Malaysian Dota 2 legend Mushi at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2025. Photo from Mushi/Instagram (account: @mushi_chai)
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.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Saturday at the sidelines of Acer'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 "a shortage in competitiveness among players."
This is in light of the SEA region's drought of major championships on the international level.
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.
"Compared to those Western countries, right? I think Southeast Asia [players are] a little bit more relaxing and [they get] satisfied so easily," Mushi said.
"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."
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Nonetheless, Mushi, who is also the current coach of Boom Esports — the squad of Pinoy players Timothy "TIMS" Randrup, Mc Nicholson "Mac" Villanueva, and Jaunuel "Jaunuel" Arcilla — remains hopeful that SEA squads could eventually win tier one tourneys and beat European powerhouses.
"Of course, Southeast Asia is always talented. It'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," Mushi said.
Mushi also shared team names who would be the "biggest threats" against Boom Esports and generally in SEA right now.
"I'm currently coaching for Boom; but I would say, Talon and Aurora are our best opponents right now," he said.
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The Dota 2 pride of Malaysia was at the event as an ambassador of Acer's Predator League.
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