F2 Tekkz: "How Would I Describe My Style of Play? Unpredictable"

ISSUE004SEPT2018
F2 Tekkz
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SKILLZ
“How would I describe

my style of play?
Unpredictable”
LETTER
FROM THE
2 Esports World Football

EDITOR
Publisher
Justin Lawson
[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)203 750 6028
Twitter: @esportsWorldFC
Editor
Chris Lafferty
The eWorld Cup that recently took place at the O2 was a glimpse [email protected]
into how far FIFA and esports has come. It was well organised, slick Tel: +44 (0)203 750 6024
and as an event it really set a benchmark. While the FIFA 18 season
may be over, there is still plenty happening in the world of FIFA.
Twitter: @esportsWorldFC1
eMLS recently held the eMLS All-Star Challenge as a leading Designer

event to the traditional MLS All-Star Game, and we talked to Steven Lafferty
James Ruth of eMLS and a number of its stars including: Thiago
[email protected]
and Alan Avi.
Tel: +44 (0)7843 811 240
In addition to eMLS, this issue of Esports World Football has a Twitter: @esportsWorldFC2
number of FIFA stars including two players from the NFG roster.
We also talk to our cover star F2 Tekkz about what it’s like to go www.esportsworldfootball.com
from school kid to wonderkid.
www.esportsworldfootball.com 3
16 NFG
Chiang ‘Hibidi’ Wen Jun and NFG’Martin AKA
Remi speak Fuchs and FIFA
COVER STORY
8 F2 Tekkz
Esports World Football chat to the wonderkid F2 Tekkz
NEWS
6 News round-up
Get all the latest news from the world of FIFA
INTERVIEWS
12 The Coach
One of the leading analysts in the game Thomas Temperli aka
Coach Janthana
20 Ajax eSports
Bart Van Essen discusses the eDivisie
22 Aristote
AZ Alkmaar esports player tells us what it is like to be a pro FIFA player
24 eMLS
We talk to Senior Director of Properties and Events for Major League
Soccer, James Ruth, eMLS players: Alan Avi and Thiago and YouTube
content creator Stephen Keel about eMLS
38 OnSight Gaming
OnSight Gaming talk about there move INTO FIFA 19
40 FIFA 19 Competition
Get your chance to win a copy
42 VPG
Newly formed Italian VPG team talk FIFA
44 VFL
Bury ready to start a new chapter
Wolves sign first esporter
Torin Page, better known as “TheTurin27” has signed for Premier League Torin said: “Trusting Bundled was such a wise descision as they have
club Wolves to compete in FIFA 19 on the PlayStation 4. The Englishman matched my passion to become a world champion.”
is one of the best British players and the move was made possible by his
agency and Wolves Official partner, Team Bundled. Wolves now become the third club in the Premier League to have
an esporter representing them, with the other two clubs being
Torin managed to qualify for his first event of the FIFA 18 season in Manchester City and West Ham United.
Barcelona after narrowly missing out of FIWC regional qualification in
FIFA 17. Torin came T32 in Barcelona. He then didn’t try to qualify for Turin’s main motto is “We don’t lose we learn” and it is clear to
Manchester, the second event, as he had to complete his University see that following this motto has got him very far and made him
degree which he has now finished, leaving him able to take this arguably the best English player on the PS4
opportunity as Wolves official esporter. console currently.
Torin also managed to qualify for ESWC in Paris via online qualifiers. Torin is one of the most frustrating players in the world to play
He did exceptionally well in this event beating top players such as the against because he has mastered a very slow and patient
German pro M4RV from Bayern Leverkusen but eventually lost out to possession based style of play. He plays 4-2-3-1 and always waits for
the winner Hashtag Agge. the correct opening and barely forces and chances.
EA SPORTS FIFA 18
setting records
EA SPORTS FIFA 18 has reached a milestone of over 24 Million all-new gameplay innovations, over 600 licensed teams, and many
copies sold worldwide, and over 260 million copies sold across of the biggest leagues in football however so far the gaming
the FIFA franchise to date, making it the world’s favourite community has not been too positive on the beta version.
sports game.
One of the leading players in the world and probably the most
“For millions of players around the world the FIFA franchise has outspoken Kurt Fenech commented: “Bottom line is no relevant
become more than just a game - it’s as big a part of their football pro got asked to give feedback about 19. Heck the yes men even
DNA as the teams they love,” said Aaron McHardy, executive managed to fuck up the one thing they’re good at: opening packs.
producer for EA SPORTS FIFA. “It has been incredible seeing the The pack animation is dreadful”
passion from our fans at Gamescom, as thousands of players got
their hands on FIFA 19 featuring the UEFA Champions League, Although there have been so many top gamers commenting
with hundreds of thousands more seeing the next chapter of the legendary streamer Bateson87 adds “Imo EA shouldnt
Alex Hunter’s journey. Football is a sport that can unite the have released the beta. I think its done more harm than good
world through play, and whether it be through console, mobile, just because people have judged that the full game will be like
competitive gaming or regional experiences like FIFA Online 4 that (gameplay)”
in Asia, we are excited to find more and more ways to connect
players to the world’s game.” FIFA 19 will be available worldwide September 28th although
some versions are dropping earlier such as Origin Access
EA SPORTS claim FIFA 19 will give players the most authentic Premier members on PC who will be able to play the full game on
football gaming experience with the UEFA Champions League, September 20th.
Fnatic Brazil take
upgrade Manchester City Cup crown
One of the leading FIFA esports teams, Roma Fnatic, have Manchester City hosted their own esports cup on the PS4 console.
promoted their team analyst Enzo Serre aka Roma_Ozen to It was an international cup and to get their you had to win a qualifier
head coach. from your region. The tournament was a LAN event held in the Etihad
stadium the home of the club.
The team have had a fantastic season on FIFA 18 with them
winning the Gfinity Elite Series and seeing Damian Augustyniak The tournament had 16 players in total and the two emerging
get through to the FIFA eWorld Cup Finals in London at favourites were Ali Riza Aygun and Jimmy Donkers who both represent
the O2. the Dutch national team. Jimmy plays for Feyenoord and Aygun plays
for PSV. The two favourites met in the qualification system online
Announcing his promotion Serre said: “After a great season as where Jimmy won all 3 affairs between the two but Ali went on to
an analyst, it’s with huge pleasure that I can announce I signed qualify one day later. However the tables turned as the pair met in the
a new contract with @RomaFnatic @Fnatic as Head Coach. I’m semi finals of the Manchester City event and Ali dispatched Jimmy
ready for this new challenge and determined to make this FIFA19 and moved on to the final vs Brazilian player Allan Castello.
season a very successful one! #AlwaysFnatic #DajeRoma.”
In the final, Allan Costello came victorious in a thrilling encounter
Roma Fnatic team manager Colin ‘CoJo’ Johnson shared a in which he won after extra time. This meant that he had pleasure
message from when Serre reached out looking for a role as of walking on to the pitch and having an interview liven front of the
an analyst with the team and added “For a lot of people who stadiums crowd at half time of the Manchester City vs Newcastle
ask me, how do I get involved in FIFA esports?, I would like to United match.
show you this. Sometimes you just have to take your shot. And
misspell the role that you are applying for @Roma_Ozen [Enzo In this tournament every competitor had
Serre] 10 months ago this happened - now he is our head coach. to use the Manchester City squad. This
Def earned it!” meant that all of the matches were very
close encounters and most players had
Esports World Football wishes him every success in his new role. near identical line ups.
F2TEKKZ
F2 TEKKZ
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE
SKILLZ
“
I’ve followed the F2 for years so I
couldn’t believe it when I saw their

