Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17366951738241736695213942.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Malaysian Dota 2 legend Mushi at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025. Photo from Mushi/Instagram (account: @mushi_chai)"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Malaysian Dota 2 legend Mushi at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025. Photo from Mushi/Instagram (account: @mushi_chai)</span></span></span></div><p>KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Southeast Asia (SEA) esports legend Mushi pulled no punches when sharing his insights regarding the Dota 2 professional scene in the region.</p><p>In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Saturday at the sidelines of Acer&#x27;s Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Mushi, whose real name is Chai Yee Fung, said players from the region do not lack the raw talent; however, there is &quot;a shortage in competitiveness among players.&quot;</p><p>This is in light of the SEA region&#x27;s drought of major championships on the international level.</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/esports/2025/1/11/new-dota-2-squad-ivory-believes-it-can-eventually-take-down-stronger-teams-1552"><strong>READ: &#x27;Hindi naman sila Diyos&#x27;: New Dota 2 squad Ivory believes it can eventually take down stronger teams<br/></strong></a></div><p>Currently, teams from Western and Middle East countries dominate the gaming title, such as Team Falcons, Team Liquid, among others. Notably, no team from the SEA region has been able to lift the Aegis of Champions at The International Dota 2 world championships.</p><p>&quot;Compared to those Western countries, right? I think Southeast Asia [players are] a little bit more relaxing and [they get] satisfied so easily,&quot; Mushi said. </p><p>&quot;But in Western countries, they are very competitive. So I think, I mean, we are in Southeast Asia culture — so, I think this culture will make us win some, but not consistent, I would say.&quot;</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/esports/2025/1/11/bob-shares-ultimate-dream-for-2025-to-be-the-best-mid-laner-in-dota-2-1509"><strong>READ: Bob shares ultimate dream for 2025: To be the best mid-laner in Dota 2<br/></strong></a></div><p>Nonetheless, Mushi, who is also the current coach of Boom Esports — the squad of Pinoy players Timothy &quot;TIMS&quot; Randrup, Mc Nicholson &quot;Mac&quot; Villanueva, and Jaunuel &quot;Jaunuel&quot; Arcilla — remains hopeful that SEA squads could eventually win tier one tourneys and beat European powerhouses.</p><p>&quot;Of course, Southeast Asia is always talented. It&#x27;s always talented. We have all the players around the world, even China, Europe, wherever. But, we are just lacking five of these players. You know, like this [is a] team game,&quot; Mushi said.</p><p>Mushi also shared team names who would be the &quot;biggest threats&quot; against Boom Esports and generally in SEA right now.</p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m currently coaching for Boom; but I would say, Talon and Aurora are our best opponents right now,&quot; he said.</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/esports/2025/1/12/despite-gallant-stand-ph-teams-fall-short-at-asia-pacific-predator-league-2024"><strong>READ: Esports: PH teams put up courageous stand but fall short at Asia Pacific Predator League<br/></strong></a></div><p>The Dota 2 pride of Malaysia was at the event as an ambassador of Acer&#x27;s Predator League.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABS8ucwEPj2HBlLc&amp;activation=click&amp;vip_mode=playing&amp;vip_position=bottom-right"></script></div>

<p>"Compared to those Western countries, right? I think Southeast Asia [players are] a little bit more relaxing and [they get] satisfied so easily. But in Western countries, they are very competitive," Mushi said.</p>

"Compared to those Western countries, right? I think Southeast Asia [players are] a little bit more relaxing and [they get] satisfied so easily. But in Western countries, they are very competitive," Mushi said.

Malaysian esports legend Mushi gets honest on status of SEA Dota 2

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Esports

Malaysian esports legend Mushi gets honest on status of SEA Dota 2

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 12, 2025 11:31 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

absnews

esports

Dota 2

Mushi

Acer

Asia Pacific Predator League

SEA Dota 2

Chai Yee Fung

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.