Alex R Nomad
For the first time ever, the Malta ePremier League was faced with a foreign invader who threatened to take over the Maltese league.
A Portuguese arrival
In January 2025 an unfamiliar face tore through the MePL Last-Chance Qualifier. Professional Portuguese player Tiago “TiagoAraujo10” Araujo, of Betclic Apogee Esports, signed up at the last moment and dominated:
- Tiago 3:0 Turbulence
- Tiago 5:0 FantiFlames
- Tiago 4*:4 Xablaa
- Tiago 7:1 Tubbi
- Tiago 10:3 ShortyyT1
- Tiago 5:2 Klawka
Why did he compete in the Maltese league?
Tiago was a former Portuguese champion, and he came to compete in Malta to find an easier path to the eChampions League, and the FC Pro World Championships, instead of going through the gruelling Portuguese league.
Whilst imported talent is quite common in other official EA Sports FC leagues, this was Malta’s first experience and would be a substantial challenge for Malta’s players.
Tiago does not live locally; he flew in shortly before each matchday and left as soon as play ended.
Tiago joins MePL and Naxxar Lions
Betclic Apogee Esports made an arrangement with local football club Naxxar Lions FC, and Tiago was soon a player of the MePL. Yet, he probably underestimated the talent that he would face in Malta.
Tiago scraped through his Group B, narrowly defeating Mosta FC’s ShortyyT1, and Sliema Wanderers’ Klawka, and drawing Gzira United’s Xablaa.
Elimination
His 2nd place in the group got him face to face with Malta’s back-to-back champion, Hamrun Spartans’ Brandsha in the first round of the playoffs. Brandsha handily defeated him 8:5, and he dropped down to the Lower Bracket for a re-match against Mosta FC’s ShortyyT1, who got his revenge, and eliminated the Portuguese player 6:3.
Tiago ended up in 7th/8th place, and a €200 prize.
Is this the future of MePL?
Is Tiago the harbinger of things to come for the MePL? Will we get more imports taking over coveted MePL slots from Maltese citizens and residents? What do you think?
