Malaysia’s esports industry continues to make waves on the international stage as Team Vertice emerged victorious at the Samsung #PlayGalaxy Cup 2026 Southeast Asia Regional Qualifiers held on 13 June 2026. The four-member Malaysian squad overcame some of the region’s strongest PUBG Mobile teams to secure the championship title, earning the honour of representing Southeast Asia at the upcoming #PlayGalaxy Cup World Finals during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany.
The #PlayGalaxy Cup is a global tournament league designed to showcase the gaming capabilities of Samsung Galaxy devices. In collaboration with PUBG Mobile, the 2026 edition marks a significant evolution for the tournament, transforming it from a series of standalone events into a year-long global esports league that connects players and communities from around the world.
Throughout the regional qualifiers, Team Vertice demonstrated remarkable consistency, teamwork and strategic gameplay against top contenders from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. Competing on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the team delivered impressive performances in high-pressure situations, ultimately emerging as Southeast Asia’s regional champions.
With their victory, Team Vertice has secured a coveted place at the #PlayGalaxy Cup World Finals, where they will compete against regional champions from across the globe. Joining them will be Indonesia’s Team Vonzy, who finished as runners-up in the Southeast Asia qualifiers. Both teams will represent the region at Gamescom 2026, one of the world’s largest gaming and interactive entertainment events.
Leading Team Vertice was Muhammad Nur Ihsan bin Ismail, better known in the local esports community as San Gaming and a member of #TeamGalaxy. Reflecting on the team’s success, Ihsan credited the trust and chemistry shared among his teammates—Dep, ICAA and Kluq—as a key factor behind their championship run.
According to Ihsan, the team remained focused on improving after every match, regardless of the outcome. He described qualifying for the World Finals as a dream come true, particularly with the opportunity to compete in Germany while proudly representing Malaysia on the global stage.
The latest achievement adds to an already impressive year for the Malaysian esports player. Earlier in February 2026, San represented Malaysia in a global PUBG Mobile open tournament in San Francisco as part of an international #TeamGalaxy squad. The team went on to win the championship, providing him with valuable experience competing alongside elite players from around the world.
Looking ahead to Gamescom 2026, Team Vertice has already begun preparations for the biggest challenge of their careers. Ihsan revealed that the team plans to study their future opponents carefully and commit to daily training sessions in order to maximize their chances of success at the World Finals.
The team’s triumph also highlights the continued growth of esports across Southeast Asia and the increasing opportunities available to aspiring players through initiatives such as TeamGalaxy. These programs play an important role in identifying emerging talent and providing pathways for local gamers to compete on the international stage.
Commenting on the achievement, Samsung Malaysia Electronics Head of Mobile Experience, Matthew Ng, described the victory as a proud moment not only for Malaysia but for the broader gaming community across the region. He emphasized how advancements in mobile technology are enabling the next generation of esports athletes to train, compete and connect globally.
Powering the competition was the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, equipped with a custom-developed processor featuring a 39% more powerful neural processing unit (NPU) and a 19% faster central processing unit (CPU). Combined with enhanced graphics performance, advanced thermal management and improved battery efficiency, the device was designed to support the demands of competitive mobile gaming at the highest level.
As Team Vertice prepares to carry Malaysia’s hopes into the #PlayGalaxy Cup World Finals, their success serves as another testament to the country’s growing reputation as a rising force in the global esports landscape.
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