This was the finale of Goodday Charge’s “Boomers2Gamers” competition, a challenge of David-vs-Goliath proportions as the newly formed Team eMAS took on the established professional Malaysian “Counter-Strike” team HXG.
Team eMAS is Malaysia’s first senior esports team, backed by the Malaysian Esports Federation and recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. The team’s status was officiated by youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh in a ceremony held after the competition.
Also present was Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, Etika’s chief executive officer (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei), and Amy Gan, Etika’s vice-president of marketing.
The “Boomers2Gamers” campaign is aimed at debunking myths, challenging negative stereotypes, and promoting greater acceptance of esports as a legitimate sport in Malaysia.
Announced in February and open to those aged 50 and above, it drew 298 applicants, from which 10 were subsequently shortlisted to attend a comprehensive gaming course for three weeks.
Former professional esports athletes Mohd Syazwan Mohd Hanafie and Mohd Rezza Mat Talaha – who have over 20 years of experience between them – subsequently handpicked six contestants to form Team eMAS. They are team leader Trish Lim Ai Peng, Nahar Ludhfi Johari, Ahmad “Tom” Zamzuri Sapuan, Johan Arifin, Jon Yap Kok Hin and Linda Tee.
“One of the societal stigmas about esports is that it isn’t actually a sport because it’s sedentary,” Etika’s Gan told FMT Lifestyle. But she stressed that, like any other sport, esports is competitive, requiring skills, determination and commitment.
As champions of nutrition and fitness across all sporting activity, it was important to Goodday Charge that a typical day for the team began with physical exercises and proper nutrition to fuel their long hours of training.
“We also aim to address the societal stigma among the older generation about esports, so that they won’t stop their children or grandchildren from pursuing it,” Gan added.
She noted that the growing esports industry presents various career opportunities that can benefit the younger population. For senior citizens, esports can help with cognitive functions and reflexes, while nurturing social connections.
Following the success of the campaign, Goodday Charge and Orange Esports Club will dedicate every Tuesday as “Boomers2Gamers Day”.
“Seniors can simply come and compete with their friends for free,” Gan explained, adding that the club also plans to conduct workshops in the future.
Taking their commitment to esports further, Goodday Charge will also support HXG’s men and women teams as they prepare to represent Malaysia in September at the Asian Esports Championship in Chengdu, China.
Upon qualifying, they will head to the 2024 International Esports Federation World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – the biggest country-based event in the world.
‘Age doesn’t define you’
For Team eMAS leader Lim, her decision to join “Boomers2Gamers” stemmed from curiosity: how could her 16-year-old son spend hours gaming daily?
Today, she understands the commitment required. “This is about the only sport where age doesn’t define you. No matter how old you are, you can still game,” the 54-year-old told FMT Lifestyle.
“We would like to inspire anyone of any age, no matter your condition. As long as your hands can move, and you have an interest and a desire to try something new and make new friends, come and join esports,” the mother of two added.
Finally, for those keen on following Team eMAS’ journey, Goodday Charge will soon premiere a limited reality series on Astro Arena, making this the first esports content to air on the sports channel.
For more information on the reality series as well as Goodday Charge’s initiatives, follow Goodday Milk Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.