W hat a year it has been for Donovan ‘F2Tekkz’ Hunt on
FIFA 18. Very little was known about the youngster as he made his
way to Barcalona for the FUT Champions Cup back in February.
tweet about going into esports and

“
wanting to sign me
It was something that ended up working in his favour. Spending
the majortity of the tournament under most people’s radars, he
beat a number of top profesionals, as he made his way to the final
where he beat Nicholas999, earning him the FUT Champions Cup,
$16,000 in prize money.
Shortly after his FUT Champions Cup sucsess, he signed with

YouTube sensations F2 Freestylers.
What was it like going from an unknown to
anesports celebrity?
Going from an unknown to an esports celebrity was good because

it’s nice to have your very own supporters and followers, but there is
a negative side because now I obviously have a target on my back.
As an unknown when you went to

Barcelona, what were your own
expectations for that competition?
I didn’t really know what to expect because I had never been to

a LAN event before but was hoping that I did well enough to get
noticed and start my career in esports.
My intention was always to go and win because there is no point of

going if you don’t believe you can win.
Following your success would you say

people now see you as a player to beat? Have you noticed much of a change from one
edition to the next in FIFA?
Yes I do see myself as a player to beat because after the tournament
I was seen as one of the best players by the other competitors and Yes every year different features are added so the gameplay changes
everyone wants to beat the best. all the time.
How did it feel to compete against and beat What made you sign with the F2?
some of the best esport players in Barcelona?
I’ve followed the F2 for years so I couldn’t believe it when I saw
It was good because although I had played most of them online and their tweet about going into esports and wanting to sign me.
knew I was good enough, I didn’t know how I would play at an event Although F2 didn’t already have an esports team I was confident
with an audience watching. they would make a good name for themselves in esports and I
wanted to be part of that journey with them. I think signing with
What do you do to prepare for a major the F2 will lead to good opportunities with both FIFA and Social
tournament? Media. They are also mates with Steven Gerrard.
To prepare for a major tournament I will practice by playing a lot of What are your actual wfootballing skills like,
other pro players in the weeks before. any good?
I also have to sort my sleeping pattern out because I play FIFA with I’m good with the ball but my work rate off the ball isn’t the greatest.
players from other countries on different time zones so I often stop
up late playing. Have Billy and Jezza taught you any free styling skills?
How would you describe your style of play? They’ve taught me a few easy ones but I don’t have any really good
ones in the locker, yet.
Unpredictable
You were learning to be a football coach is
FIFA 19 is out soon how long does it take you to master that something that you are still pursuing?
the latest edition and its tweaks?
Football coaching is definitely something I would still like to do in
That’s the fun of FIFA no one can say they have mastered FIFA the future. I am just finishing my first year coaching at college and
because you can always get better intend to carry on with this next year too. EWF
The coach
One of the leading analysts in the game, Thomas
Temperli aka Coach Janthana shares his thoughts
on coaching, tournaments and FIFA 19
How did you get into esports? worked more intensively with Kai “Deto” Wollin. I’ve known him for
over 10 years now, as we used to play together in a team.
It all started in 2004, when the competitive scene was still on the
computer. Like many other e-athletes, I looked for the challenge on What are the main roles the agency plays?
the internet and from then on, the scene cast a spell over me. I’ve
been here for a good 14 years now and I’m looking forward to many We as an agency, especially our general manager - Sport, Joshua
more. Begehr, take care of the marketing and team search for our contract
players. We also help players with private matters, financial matters
We understand you are quite good at FIFA, and are always available to the parents of the players. We’re actually
do you still play? doing the same work as a player agency in real football.
As a coach, I’m not quite as active as the players themselves. Every What do you look for when signing players
time they release a new version, I play as much as the pros do. As to the agency?
soon as I know the new mechanisms in the game and know the new
features and tactics, I can reduce the active play to the minimum and Of course, a potential player for our agency must bring the necessary
focus mainly on the coaching tasks. talent and understanding of the game. These two things are very difficult
or even impossible to teach. For comparison, game intelligence cannot
Your current role is as head coach & analyst be practiced in real football. Either you have it or you don’t.
with eSportsReputation, which gamers do
you currently look after? The whole in-game skills do not have to be perfect, you can
improve them with targeted coaching. However, the personality
As head coach of eSportsReputation I keep an eye on the and environment of a player is additionally very important to us.
development of all our contract players. Of course, the focus is more Supporting family members, for example, are a great advantage
on the young players, who have not quite made the leap to the top, because the player can engage in time without a guilty conscience
but have the talent to make it. In recent months, however, I have for esports.
THE COACH JUSTIN LAWSON
Also, the region in which the player lives could be a point, so a player have comparative values and a library of games that I can access at
may be interesting or not. Many factors are important, if the overall such events. Of course you can also find many replays on Youtube or
package is correct, then we will do anything to win the player for us. Twitch, which can be saved.
You were at the recent FIFA eWorld Cup in London, how Whats your view on what you have seen of FIFA 19?
many of the eSportsReputation coaching team were
there? Which of your players were in the finals? Of course, as a coach, I am very pleased that there are even more
opportunities in the tactical field. From the gameplay itself, I hope
Next to me, Mario Viska, as support for Tim Katnawatos, Joshua Begehr, that the luck factor is not so crucial and the game pace is not slowing
our general manager - Sport and Marc Heitzmann, head of our office. down.
Everyone had their job on site and took care of players, partners, sponsors
or was just there to network. It was a very intense day, especially for Mario But the version I played in London is still a very early version, so
and myself, who worked directly for players as coaches. I cannot say much about it yet. The most important thing are
the servers! They definitely have to be more stable, so that even
Many hours of preparation before the event were behind us and disconnects cannot be decisive over qualification or knockout.
during the Grand Finals, we were always available for the players. But
as I said, all the other members of eSportsReputation, which were
not in London, had a lot to do. For example, our social media team,
the people who have run the day-to-day business in Germany, and the
players who did not qualify for the final were always ready to help.
Did you host a boot camp before the recent FIFA eWorld
Cup, if so what do you work on?
I had the opportunity to prepare with Deto in Manchester. We had a

very tight schedule, so the boot camp had to be rather short. But we did
not spend a lot of time on the game, but focused more on gameplay
analysis. Deto had already prepared very well in Germany and played
many games, so we could focus on other things. Also a big thank you to
Will Pithers and Manchester City, who do a great job in esports.
Most of the players at the tournament had someone

in their corner, as an analyst what can you add to a
players game?
rtant thing are
The most impo
hey definitely
I prefer not to sit in the player box. My players know exactly what to
the servers! T
re stable
have to be mo
do in each situation. We’ve prepared a game plan for each situation,
so I do not think it’s necessary for me to sit directly behind the
player. Especially since I also follow the other games from outside
the box and can get important information or take notes.
Do you check other components out in advance for

your players? What are you hoping to have improved upon within
FIFA 19?
As I said before, the preparation is very important and of course the
analysis of the opponents is part of the program. Players who are on With the tactical possibilities, I am already very satisfied. I let myself
the same level and are favorites are being analyzed more intensely be surprised as every year and make the best of the version given to
than others. We do not underestimate other opponents, but of course me. I just hope that they do not release patches again too early, which
I also trust in the skills of my player. completely change the game or even worsen it.
Do you keep notes on playing styles to refer back to at a later date? Also the topic with the esports version on the offline events has to
To be honest, almost every weekend I download replays from the be solved better. You play almost two different versions of the game
top players’ Weekend League games and save them. So I always online and offline. EWF
BRØNDBY
NFG’s Singaporean gamer, Chiang

