joining the first international e-sports event and competing against the best teams from across ASEAN in our country. We are determined to win the championship trophy for our Cambodian fans.”

MLBB has attracted many Cambodian gamers, and Smart Axiata will continue to provide a stable, trusted network for people to play online games and enjoy digital experiences to their fullest.

E-sports fans can find out more about Cambodia’s first ever International e-sports event by following the Leng by Smart Facebook page – at www.facebook.com/lengby smart – or by visiting www.smart.com.kh. PHOTO SUPPLIED