6 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About the Malaysia Open
KUALA LUMPUR – As shuttlecocks zip across the net and the Axiata Arena comes alive for the Malaysia Open 2026, fans are enjoying far more than another stop on the BWF World Tour. What unfolds in Bukit Jalil each year is a celebration of tradition, passion, and badminton history.
Yes, the spotlight is on the US$1.45 million prize pool and crucial world ranking points. But beneath the high-speed rallies lies a legacy that very few tournaments can rival. From its roots before independence to the reign of a national icon, these are the key facts that make the Malaysia Open a true Super 1000 classic.
1. A Tournament Older Than the Country Itself
Many newer fans are surprised to learn that the Malaysia Open predates the nation of Malaysia. The tournament first took place in 1937, when it was known as the Malayan Open Championships.
To put that into perspective, it existed long before the Thomas Cup (1949) and the Uber Cup (1957). Over the decades, it has endured major global events, including a forced break during World War II (1942–1946) and the worldwide shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). Every match played in Kuala Lumpur today carries nearly 90 years of badminton heritage.
2. Lee Chong Wei’s Unbreakable Fortress
It is impossible to talk about the Malaysia Open without mentioning its greatest champion, Datuk Lee Chong Wei. His dominance at this tournament remains one of the most remarkable records in badminton history.
The Malaysian legend captured the Men’s Singles title an astonishing 12 times (2004–2006, 2008–2014, 2016, 2018). For more than a decade, the Malaysia Open felt like his personal stronghold. To highlight just how special this is: Lin Dan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, won the tournament only once (2017). Lee Chong Wei also holds the Open Era record for seven consecutive titles, achieved between 2008 and 2014.
3. The Rise to “Super 1000” Status
Although the Malaysia Open has always been prestigious, it didn’t always sit at the very top of the BWF ladder. As recently as 2018, it was classified as a Super 750 event.
That changed in 2023, when the BWF officially elevated it to Super 1000 status. The decision recognized the tournament’s long history, massive fan support, and strong commercial backing. Today, it proudly stands alongside badminton’s elite events—the All England Open, Indonesia Open, and China Open. As a Super 1000 tournament, winners earn the maximum 13,500 ranking points, and entry is limited to the world’s top 32 players or pairs, with no qualification rounds.
4. The Famous “Axiata Roar”
Just as the Indonesia Open is known for the legendary Istora atmosphere, the Malaysia Open has its own signature sound: the “Axiata Roar.” With a capacity of over 13,000 spectators, the Axiata Arena is one of the loudest venues on the tour.
Its enclosed design traps and amplifies noise, creating an intimidating wall of sound—especially when Malaysian players are on court. Many visiting athletes describe the atmosphere as both thrilling and overwhelming. For home players, the crowd can be a powerful source of energy; for opponents, it can be deeply unsettling.
5. The Pressure of Playing at Home
Ironically, winning on home soil has become increasingly challenging for Malaysians in the post–Lee Chong Wei era. Since his retirement, local champions have been few and far between, prompting talk of a possible “home ground curse.”
While success has started to return in the doubles categories, expectations remain sky-high. Malaysian fans don’t just hope for a title—they expect one. This intense pressure tests the mental strength of players like Lee Zii Jia and the nation’s top doubles pairs, turning every home match into a psychological battle as much as a physical one.
6. Prize Money That Reflects the Sport’s Growth
The Malaysia Open’s prize money tells a clear story about badminton’s rising global profile.
- 2010: US$200,000
- 2018: US$700,000
- 2026: US$1,450,000
In just 16 years, the total purse has increased by more than 600%. Strong backing from sponsors such as PETRONAS and previously Celcom has helped transform the tournament into a must-play event for the world’s top—and highest-earning—shuttlers.
As the 2026 Malaysia Open unfolds, new chapters are once again being written. Whether it’s a first-time champion lifting the trophy or a local star finally ending the drought, one thing remains certain: the Malaysia Open continues to shine as the crown jewel of Southeast Asian badminton.