‘Hibidi’ Wen Jun and the teams US based
gamer NFG’Martin AKA Remi speak
Fuchs, FIFA and 21 year old whiskey
Describe your journey into esports? NFG’Martin: My Journey began in FIFA 17. I have always been a
competitive person in real football and on FIFA as well. With the
Hibidi: I started out when I was 16 years old at WCG Singapore, introduction of FUT champs on FIFA 17 I thought that would be a
and have been competing for 12 years now. I’m obviously one of good way to test my skills out, so I did and was hit with a reality
the oldest players in the field these days at 28, but I still feel the that it was very difficult. As time went by I grew in skill and was
best is yet to be. even invited to an eMLS tournament where I reached the semi-final.
How did you get selected to be part of the NFG roster? efficiently at NFG than my previous team, this means more opportunities
for us players in terms of engagements, content creation, etc.
NFG’Martin: I was introduced to them through the Mike LaBelle
who talked to Christian about me and what I did in the FIFA 18 How would you describe the current state of FIFA,?
season so I have to thank him a lot for putting in a good word for
me! and in the following week I was messaged by the NFG team NFG’Martin: I think with every FIFA installment there will be
where the talks began and now I am here a part of the team. criticisms and FIFA 18 was no exception. There were definitely
errors that were made in FIFA as far as gameplay goes and you
What are the highlights you have experienced so far as can do a simple google search or youtube search and you can see
part of NFG? Have you met the man himself? the many issues that this game had but there were also positives
to take. From my point of view they took a bigger step as far as
NFG’Martin: I have corresponded with him via email and will creating more tournaments and partnering with professional
soon link up with him and the rest of the guys at NFG. the leagues to take it to another level which is just great. But imo FIFA
highlights for now definitely gave to be the goals the entire NFG 18 was not a failure.
team have of each other we are all going to work hard everyday to
be better and that is the only thing you can as for each other at a Remi you were Top 8 in the Spring FUT Manchester Cup
team 100 percent commitment from everyone. and Top 32 in Amsterdam, whats your plan in FIFA 19?
Hibidi: Definitely, my competitive debut in China immediately after NFG’Martin: My plan is to work hard since the launch of FIFA
signing for the team. It wasn’t just about the results (5 games, 5 19 spent hours on getting used to the new mechanics and then
wins, 11 goals for, 2 against), but more of the manner at which mastering them. Some people say they are gonna work hard for a
I played, literally with no Fuchs given towards the supposed certain goal but are not willing to go that extra step to do so not
pressure I was under. only in esports but in real life sports as well taking care of your
body have a healthy lifestyle stay positive have goals for yourself
You represent a team created by a professional and have fun. Doing these things go a long way in being the
footballer, does that has advantages? If so what? ultimate FIFA player not just being on the sticks and playing the
game for a certain amount of hours. Players like Lebron James,
Hibidi: 100 percent. I’d go as far as saying that Fuchs is as much a Ronaldo, Messi they have been able to be the best for more than a
businessman as he is a footballer, and he’s really used his stature in the decade because of their work ethic on and off the field so I hope I
game over the years to his advantage. I’ve noticed things are done more can do the same.
“Have a goal
and chase it
but most of
all have fun
with it”

