AirAsia has agreed to become a special sponsor and exclusive airline partner of Mineski Pro Team, one of the top Dota 2 sides in Southeast Asia.

The one-year sponsorship, marking the Malaysian budget airline giant's first foray into esports, was announced on Friday at the Genting International Convention Centre (GICC), Resorts World Genting, on the sidelines of ESL One Genting 2018.

"As a truly Asean airline, AirAsia is committed to supporting the region's top talent and, as a digital airline, we are thrilled to be able to do just that with esports champions Mineski Pro Team," said
Spencer Lee, commercial head of AirAsia Malaysia.

"This sponsorship also reaffirms our commitment to engagement with millennials and Generation Z, who epitomise the incredible potential that defines Asean."

Mineski captain Chai "Mushi" Yee Fung also expressed his excitement for the newly formed partnership.

"As a long-time AirAsia user, I'm excited that we will be representing AirAsia in esports. Hopefully it is the start of many great things to come," he said.

​Besides Mushi, the team's current line-up consists of Malaysian Kam "NaNa" Boon Seng, Singaporean Daryl Koh "iceiceice" Pei Xiang, Thai Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong and Filipino Michael “ninjaboogie” Ross Jr.