Team eMAS, Malaysia’s first senior Esports team display their AWP-some CS2 skills
The bid to form Malaysia’s first senior Esports team is over, with the announcement of six Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) players over the age of 50 forming Team eMAS.
The team was officially inaugurated by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister for Youth and Sports, to cheers and one very proud daughter screaming “That’s my dad! That’s my dad!“. The team was also recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records after competing in 4 matches against professional CS 2 team, HXG.
Team eMAS was formed after a rigorous selection process through the Boomers2Gamers competition organized by Goodday Charge.
298 senior citizens tried to bunnyhop their way into Team eMAS
Aimed at seniors aged 50 and above, Boomers2Gamers attracted 298 applicants. These were narrowed down to the 10 best contestants.
The final 10 contestants underwent a 3-week eSports training regime that focused on Trained Skills, Strategy, Fitness Level, Teamwork and Communication. Of course, Goodday Charge also ensured that physical training and nutrition was a core part of their regiment. The players were also supported by Orange Esports Club, Predator Gaming and Creative Labs; who ensured the participants were trained in a world-class gaming facility with top-of-the-line Predator series gaming laptops and gaming headsets.
In the end, the following 6 members were picked by former professionals Mohd Syazwan ‘Wanr0’ and Mohammed Reza ‘Rexa’:
- Trish Lim – Team Leader
- Nahar Ludhfi – Entry fragger
- Ahmad Zamzuri aka Tom – Second entry fragger
- Johan Arifin – Support
- John Yap – Support,
- Linda Tee – Substitute.
We got to speak to team leader Trish Lim (55), a licensed real estate agent but “primarily a mom for the past 20 years”. With both her kids now in their late teens, she saw the application callout on Facebook and thought… why not?
“Being human being alive means being able to do things. So when I saw this Boomers2Gamers thing, I said, “Hey, you know, I know next to nothing about gaming. I’ll just sign up and try and what it is.”” – Trish
Thinking it would just be hopping on a PC and playing games, she didn’t expect coaches and a downright training regimen. She was also surprised by the immersion and depth of the game – not just from technical skills like reflexes and aim, but also strategy and out-thinking your opponent.
And yes, even seniors aren’t safe from trolling in public games.
“So obviously in the beginning, we die first and they get upset. They go over our body and they start shooting us.
I’m like, “Really? Is that necessary?”” – Trish
We did not want to ask Trish about teabagging.
Malaysians over 50 can play CS 2 with Team eMAS for free every Tuesday at Orange Esports Club
Amy Gan, VP of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd, announced that Tuesdays at Orange Esports would be dedicated to free gaming sessions and workshops for seniors.
“Orange Esports and Goodday will continue to develop the narratives of healthy gaming in a fully inclusive gaming esports ecosystem for all ages by dedicating every Tuesday as a Boomers2Gamers day.
Seniors can simply come and compete with their friends for free or look forward to workshops conducted by the club. Look out for more details coming soon!” – Amy Gan
For those curious about Team eMAS’s journey from boomers to gamers, Goodday Charge will be premiering a limited reality series on Astro Arena. Hosted by Malaysian caster Tash Bunny with a special appearance by Sir Cloud, this will be the first esports content to air on the sports-focused
channel.
Taking their commitment towards esports further, Goodday Charge will be supporting team HXG as they prepare to represent Malaysia at the Asian Esports Championship in Chengdu before qualifying themselves to the upcoming 2024 International Esports Federation World Cup in Riyadh.
In the end, it’s also about having fun
Sometimes, sports is not all about winning. It’s also about staying active, sportsmanship, inclusivity, and plain ol’ having fun.
“I have to admit that when I first announced that the Ministry will be focusing on sports for senior citizens, I did not expect eSports to be among the sports to rise up to this challenge.
But sports is not just about winning medals. And this is something that I’m working very hard to change.” – Hannah Yeoh
Trish agrees, reminding us that gaming is supposed to be fun.
The six of us who never met each other and never played together at all, came together and bonded very well. And I think it’s primarily because senior players don’t have egos.
We just want to have fun and then we are okay. We’re very accepting whether you are slower, faster or it doesn’t matter. That’s what gaming is supposed to be. – Trish
So if you’re someone over the age of 50 and looking to try something new, Trish’s advice is her favorite quote from a popular sporting brand – “Just Do It”. Head on over to Goodday’s Facebook Page for more updates.
Meanwhile, Trish and her team are also beginning to explore other games to play:
“We have plans to try Valorant next.” – Trish