What’s the FIFA scene like in Asia? competitive. If skill moves are effective again, I can starting dreaming
about being world champ at the end of the season.
Hibidi: We’re split into two divisions: Console FIFA, and FIFA
Online (played on the PC, and currently using the FIFA 17 engine). How are you going to do next season? Can we hope to
see a Singaporean FIFA eWorld Cup champion?
Apparently the reasoning behind this, is that EA believes
purchasing power isn’t as strong in Asia as it is in Europe – Hibidi: I feel that if you’re a competitive player who doesn’t have
which is why they’ve pushed a game to us over here with lower the ultimate goal of being world champ, you’re honestly just
graphics requirements. wasting your time. I’ve always adapted to new versions quicker
than most of my fellow pros in Asia.
I am of the opinion that unless both divisions here are
combined, we will never see a flourishing FIFA division in this Who are your go to FUT players Remi and are some
part of the world. players overpowered?
How did the FIFA Online 4 eWorld Cup go and what was NFG’Martin: SOME - A LOT of players are overpowered, however,
the standard of competition like? my go to FUT players are R9, CR7 and Neymar.
Hibidi: Asians are very strong defensively, but lack a bit of What is the secret to building a good FUT team?
creativity in the final third if I’m being completely honest. It might
have something to do with Asian culture, since we’re taught from NFG’Martin: Have players that fit the meta to win games on
young to be disciplined and to not take unnecessary risks. In FIFA FIFA, pacey players around the pitch, players with high stats and
19 I’ll be focusing fully on the FUT division, so I expect a lot more great finishing.
pressure being put on me by my opponents.
Make sure you have a goal in mind, for example when I began
What is your view on what you have seen of FIFA 19? FUT Champs in 17, I won 25-30 games a weekend, not close to
professional level, but as the weeks and months past I was able to
Hibidi: It seems like there’s a bigger skill gap than the non- reach higher ranks because I set my goals to be higher than what I
existent one in FIFA 18, which I feel was the absolute worst did last week or the month before that.
version of FIFA I’ve played throughout my 12 years in competitive
FIFA. I feel everyone is looking forward to FIFA 19 because the Have a goal and chase it but most of all have fun with it. you have
trailers and early reviews so far have been positive, but more to work towards your goals nothing is given to you in life you must
importantly because 18 was such a depressing year for so work hard for whatever goal you have and must be willing to put in
many pros. the time and effort in doing so.
It’s the same thing as having a really terrible tinder date and As ‘the craziest motherfucher’ in Asia where do you come
looking forward to the next so that you can get the horrible date up with your celebrations and which one is your favourite?
out of your system.
Hibidi: If I had to choose one, I’d probably say the one where I’m
NFG’Martin: I actually have not played much of FIFA 19, so opening the safe, grabbing the money, and then making it rain.
i don’t think i can make a full assessment of it but if the new
implementations can work properly as well as fix some of the The console players I’m friends with on Twitter all love the hibidab
issues on FIFA 18 then I think we are in for a great year. This is though, so I definitely have to whip it out at the first event I attend
assuming the EA servers are up and running great. next season.
What were you hoping for within FIFA 19? You even have a trademark walk – do you practise?
NFG’Martin: I was hoping to play beautiful football and be able Hibidi: I actually don’t practise the walk or celebrations. They say
to press my opposition well and just as affective as professional the best entertainers are naturals who are always in character innit.
teams do in real life.
Where can we catch up with you and grab a beer?
Hibidi: The fans in Asia know me as someone who loves skill moves.
Obviously FIFA 18 was a terrible year for skillers because of how Hibidi: Beer? None of that weak stuff. We’re doing 21 year
the game engine was set up, so I had to find new ways to remain whiskeys when I win the first event of the season. EWF
AFC Ajax
Formed in 1900 and named after a Greek
hero, the club has all the hallmarks to be a
leader in it’s field. Bart van Essen, marketing
and head of esports at AFC Ajax discusses
the eDivisie, player loans and the global rise
of the esports phenomenen
In 2016 you launched your esports team, Vinken, Joey Calabro and on-loan Bob van
tell us about your thought process at Uden how do you select your players?
the time?
We always strive to be the best in everything we do. So the first
When we started with Ajax eSports, our first thought was to use thing is to look at a player’s performance. If the player is top-class
it as a new tool to reach the younger target audience. As time we also look at the way he connects with the audience and the
went by we started to notice that esports was a good way to story which, we as Ajax, like to tell.
engage the youngsters and started to consider it as a separate
department within Ajax. Currently, we have 4 ePlayers all playing In what is surely an esports first, how did
in competitive games. the loan deal come about and will he be
coming back?
Having won the eDivisie title two years in a
row, is it getting a little easy? AFC Ajax has a broader deal with Sagan Tosu, consulting them in
business and youth department. We saw their interest in esports
When you look at the stats, the first year was not that hard. Dani and figured we could also help them with their esports strategy and
won all his games and became an undefeated champion. But the loan out a player. To answer your question whether Bob is coming
second year was a lot tougher. Dani ended up being 5th in the PS4 back or not; it all depends on his performance at Sagan Tosu.
championship and won the XBOX competition after he took over
the leading position on the last matchday. How do you see esports developing?
In the Grand Final, the final between the winners of both consoles Esports is the fastest growing sector in the world, especially
PS4 and XBOX, Dani defeated our great rivals PSV. Nowadays, when you count in mobile gaming as well. We see a bright
we notice more clubs are taking esports seriously and it really future for esports. There is a big variety between the games
reflects on the quality and performance of the competition. like sports games, MOBA, FPS and Battle Royale and they
could all became more mainstream. The possibilities within
What do you like and what would you esports are infinite.
change with the eDivisie set up?
What is the strategy behind your clubs
Last year, we noticed that livestreaming the events is a big involvement with esports?
opportunity for the eDivisie to generate more views and
engagement. So we would like to see more of that in the As said, we wanted to use esports as a way to interact and
upcoming season. engage with the younger audience. Considering the involvement
of the audience and the acceptance at the older audience, esports
Can you see other leagues across Europe could be the base of great future plans of AFC Ajax.
mirroring a similar league format like
the eDivisie? Tell us about your partnership with social
media powerhouse 433?
The eDivisie was one of the first domestic leagues and it showed
very good results. This creates a good base for other leagues 433 is able to really adapt to the needs of the current audience
across Europe. If the format works and the audience likes it, I in football. They want to see inside info that they cannot see on
think it will be the standard for FIFA esports. television or on other platforms and 433 manage to deliver this
in the best way on the right channels. We noticed their platform
How does the idea of an esports and were inspired by it. In a great partnership we figured we
Champions League sound? could combine forces in order to bring better content to a broader
audience, all around the world.
At this moment there are already some competitions in FIFA
esports where only the best players are able to qualify. That What else does the future hold?
being said, I think it’s a great idea to have the top competitors
of the league competing in a Champions League format, The ultimate goal for our department and players is to become
especially when it could be a dual event in cooperation with World Champions in FIFA esports. Maybe later, as esports will
the FIFA. break record after record, we might consider setting up teams for
other games. For now we would like to spread the message of
You currently have a roster of very Ajax around the world in order to inspire the big public with our
successful gamers, Dani Hagebeuk, Lev great history, and future. EWF
AZ Alkmaar
w
Aristote Ndunu
How did you get into esports?
I play football myself and simply love everything related to the

game. That’s where it started. Then I started playing FIFA 08,
10 years ago. I first played for fun until I managed to win a local
tournament in my hometown. I soon discovered online and national
tournaments where I competed with the best players in Holland. I
joined ECV eSports and they recommended me to AZ Alkmaar who
were looking for an esports player.
You are quite the footballer, do you still play?
I’m having a break now. It is way too busy studying (for a bachelors
degree), being an esports player for a club and playing football all
at the same time. I told myself that it would be better to focus on
graduating, keep grinding with esports, and start playing football
again after I finished my schooling. I will graduate within four
months, before the end of this year.
The Dutch FIFA scene is producing some quality

gamers is this down to the eDivisie?
I agree with that. There are several FIFA players in the Dutch scene
that are playing at a top level. Dani Hagebeuk for example is
currently one of the best Xbox players in the world. The Belgium
player, recent FeWC finalist, Stefano Pinna signed for PSV and is
kind of part of the Dutch FIFA scene.
JUSTIN LAWSON
I named those two in particular but there are many more high calibre forward and keep improving as a player.
players that I didn’t mention. A lot of Dutch FIFA players have proved
themselves since the beginning of esports by qualifying for major \M4RV had a boot camp before the tournament and
tournaments, performing in the weekend league, being known you were present, what was it like?
because of their presence in the scene.
Yes I was there for four days, from Thursday to Sunday. We were with
Would you say Germany and the Netherlands are a a group consisting of some top FIFA players. Some were participat-
hot bed of talent right now? (For what reason is this?) ing at the eWorld Cup, some were not.
Maybe. Both countries deliver in esports. Especially Germany by But the main goal was training together and learning from each
dominating almost every event (having the most German players other. We also had some workshops where we learnt a lot about
participating). Also Holland delivers. They did last year and they have physical health, nutrition and more things that could improve your
done this year, on the biggest stage. performances. It was really good for Dani, Nicolas and Marv because
of their presence at the eWorld cup.
This is an interesting topic in my opinion. The esports scene is really
developing at the moment. Germany and Holland in particular are the What’s your esports career highlight so far?
countries that are really into esports.
I have had more than one highlight so far. I managed to score the
Being more specificy - in Holland there is a national league called ‘most beautiful’ goal of the 2018/2019 eDivisie season. It was the
eDivisie. There are 18 clubs involved and each club has at least one famous ‘el tornado’ skill move. I have also won the dutch KNVB
or more FIFA player. Germany is following, there are more and more eBeker (Dutch cup) twice in a row now. Next year I’ll try to win the
players with contracts at a professional football club. They also have league too haha
ESL leagues where you can compete with other top players.
What’s your view on what you have seen of FIFA 19?
People take it seriously in both countries, the level keeps rising and
people are aware of the fact that this is the future. And what you said I’m really happy about what I’ve seen. I also spoke with a developer.
is true, there are some talented players who are up and coming, that He showed me all the skill moves in the new game. It seems to be a
aren’t signed yet. game with a skill gap (finally again).
What is it like representing AZ Alkmaar? The new features such as timed finishing, dynamic custom tactics,
champions league and active touch system will make a difference in
It’s amazing to be honest. It makes me proud, it’s one of the biggest a positive way. Dynamic custom tactics will give another dimension
clubs in Holland. I get to represent this amazing club every day, and will make it a lot easier to change the style of playing.
everywhere and during every event. People recognize you, I know
a lot of players from the first team, I visit the club at least twice a What are you hoping for from FIFA 19?
week… I really like all of it.
AI defending to be less dominant in the game. People were too lazy
You were watching at the FIFA eWorld Cup in London? by using it and kind of relying on it. I hope that there will be a skill gap
Has that made you hungrier for success? again. I also hope that bugs like adding friends in FIFA Ultimate Team
will be fixed. And last but not least, the servers need to be more
I was present because of my current teammate Dani Hagebeuk, my stable and consistent.
friends from Bayer Leverkusen and former teammate Stefano Pinna.
I also know a few people who were present too. And of course, I Which tournament will you be competing in next?
had to watch the eWorld cup live. I dream of participating, let alone
winning it all, you’re right, it has made me hungrier for success but The new season of the Dutch Eredivisie has begun. That means that
I am not desperate, not at all. At least I know what I have to do to we will start with the eDivisie as soon as FIFA 19 comes out. That’s
get there in the future, I keep learning every day. We will see what the tournament I will be competing in next. After that there will be
happens next year, the most important thing is that I keep moving several opportunities to qualify for major events again. EWF
eMLS
CHRIS LAFFERTY
eMLS - Future force

