5 Most Popular Esports games for 2026 that Malaysians can play or bet on. Discover top leagues from Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Dota 2, and Valorant.
Esports is one of the most entertaining games to not only watch but also bet on using sites like M88 Mansion. But the best part about it is that most of the popular esports games can be downloaded on your mobile or PC and can be played. These games provide you with a different range of themes, gameplay, yet they are simple and can be easily played without prior experience. Moreover, these games hold some of the top tournaments in the country you should look out for. In this article, we have put together 5 most popular esports in Malaysia.
1. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – Dominating mobile game
Popular tournaments: MPL Malaysia, M-Series World Championship
Game appeal: Fast matches, mobile-friendly, strong local ecosystem
Device: Mobile
Competitive scene: Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s strongest regions
Available for esports betting: Yes
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is widely considered the top title among the most popular esports in Malaysia. The game dominates because it runs smoothly on mid-range smartphones and matches last only 10 to 15 minutes, making it perfect for mobile users.
Malaysia has a well-developed professional ecosystem, especially through MPL Malaysia, which acts as the main pathway to global championships. Local teams regularly compete in regional and international tournaments, contributing to the country’s strong reputation. Its teamwork-based MOBA gameplay keeps both players and spectators engaged.
2. PUBG Mobile – Win against 100 players on the Battleground
Popular tournaments: PUBG Mobile Malaysia Championship, PMPL SEA
Game appeal: Tactical survival gameplay with high intensity
Device: Mobile
Competitive scene: Strong Southeast Asian competition
Available for esports betting: Yes
PUBG Mobile is another giant in Malaysia’s esports ecosystem. The battle royale format attracts players who enjoy survival, strategy, and high-pressure gameplay. Unlike traditional esports, PUBG Mobile matches are unpredictable because players must adapt to changing zones, random loot, and multiple opponents.
The game rewards patience, positioning, and teamwork. Malaysian teams frequently compete in Southeast Asian tournaments, gaining international exposure. Major global events have also been hosted in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the country’s importance in the competitive scene.
3. Free Fire – Fast and Accessible mobile gameplay
Popular tournaments: Free Fire World Series, regional SEA leagues
Game appeal: Lightweight, fast-paced, accessible to all players
Device: Mobile
Competitive scene: Popular among younger and casual gamers
Available for esports betting: Yes
Free Fire became extremely popular in Malaysia because it runs on low-end smartphones. This technical accessibility expanded the esports audience beyond urban gamers. Players from smaller towns and different economic backgrounds could compete, which helped the game grow rapidly.
Free Fire tournaments attract large audiences across Southeast Asia. Its fast-paced gameplay and shorter match durations make it ideal for mobile viewers and streamers. The game’s colourful style and character-based mechanics also appeal to younger audiences. As for the older audiences, you can use some of the best M88 Betting Tips to bet on intense Free Fire tournaments.
4. Dota 2 – First to capture the enemy’s base wins
Popular tournaments: The International qualifiers, SEA DPC
Game appeal: Deep strategy, high skill requirement
Device: PC
Competitive scene: Smaller but highly respected
Available for esports betting: Yes
Dota 2 represents the older generation of esports in Malaysia. Before mobile gaming exploded, Dota dominated cybercafes across the country. Many Malaysian professional gamers and streamers started their journey with Dota or its predecessor.
Even today, Dota 2 remains one of the most respected esports globally because of its complexity and massive prize pools, especially in tournaments like The International. Malaysian fans still follow the scene closely, even if the player base has shifted more toward mobile titles.
5. Valorant – Competitive gun play with unique skills
Popular tournaments: Valorant Challengers, VCT Pacific
Game appeal: Tactical shooting and team coordination
Device: PC
Competitive scene: Fast-growing in Malaysia
Available for esports betting: Yes
Valorant is growing quickly in Malaysia’s competitive gaming space. The tactical shooter blends precise gunplay with character abilities, which attracts both casual and hardcore players. Its structured esports ecosystem and frequent tournaments have helped it gain strong traction.
The game appeals to younger PC gamers and streamers who want a balance between strategy and fast-paced action. As PC gaming continues to grow in Malaysia, Valorant is expected to become one of the leading esports titles in the region.
Conclusion
These were the 5 Most Popular Esports games in Malaysia 2026. These games hold a huge competitive scene in the esports world as well as the betting world in the country. However, if you wish to look from a wider lens, then there are many more popular games like CS 2 and League of Legends that are dominating the esports scene. The reason these games dominate Malaysia is because of easy accessibility as most of these can be played on mobile devices. But if you wish to know more about other competitive esports games, get updates on tournaments, or betting guides, keep visiting our website.
