JOHOR BARU: Cheryl Yao, a 2019 Miss Universe Singapore finalist, is hosting the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPLMY) playoffs.
And she was blown away by the atmosphere generated by the sold-out crowd at the EduCity Sports Complex in Iskandar Puteri yesterday.
How did a Singapore beauty end up in Malaysia hosting an eSports tournament?
Cheryl said after her Miss Universe Singapore participation, she pursued hosting as a career, and it was during the Covid-19 pandemic that her husband suggested they play MLBB as a couples activity.
"I then watched the Mid Season Cup during that time and my friend was just like, 'hey you are a host, why don't you try hosting for MLBB?'
"I liked the idea and messaged them on Facebook, but until today I have not received a reply! But somehow it was meant to be as I had another friend in production and working closely as a partner for MPL Singapore, and I got the job through that connection," she told Timesport.
Cheryl is in Johor Baru for the MPLMY playoffs, co-hosting alongside fan favourite Rose, and she is super jealous of the packed crowd at the Indoor Arena.
"The audience here is so passionate, and the atmosphere they generated was crazy. I mentioned at the show's opening that when I walked into the arena, I thought I was at M6.
"The vibe I got was equivalent to a world-level tournament, everybody was hyped up, and it was magical how they expressed their love for the game," the 30-year-old added.
As online gaming audiences can be harsh (hiding behind anonymity to comment on players), Cheryl has urged fans to be more understanding of the players.
"Be kind to them in the comments section. You don't know if they will see or not, and at that (young) age, it's just a lot to handle".
In July, Cheryl hosted the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) at the eSports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It opened her eyes to how the competitive side of this game can be genderless.
"MLBB is all about strategy, mechanics and skills, and at the MWI, the amazing women showed that they were not far away.
"I'm sincerely looking forward to seeing a female player playing alongside the boys, shoulder-to-shoulder," she said.