SAREX26 levels up with RM50,000 prize pool
KUCHING, 30 October 2026: The Sarawak Esports Expo 2026 (SAREX26) is set to return for its 4th edition from November 13 to 15, 2026 at Sarawak Sports Village in Kuching, bringing together competitive esports, international industry leaders, professional development opportunities and interactive gaming experiences.
Organised by the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA), SAREX26 aims to strengthen Sarawak's esports ecosystem by connecting competitive gaming with talent development, industry collaboration, entrepreneurship and international opportunities under the theme #BeyondGaming.
The upcoming expo was officially announced during a press conference today by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED), Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Also in attendance at the press conference, MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Morshidi Fredrick, CEO of Sarawak Sports Corporation, Mu’azamir bin Haji Jili, Principal Assistant Director of Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Dr. Charlie anak Dudang, MTCP Section Head of Event Section, Tracy Evon, Sarawak Esports Association (SESA) President, Afiq Fadhli bin Narawi and PUBG MOBILE Malaysia Esports Manager, Aiman Wafiy.
A key highlight of this year's programme is the Esports Crew Certification Workshop on 13 November 2026, targeting approximately 100 participants. Endorsed by the South East Asia Esports Federation and Malaysia Esports Federation, the workshop aims to equip local participants with knowledge in tournament operations, technical requirements, competition administration, broadcasting and event management as Sarawak prepares to host esports as part of the SEA Games 2027 programme in Kuching.
The workshop will be led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Yew Weng Kean, Malaysia's first esports athlete to win a SEA Games gold medal in 2019, and Mr Muhammad Faries Faizal bin Shamsul, Vice President 2 of the Malaysia Esports Federation.
Meanwhile, the main competitive programme is targeting 808 competitors across six tournament categories, featuring a total prize pool of RM50,000. The categories include PUBG MOBILE Open, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Men and Women), Racing Simulation Open (Assetto Corsa), Tekken 8 Open and eFootball Open.
Beyond the tournaments, SAREX26 will bring together prominent international and Malaysian esports industry leaders. Among those confirmed to attend are Secretary General of the International Esports Federation, Boban Totovski, Media Director of the International Esports Federation, Laura Elizabeth, Board Member of the Russian Esports Federation, Constantine Surkont, President of the South East Asia Esports Federation and Vietnam Esports Federation, Hung Do Viet, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kin Global, Vincent Chai and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Azlan Sharom.
The expo's Closing Ceremony on November 15, 2026 will also feature a high-level industry dialogue themed "Beyond Gaming: The Business of Esports", focusing on investment, commercialisation, sustainable esports organisations and international collaboration.
SAREX26 also welcomes members of the public to be part of the three-day expo, with activities and experiences designed to appeal to gamers, students, families and visitors of all ages. Beyond the competitive tournaments, visitors can explore interactive gaming zones, gaming peripherals exhibitions, technology showcases and activities that provide a closer look at the growing esports and gaming industry.
The expo is also planning approximately 10 exhibition and activation spaces involving gaming businesses, technology companies, government agencies, educational institutions and other industry stakeholders. Local food and beverage (F&B) vendors, brought to you by Kelam Carbut Belia, will also be available at the Sarawak Sports Village parking area, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy food and refreshments while experiencing the expo.
In the lead-up to SAREX26, SESA collaborated with Tencent Games through the PUBG MOBILE OOOHAAA Sarawak programme, which recorded 3,322 participants across Sarawak. Combined with the targeted 808 competitors at SAREX26, the initiatives represent 4,130 cumulative esports participation and engagement opportunities, reflecting the association's commitment to strengthening grassroots esports development.
SAREX26 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, and endorsed by the Malaysia Esports Federation. The event is organised by SESA, with Sarawak Sports Corporation as Venue Partner, AirBorneo as Official Airline Partner and Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) as Media Partner. The expo's Strategic Partners featured on the official event poster include PUBG MOBILE OOOHAAA Sarawak, PUBG MOBILE Jago Community, and Tencent Games.
Through SAREX26, SESA continues to create platforms for young Sarawakians to compete, connect, develop professional skills and explore opportunities within the growing esports and digital creative economy. Members of the public, gamers, students, families and industry stakeholders are encouraged to attend SAREX26 from 13 to 15 November 2026 at Sarawak Sports Village, Kuching.
Interested in joining the tournament? Register here: https://linktr.ee/sarawakesportsassociation?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=d7e19d05-f43b-4af8-923c-f6799054f94d
