No fairytale for Aria as Gaimin Gladiators stumble in Riyadh

New Straits Times

19-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's hopes of seeing a female player lift an international Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) title were dashed after North American side Gaimin Gladiators (GG) were crushed 4-0 by Indonesia's Team Vitality in the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) Grand Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
The Malaysian trio -- EXP Laner Sharifah Alia Husna "Aria" Syed Fakrrurozi, head coach Kelvin "Rexvinn" Unting, and analyst Farhan "SoraPayung" Ibrahim -- had been bidding to guide GG to North America's first-ever international MLBB crown.
But Vitality, the two-time MWI champions, were simply too strong, sweeping the best-of-seven series in dominant fashion to underline their status as the queens of the game.
Their victory earned them US$150,000 (RM636,600), while Aria and her GG teammates took home US$90,000 (RM381,960) as runners-up.
GG had undergone a three-week bootcamp in Malaysia ahead of the tournament and put up a brave fight, banning Vitality's most dangerous heroes and trying to dictate team fights but were ultimately outclassed by a more experienced and cohesive outfit.
Aria, a SEA Games bronze medallist in Phnom Penh in 2023, was heavily targeted in her lane, with Vitality giving her little breathing space throughout the contest.
Despite the loss, Farhan praised the team for exceeding expectations.
"They exceeded my expectations by reaching the grand final," he said.
"I think they could have done better, but it came down to a lack of experience. Rome wasn't built in a day, and certainly not in three weeks.
"You need time to build synergy, and that was what we lacked, especially against a team that's been together for five years. Still, I'm proud of them."
All eyes now turn to the Mid Season Cup x Esports World Cup (MSCxEWC), where reigning champions Selangor Red Giants will look to defend their title
The MSCxEWC group stage begins on July 23