James Ruth of Major League Soccer talks about bridging the gap
and building the brand with a millennial audience.
With the highest percentage of millennials in their audience current MLS players, and celebrities. The event took place on
makeup for any major U.S. sport, the MLS aims to be the ‘best Wednesday, August 1, and it was billed as the featured activation
league for gamers’. leading into the MLS All-Star Game later that evening.
To achieve this objective and connect with their fans the MLS has The eMLS developed the eMLS All-Star Challenge as an event
built a strong partnership with EA SPORTS, positioning the league leading to the traditional MLS All Star game, and James Ruth
ideally to pursue progressive strategies in gaming. These strategies told us here at Esports World Football about the eMLS All-Star
include launching the league’s new crest in FIFA 15 to featuring Challenge and the direction he wants to take eMLS.
Alex Hunter with the LA Galaxy in FIFA 18. MLS is also constantly
looking to create new fan experiences, deepen engagement and eMLS ALL-STAR CHALLENGE
drive connections to MLS through gaming. PRESENTED BY WELLS FARGO
The strategy to leverage gaming alongside traditional fan “We have a strategy to pursue core programming with competitions
engagement strategies is built on extensive research detailing like the eMLS Cup, a competitive esports event where somebody
how gaming is central to MLS fandom. Data points supporting this goes home with a trophy and potentially a place in the Global
approach include: Series Playoffs. But another big part of our strategy is crossover
events, which is an awesome opportunity to leverage the fact that
65% of avid MLS fans highlight FIFA as a major driver of their we have so many gamers in our MLS fan base.
interest in soccer (MLS Fan Panel)
We love the idea of building gaming events that serve as a pillar
MLS fans are two-times more likely to be gamers than the average to our larger traditional events. The All-Star Game presented by
North American sports fan (Simmons) Target is one of the biggest events we have each year, so we
wanted to make sure we did something around eMLS at All-Star
MLS fans say that gaming plays a definitive role in their and that’s where eMLS All-Star Challenge presented by Wells
fandom (Simmons) Fargo came from.”
MLS’ esports pillar is part of the larger gaming strategy and “At the centre of the idea was a 2 v 2 tournament that’s a little bit
showcases the League’s commitment to utilizing innovative more casual, creating the kind of atmosphere we have when we
ideas mixed with cutting-edge technology to engage fans, raise game at home […] with our friends, rather than a traditional esports
the profile of the game and reach the next generation of fans. In event. We selected 8 gamers from our eMLS clubs and then drafted
building eMLS, the League wanted to take an approach unique to in different personalities from soccer, gaming, and pop culture.
other sports entities entering the space. eMLS is an opportunity to
bring MLS to the gaming community, rather than ask the gaming We had Landon Donovan, who’s actually a legitimate gamer. He plays
community to come to MLS. Authentically engaging with the a lot and he can hold his own in FIFA. We also had Julian Gressel
League’s tech-savvy fan base through gaming is one of the many who is a currant player with Atlanta United. We also had a series of
ways MLS is delivering content to fans anywhere, at any time and gaming community members and the rapper Waka Flocka.”
on any device. This has been the driving force in the decision-
making around eMLS. “In fact, there was an interview with [Waka] a few nights before, and
he highlighted how FIFA was his entrance point into soccer. It was
A major pillar of eMLS is crossover programming, where eMLS can perfect to have him participate because that’s kind of why we are
blur the lines between physical and digital soccer by integrating doing eMLS in the first place.
eMLS into MLS programming (and vice versa). For MLS All-Star,
MLS created the eMLS All-Star Challenge presented by Wells Fargo, Gaming is a fantastic opportunity for us to get more from our
a 2 vs. 2 FIFA 18 tournament featuring eMLS players, MLS legends, [players’] personalities. You stick a microphone in front of a player
“Landon Donovan is actually a
legitimate gamer. He plays a lot and he
can hold his own in FIFA.”
and […] it’s going to be straightforward. When you create an event happening from the traditional pitch. This is about esports and
like eMLS All-Star Challenge, you really get a lot more of the gaming […], so we have to be thoughtful about the competitions
personality and that was interesting, and viewers really responded we’re producing and the viewing experiences we are creating for
well to that. We had 52,000 concurrent peak viewers on Twitch.” our audiences.
INVOLVING AMATEUR PLAYERS From our prospective we don’t know if the gaming community
is going to be so keen on seeing [a traditional regular season].
“We framed it as a community tournament. We reserved two We think they are going to be more inclined to see smaller cup
spots for amateur players to play alongside either our eMLS competitions that lead into eMLS Cup.”
players or stars like Landon Donovan. It’s a cool opportunity,
and what we did was offer preliminary competitions in the days COMPETITIVE eMLS
leading up to the challenge. We said if you show up to the MLS
Digital HQ Presented by Wells Fargo -- which we built for the “We’ll have lead in programming to [support] eMLS Cup which will
week of All-Star -- and you win a tournament, you can participate take place in early 2019. After eMLS Cup is over, that’s when EA
in the stream and the competition. is going to pick up their competitive programming, with the likes
of the Global Series Playoffs. After that point we’d pick up our
We had hundreds of people sign up, but we will keep eMLS Cup just crossover programming. We want to get to a point where we have
for eMLS players. This is our lead event and we want to make sure a pretty robust calendar.”
the best players in the region and around the world are representing
our clubs.” CHALLENGES FOR eMLS
TAKING THE eMLS FORWARD “The challenges that eMLS face are the challenges that face the
entire esports industry. Things are moving quickly, and it’s hard
“We are going to be doing more crossover events. For Heineken to create a five-year plan because no one knows what the next
Rivalry Week at the end of August we had our eMLS New York six months are going to look like. It’s a daunting thing when the
Red Bulls player, Mike LaBelle, take on our eMLS player from landscape looks so different year after year. Look at Fortnite or
NYCFC, Chris Holly, crossing over from the traditional pitch to PUBG. Nobody can guess what the next big thing is going to be […].
the digital pitch.
We’re a little protected from in that FIFA is a title that delivers every
We like the model that we’ve started with the eMLS cup and [the year, so we can be a lot more comfortable building a strategy. Case
question is] not necessarily how we tag on a regular season. We in point, we’re all excited about our upcoming FIFA 19 Launch Party
thought about that a lot […], it’s not just about replicating what’s at the end of this month.” EWF

