Sixth annual Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 in Malaysia celebrates gaming and community
Now in its sixth edition, the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 kicked off at MITEC in sunny Malaysia where 28 teams from 14 regions squared off against each other for the privilege and honour of taking home the vaunted Predator shield trophy as well as up to USD400,000 in prize money in DOTA 2 and Valorant.
Representatives from Acer holding up the Predator shield trophy at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 in Malaysia
Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 highlights and attractions
At the commencement of the semi-finals from 10 January onwards, four regional Valorant and DOTA 2 teams will duke it out to determine who would head into the grand finals which will conclude on 12 January 2025. Contestants get to game on the Predator Orion X desktop, view their games on the Predator XB253Q monitor, use the Predator gaming chair and the Predator Galea 365 gaming headset.
As one of, if not the largest gaming event in Malaysia, the Asia Pacific Predator League isn’t just about gaming but a celebration about it too with the vast grounds of the gaming tournament at MITECH also hosting a cosplayer competition, a variety of fun activities in a festival-like atmosphere that celebrate the dynamic culture of esports as well as the chance to get a sneak peek at Acer’s upcoming line-up of laptops and other hardware that was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025 a few days ago in Las Vegas.
While the gaming tournament took centre stage, the Malaysia leg of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 also saw the introduction of two new character mascots – Nero and Yuffy who will also appear as collectible statuettes.
The Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 semifinals kicked off with a rich cultural performance
Also making a debut at the show was the league’s theme song ‘It Lies Within’ that is being gradually localised with versions in multiple languages for participating countries of the league. The show also saw Malaysian singers Aina Abdul and Hael Husaini, singers Dara and Minzy from K-pop ground 2NE1 and even the G22 singers from the Philippines took to the stage to belt out hits that wowed the crowd.
Acer representatives from a host of countries at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025
“The Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 Grand Finals at MITEC will offer a festival-like experience beyond the typical esports tournament. The event seeks to bridge the gap between gamers and non-gamers by showcasing the vibrant spirit of competitive gaming. Visitors will enjoy an immersive experience that highlights the energy, teamwork, and community aspects of esports. Alongside top esports teams, Acer has arranged special guest appearances by international singers and Malaysia’s award-winning artists. The Predator League is a unique celebration of esports, inviting everyone to explore the depth and excitement of competitive gaming beyond online representation,” said Kon Tek Yoong, Acer Malaysia Managing Director.
“Anchored on our flagship gaming brand, Predator, the APAC Predator League is more than just a tournament – it is a vibrant, community-driven platform that connects gamers of all levels while empowering every role in esports. With the introduction of new characters, an animated storyline, and fresh music, we envision this tournament to evolve into adynamic and unifying gathering where gaming, technology and entertainment come together,” said Andrew Hou, Acer Pan Asia Pacific President.
On 11 January, Crest Gaming Zst from Japan, ZOL Esports from the Philippines, Alter Ego from Indonesia and our very own Xipto Esports will duke it out in Valorant while on 12 January, Ivory from the Philippines, 123 Gaming from Mongolia, Helios from Indonesia and Myth Avenue Gaming from Malaysia will vie for glory in DOTA 2.
Ahead of the semi-finals, the competing teams expressed exceptional confidence for their success. Crest Gaming from Japan noted that competing teams on the regional stage played more aggressively compared to other teams in their native country while expressing confidence they would prevail.
AlterEgo at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 tournament
ZOL ESports from the Philippines also expressed similar opinions on aggressive play styles amongst contestants and that their matches should be a straightforward firefight.
ZOL ESports at the semi-finals interview at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 zol esports
Xipto Esports from Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025
In any case, team Xipto Esports and Myth Avenue Gaming are assured of their spots in the semi-finals that guarantee at the least USD7,500 for each team in their respective games – Valorant and Dota 2 though which team will emerge as the champion which will get USD65,000 is still up in the air for now. For more details, check out their official page at https://www.predator-league.com/