Gearbox Malaysia and ESM Pro Team Unite to Elevate Malaysia’s Pickleball Scene

Gearbox Malaysia and ESM Pro Team Team Up to Boost Malaysian Pickleball
Official MOU Ceremony & Launch of the GX2 Power Paddle

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — November 8, 2025 — Malaysian pickleball just got a major upgrade. Gearbox Malaysia has officially partnered with ESM Pro Team, the country’s first professional pickleball team, in a collaboration that merges cutting-edge paddle technology with the nation’s top athletes. The partnership was sealed during an MOU signing ceremony at PxP Pavilion, Damansara, marking a new chapter for the sport locally.

The GX2 Power: Gearbox’s Next-Level Paddle

Gearbox Sports, founded by racquet-sport athlete Rafael Filippini in California, is known worldwide for innovation and precision. Its signature Solid Span Technology (SST) redefined paddle performance with a carbon fiber core for better control and durability.

The latest release, the GX2 Power, pushes the limits even further. With a re-engineered SST core and reinforced edge technology, the paddle delivers more explosive power, a larger sweet spot, and unmatched control.

"The GX2 Power isn’t just an upgrade—it’s Gearbox leading the next wave of performance," says Caryn Yap, Managing Director of Gearbox Malaysia. "Debuting it with Malaysia’s top pros is a perfect match of innovation and talent."

About ESM Pro Team

Founded by former national tennis pro Faizal Othman, ESM Pro Team is Malaysia’s trailblazing professional pickleball squad. Focused on skill development, discipline, and teamwork, the team has nurtured some of the country’s brightest pickleball talent and continues to drive the sport’s growth locally and regionally.

From national tournaments to international representation, the ESM Pro Team exemplifies Malaysia’s ambition to become a competitive force in global pickleball. Partnering with Gearbox Malaysia strengthens that mission, uniting performance, integrity, and community-driven development.

Meet the Team

• Mohd Faizal Othman (@faizalomi)
• Karina Aditya (@tyakarinaaa)
• Christine Vong (@susu_sips_tea)
• Ugene Ooi (@ugene_ouj)
• Ithan Kamil (@ithankamil)
• Ifran Kamil (@ifangyoboii_pb)

They join Gearbox’s Asia-wide athlete network, including Roman Estareja, Jas Almaguer, Shaun Pickering, Xin Lim, Ivan Chang, Ritchie Lee, and Ethan Chan, forming one of Malaysia’s most dynamic pickleball lineups.

MOU Ceremony & Public Pickleball Clinic

The official partnership was celebrated at PxP Pavilion, Damansara, with Gearbox Malaysia representatives, ESM athletes, industry partners, and media in attendance. Following the MOU signing, a Public Pickleball Clinic gave fans the chance to play alongside the pros, test the new GX2 Power paddle, and experience Gearbox technology first-hand.

"This partnership isn’t just about paddles and players," says Caryn Yap. "It’s about building Malaysia’s professional pickleball future—raising the game, inspiring the community, and positioning Malaysia as a regional pickleball powerhouse."


Gearbox + ESM = Malaysia, rising as a regional pickleball powerhouse.