ALAN AVI
ALAN
AVI
He’s been playing soccer from a very young
age, but after a number of serious injuries he
took to FIFA and gaming to become a pro
How did you get into Soccer? unfortunately I tore my ACL in my junior year. I went to play soccer
at my college after recovering from my second injury and then in
I started playing soccer from a very young age. I did play more my freshman year of college I retour my right ALC.
tradition American sports like basketball and baseball, but it was
my dad that got me into soccer and I just fell in love with it. I hit a FIFA 17 was out when I had my last injury and the game had
hat trick in my first game and then my dad started coaching the become more competitive. I’ve been playing FIFA forever,
squad, so ever since then I went through the recreational soccer since I was little, but that’s when it’s sparked the motivation to
phase and then I went play for FC Dallas. actually play competitively and I started ranking high when I was
recovering from the third surgery.
What happened with the soccer career?
At what point did you realise you were good and
I had to stop playing because of injuries. My first injury was when beating most of your friends?
I was playing with FC Dallas. I believe it was my sophomore year. I
went up for a volley, I’m a right footer so I planted with my left foot Every time I speak to my mates, way before I became a pro player,
and the goalkeeper took me out and I tore my ACL. I had to sit they always joked saying they knew I would be Pro and how it
out for 6 to 8 months and then after that I went back to play but doesn’t shock them. But I realised I had what it took to become

a pro in FIFA 17. I started ranking higher and I was qualifying Who would you say is your main arrival in the eMLS?
for the big EA Sports official events. I qualified for the regionals
in Vancouver Canada and I won the Manchester City Cup, and Kid M3mito from the Houston Dynamo. We are really good friends,
it made me realise just how big FIFA and EA Sports take FIFA but when it comes to the game I believe he’s my biggest rival
seriously and competitively. It’s grown and that’s when I started because of the Texas Derby and also because of our history at
my You Tube channel as well the MLS Cup. We had some very close games. I believe I was the
. closest one to actually beating him because he went undefeated.
With regards to your YouTube channel do you I drew with him and he tied me in the last minute so we have a
broadcast a lot your games or is it more just content? pretty big rivalry and the fans like to get involved through Twitter
and social media and stuff like that.
I remember my first video was a pack opening, but during the
competitive season every weekend there’s a game mode called Rivals outside of the eMLS?.
the weekend league where you have to play 40 games, high level
competitive games, so one of the type of videos I do is a recap of Honestly not at the moment. I mean there are some rivalries, don’t
that. So I show like my last 10 games and I talk over them giving get me wrong, there are some people that bump heads but me I
tips and stuff like that, so yeah my YouTube channel is pack just play. Maybe Alekander, but again he’s eMLS, but outside of the
openings game plays and stuff like that. eMLS not really
At what point did you become a pro? Who would you say is the best FIFA player?
Before I became a pro, I was competing with pro players, so I kind I believe Nicolas999 from Argentina is one of the best players; he’s
of consider myself a pro player, but I wasn’t officially, so once I been playing very well. Gorilla has been qualifying for every event
got gathered by FC Dallas and the eMLS became a thing I signed and Kurt.
and that’s when I was officially known as a pro player. It’s great
because I found that people know me, they look up to me, and say Did you watch any of the eWorld Cup?
hello when I’m at the Stadium.
I did watch some of it, but not as much as I would have liked. It
How was the recent eMLS All-Star Challenge? was great to see the live audience and all the people watching on
Twitch and social media. I just want FIFA to keep growing because
The eMLS All Star Challenge was a great experience and it was I believe professional FIFA has what it takes to get up there
great to win the whole event. The great thing about the eMLS is with other esports games like Overwatch. I just hope EA Sports
that they put on great events. It was amazing and it was just a continue to grow the competitive scene.
great honour to be a part of it.
Have you had a chance to play FIFA 19?
Landon Donovan took part, as did Waka Flocka and Julian Gressel,
who plays for Atlanta United. It was just amazing to get everyone Yes. I’ve been playing the Beta and it is actually pretty different
together and play FIFA. It’s a great game to get into especially then FIFA 18 and FIFA 17. I believe that it’s going to take a lot
when you’re playing with people in person. more time to get used to. I’ve heard a lot of pros and content
providers talking about it on You Tube saying how the shootings
different, the players moves are different, just so many aspects
Who were you teamed up with at that event? of the game have changed and I believe that it going to be a
different style of play. We will see if people rise up during FIFA
There were live qualifiers before the eMLS All Star Challenge and 19, if it fits their style of play. I personally enjoyed it. There’s
I teamed up with Adrian. He flew in all the way from California a lot of features with regards to tactics. It’s going to be a very
to Atlanta just to be a part of the amateur tournament to have a interesting year.
chance to play with all of us on stage. Yeah we were partners and
we managed to win it. The final game was played as a best of 1 What’s in store for you when FIFA 19 comes out?
and we played together, so it was 2 vs 2, basically we would be
controlling players on the squad and on the team at the same time I want to start ranking the top 100 very early, so I can get my
and we would switch between the players. The final ended 1-1 squad better and qualify for all the main events and that’s what
and it went to penalty kicks. It was a close game, we had a lot of any pro would say. That’s the main thing and I hope to do really
chances and they played more defensively and we end up winning well in eMLS Cup next year. I’d really like to win it and bring it back
on a penalty kick shootout. home for FC Dallas. EWF
STEPHEN KEEL
STEPHEN
KEEL
The former MLS star

