KUALA LUMPUR: When Ilman Zareef "Gojes" Zulkifli was selected to represent Malaysia's Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team at the World Esports Championships (WEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, many questioned the decision.
However, the 21-year-old silenced his critics by contributing to Malaysia's historic 2-0 victory over the Philippines in the WEC final, earning the country's first esports world title.
Despite being benched for most of the Selangor Red Giants' (SRG) matches during this year's MLBB Professional League Malaysia (MPLMY) opening and closing splits — and even during SRG's groundbreaking Mid Season Cup win in July — Ilman has been part of the national team setup since the qualifiers in June.
Unfazed by skepticism over his selection, the EXP laner said he remains focused on his goals.
"I don't do this for them. I do what I do for my country and my family," Ilman said in an audio recording provided by SRG.
Ilman revealed that his parents had flown to Riyadh to support him during the final on Friday.
"Having my parents at the final was a huge boost. However, what I truly asked from them was their prayers — especially my mother's" he added.
Ilman is now shifting his attention to the M6 World Championships with SRG, though there's speculation he may return to the bench for the back-to-back league champions.