talks about his playing
career and FIFA

How did you get into soccer? actually sent me to the back line and I played centerback for most
of my pro career.
“I started playing when I was four years-old in my backyard. I have
an older brother who is three years older than me and I would go I didn’t mind playing centerback. It took a little while getting
out with him and his friends and they were always playing soccer. used to it as any forward knows defending is not really high
I liked playing with them and I found a love for the game. I’d play on the priority list, but I think for me I was just excited to be a
on my own in the backyard at my parent’s house and that’s how it professional. I was getting paid to do something that I loved.”
all kind of started; it was love at first sight.
How did you get into FIFA?
I kept playing and eventually went to IMG Academy in Florida,
which places a heavy emphasis on athletics in addition to “I also grew up playing FIFA and other video games with my
standard schooling. We went to class in the morning and played brother and our friends. FIFA was our favorite. It was another way
soccer in the afternoon. It’s a big tennis academy as well, for my brother and I to compete. I like to think I was a little bit
Maria Sharapova and Andre Agassi are two of the impressive better than him, he would probably say different to that.”
graduates! Now that MLS Academies have grown so much in the
last 5-10 years, the best soccer players are enrolling in Academy What was your own FUT card like?
systems in their local neighborhoods rather than shipping down
to Florida, which is awesome. Real Salt Lake, LA Galaxy and the “You know what, I actually don’t know, but my family and friends
Philadelphia Union have taken the lead in MLS by incorporating got a kick out of seeing me in the game. Every now and then when
physical schools within their Academy grounds, but every team you’re playing, you have to sub yourself in. I don’t know if my stats
has dedicated partnerships with outside schools to make sure were off the charts, but just to see your face and your name and
these athletes are ready for whatever their next step is on and off number is pretty cool. When you’re growing up, you want to be in a
the pitch. video game someday, so to actually be in it, that was pretty neat.”
I played college soccer at Wake Forest University in North I hear on your FUT team you only choose
Carolina. I completed all four years, graduated from college and MLS players?
began playing professional soccer in MLS for 11 years. I was with
the Colorado Rapids for four years, the Portland Timbers for two “Yes, for my team I only choose current MLS players. You can
years, New York Red Bulls for two years and I played my final three find different types of FUT cards for MLS players – Regular
seasons with FC Dallas.” Cards, Special Cards, In-Form cards and all that –and I use
those to build my squad. I went up against a team of Legends
What teams did you follow as a youngster? and when you’re winning with your team of MLS players, it is
pretty fun.”
“I watched a lot of the English soccer teams, mainly Arsenal. I
grew up watching Thierry Henry and when I was younger, I played What did you make of the eMLS Cup?
forward and attacking midfield, so obviously Henry and [Dennis]
Bergkamp were an absolute joy to watch. When I turned pro, they “I thought it was fantastic to have it at PAX East with so many
people around. The arena was packed and you could feel the Range” also sounds neat where if you score from outside the box,
energy. It was very successful. You could see the quality of the it’s two goals. All of these sound great because people are looking
eMLS players throughout the tournament. Then Kid M3mito, from for what’s a little bit different without changing the core gameplay
the Houston Dynamo, does the impossible and goes undefeated.” FIFA and what makes it fun.”
Tell me about your YouTube channel? What do you make of eMLS and what
they’re doing as a whole?
“We have a show called Ultimate Keel on the Major League
Soccer YouTube channel. It’s all about me and my all-MLS FUT “I think what they’re doing with eMLS is fantastic. Look at the
team trying to get to get to Division 1 someday. We release a new viewership. We had over 50,000 peak concurrent viewers on
episode every Wednesday. Twitch for the eMLS All-Star Challenge presented by Wells Fargo.
So people were tuning in. On the competitive side, eMLS had six
I’m not the worst FIFA player out there, but certainly no Clubs are players qualify for the EA SPORTS Global Series Playoffs in its
calling me to be their eMLS competitor anytime soon. The show inaugural season which says a lot. eMLS is definitely moving in
is meant to be fun and relaxed, just like how if you’re playing FIFA the right direction. I am excited for what they do with FIFA 19!”
with one of your buddies, you might talk smack with the other
players while you have a bit of a laugh at yourself. I try to keep Who has the best eMLS player at
it energetic but ultimately (pun intended) I’m trying to win, but it the moment?
doesn’t always happen that way.”
“For me, it’s all about trophies. Given that Kid M3mito is the
With FIFA 19 coming what are you looking current eMLS Cup Champion, and he went undefeated on his was
forward to the most? to hoisting the trophy, I’d have to go with the Houston Dynamo.
“I am really looking forward to the new Kick-Off mode with all the With that said, Alekzandur from Sporting Kansas City was one
different House Rules. “Survival Mode” sounds fun where if of just 32 finalists to make it to the FIFA eWorld Cup out of the
you score a goal, then you lose a random player from your team. millions that entered the tournament. He was also the only gamer
There is also “No Rules” where there are no fouls/red cards! “Long from the US there! So he’s up there on the list as well.” EWF

www.berggrinhosamgmt.com [email protected]
X_THIAGO_SILVA_0
11
BEN BEN WODECKI
After huge weekend league performances, picked from

hundreds, Edgar Guerrero, Timbers FC talks eMLS, Pro
Clubs and the Mexican professional football team
When did you sign for Timbers FC and how has been Who are your go to players in your FUT team?
going so far?
This FIFA I really enjoyed using Gabriel Jesus and Raheem
I signed with them back in February, it was made official March Sterling. Their speed and agility made them almost impossible
1 and has been one of the best experiences of my life. They have to mark. Ronaldinho is my favourite player of all time, so it was
helped me with so much and have been incredibly generous, they great getting icons on PS4. Those three were my go to players
are a class organisation. all year.
What tournaments have you competed in? How well You play Club America, what league is that in?
have you done?
Club America is the Mexican professional football team,
I’ve played in a few 1v1 titles and I have endless pro club titles. I I represent them on the virtual site VPN. The league is
finished 3rd in the Man City regional qualifier and top 8 in eMLS. associated with VPN and VFO.
In Pro clubs I’ve won over 40 titles/individual accolades. My 1v1
career is just starting so I hope to accomplish more. How does the team rate?
Who would you say is the best in eMLS at present? We are the highest ranked Mexican team and the second-best
What makes them so? ranked team in NA. We’ve accumulated over 22 titles across
all competitions. We’ve been pretty successful the last 7 years,
I would have to go with Kid M3mito from the Houston Dynamo we’ve won a title every season.
or Phil B from Toronto FC, they are both so good on the offense
it’s almost impossible to stop them. They are fun to play against If you were to change FIFA what would you do?
because you always get high scoring games.
I would create smaller modes where you play 2v2, 3v3, 5v5, 7v7.
What’s your style of play? I feel that would create a mode people would love to watch on
stream and create a hype like what Fortnite currently has.
I play a quick up-tempo style of play, quick 1-2’s and high
pressure in the midfield. I keep constant pressure on to recover What are you looking forward to with FIFA 19?
the ball. I adapt my style of play to counter my opponents play
style. My first 15 minutes of the game are filled with aggressive I’m mainly looking forward to the fresh start that every new
attacks, but I also analyse my opponent and figure out how I FIFA brings. Everyone goes in with the same chances, it’s all
need to play them. about putting in the work. EWF
ONSIGHT GAMING
New Kids
on the Block
OnSight Gaming’s Sam Szemerenyi, director of content
and FIFA roster manager, discusses their upcoming move
into FIFA 19
What tournaments are you looking to enter YouTubers and streamers. I think the end goal would definitely be to
as an organisation? gain traction in the community with our esports teams, but we never
want to lose sight of our content creation roots.
Obviously our primary goal for competitive FIFA will be qualifying
for the FUT Champions tournaments, such as the ones hosted Are you investing in any other players for/
in Barcelona and Manchester this year, via the Weekend League. during FIFA19?
Those tournaments can often showcase talented new players on the
competitive scene, and it would be amazing just to even qualify for I would absolutely love to bring a couple more players onto our roster
one of those events. for FIFA 19. I’d already spoken to a couple of other players prior to
signing Ryan (HazardHeathFifa), but I think I’ll be waiting until FIFA
I am also hoping that Gfinity host more North American tournaments. 19 comes out before making any more official announcements.
The NA region is often neglected when it comes to competitive FIFA
opportunities, especially after the Gfinity Elite Series was closed to What made you bring Ryan Lewis into the
players outside Europe this year, and so I do hope that FIFA 19 will team, what are his strengths?
come with a lot more opportunities for North American FIFA players.
I brought Ryan onto the team because I have a strong connection
What are your plans for the Esports with the North American FIFA community and I wanted to sign
organisation as a whole? someone from that group of players because there is so much
untapped potential, particularly from some of the younger guys. I’d
Our plans as an esports organisation as a whole is to grow. Right heard of Ryan by his gamertag a couple of times, but my first major
now we’ve just hit 11k followers on our twitter account, but we are encounter with him was actually in a tournament hosted by another
yet to make an impact on the greater esports community. While we NA FIFA player, Nick Foyles. I was matched up against Ryan and he
are slowly making our way into the world of esports with different absolutely obliterated me, something like 10 or 11 to 1. Now, I do
teams, we are still primarily a content organization made up of consider myself better than the average FIFA player, and I have been

ADAM RYAN
known to get a few decent results against some elite/pro players, a constantly evolving process. I actually think there has to be a greater
but nothing on this scale. He was so methodical and clinical with his element of skill with recruiting when you work for a smaller team such
attack, I couldn’t do anything about it. After that game I made sure I as the team I work for because you don’t have the kind of bargaining
was watching him closely, and after seeing him go unbeaten in the power that other bigger teams have. Every top 100 FIFA player I know
Weekend League shortly after that game, I knew he’d be fantastic as dreams of being signed by a professional organization so that they
our inaugural signing. can focus on FIFA without having to worry about working other jobs to
make ends meet, but OnSight simply doesn’t have the financial means
What tips do you have for someone who is to offer someone a full-time professional contract. Because of that, we
looking to start their own organisation? can’t just see whoever is top of the global leaderboards and approach
them. We need to be able to spot talent, but more importantly we need
If you want to start your own organisation, start with something you to be able to spot potential.
love. If you read about how the godfathers of esports like Optic and
FaZe got started, you’ll see they started as COD sniping teams or Right now when I’m looking for players, I’m looking for someone who
has flown under the radar of other major teams but is still quietly and
consistently hitting those top 100 finishes and getting that tournament
experience. When FIFA 19 comes out I’ll be checking the leaderboards
Mega teams don’t and keeping an eye on anyone who shows significant potential. Right
start out like that, now the dream is to pick up a player who ends up qualifying for a
major tournament, because that kind of experience and exposure
they start with a would be absolutely priceless.
group of people who What other games do you compete in?

share a passion for Regarding other teams, we’re actually about to kickstart a recruiting
something specific. For challenge, for content creators and competitive players alike. We
currently have a Rainbow Six Siege team as well as Fortnite teams for
me, that’s FIFA PC and PS4, but we are hoping to revamp our COD team in time for
Black Ops 4 and we are open to seeing what other teams have to offer
us. Personally I’m not an expert in those other esports but we have an
awesome group of guys on our staff who are really passionate about
something like that. Mega teams don’t start out like that, they start this stuff and I cannot wait to see where we go from here.
with a group of people who share a passion for something specific.
For me, that’s FIFA. For others, it’s COD or Overwatch or something What esports organisations do you admire
like that. If you start with something you love, you’ll never feel like and would look to emulate?
you’re actually working and you’ll maximize your chances of success.
Once you start growing, then you can expand into other games and If there is one esports team I’ve absolutely idolized, it has to be
other communities, you can pick up players who are passionate Hashtag United. I’ve been watching Spencer (the founder) since he
about other games, and just like that you’ve got a fully fledged worked for Copa90 and posed as the fifa playa, I grew up watching
organization. At least, that’s our plan. his YouTube series and I remember when he announced that he
was creating Hashtag United, first as a football team and then as
How familiar are you with the scene and an esports team. I watched Hashtag Harry win the game academy
what is your scouting methods in terms of series and then I saw their marquee signing Tass win them a major
looking for players? trophy. I saw another FIFA idol of mine, Mike LaBelle, sign for them.
I’ve grown up with Hashtag and so they will always have a place in
This is OnSight’s first competitive FIFA signing, but personally I’m my heart.
incredibly familiar with the FIFA esports scene. Ever since FUT Champs
debuted in FIFA 17, competitive FIFA became a lot more accessible However, if I wanted to pick a team to emulate, I couldn’t ignore
for the average player to watch. The prize money for the world champ Roma FNATIC. Seeing how CoJo (Colin Johnson, FNATIC manager)
in 2016 was 20k, in 2017 it was 200k. 2017 was a monumental year has excelled in his FIFA scouting picks- seeing him draft Rannerz
for competitive FIFA, and the first tournament I ever watched was after Gfinity, starting him during the elite series, and eventually
the European regional final where Tass absolutely dominated the winning the whole tournament was a particularly amazing highlight-
opposition. Since then, I’ve watched every major tournament and the as well as how he’s branched out into the other Gfinity esports,
fact that I’m actively involved in this community as a roster manager it Rocket League and Street Fighter V, gives me and OnSight something
is still totally surreal to me. As for my scouting methods, it’s absolutely to strive towards. EWF
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GRINTA CALCIO
The newly formed Italian VPG team with a strong desire for
flair, passion and determination talk FIFA
Tell us about the team was formed? it’ll be a top league.
KingNesta13 and myself (PaoloMoldoni) grew tired of playing for What attracted you to Pro Clubs?
teams that didn’t REALLY care or allow themselves to get passionate
or actually invested in the team with the desiree to create something The love of football! This mode is the closest thing to realism that we
bigger! So, we decided to create that. have available. The social aspect is fantastic as well. The guys we
have recruited are all great and we will have a solid season.
Our goal is a very strict one. We have been concentrating on finding
like-minded warriors with the same passion & aspirations, players Why VPG over other league formats?
that are always looking to FIGHT for the badge & defend it! A desire
to win and to work towards success. There are various virtual leagues out there but we just feel it’s the
best fit for us at this time. One reason is it is also the biggest site
A lot of other teams settle for mediocracy and as the definition says where you can enter as “created club”.
‘a dominant class consisting of mediocre people, or a system in
which mediocrity is rewarded’. That is not for us. Has EA ignored Pro Clubs?
What does the name mean? For too long! But, this mode is, was and will kept be alive by it’s
fantastic football loving community!
Grinta: A term known in football, means: Grit, determination & fighting spirit!
Calcio: Italian for football. What would you like to see EA do for Pro Clubs?
What league are you going into? Anything & everything! Maybe a training mode that would be good to
start off with. Practicing set pieces & all around game plan would make
As we are starting this adventure in FIFA 19 we have not been placed a massive difference. The cosmetic / customization side wouldn’t hurt
in a league yet. But, with the calibre of players we have we are sure either! EWF

JUSTIN LAWSON
Grinta is a term known in football, meaning grit, determination

and fighting spirit and Calcio is Italian for football.
VFL BURY
From the Serie A to Bury
Having won the Serie A participating in the VFL league

as Fiorentina this group of gamers open up a new
chapter as VFL Bury here’s why
Who is the leader of this merry band of men? his 5’2” virtual pro with an afro running across my screen like a
blue broccoli on speed all over the pitch and we thought ‘great,
That would be me but last season; I had two lads that helped me we’ve got another donkey for trial.’ Here he is now challenging for
to run things – Crozza, the admin of the team and Webby, the co- Ballon D’or on VFL. In FIFA 13, Hilton came in for a trial as he was
manager to help me lead the boys on the pitch. We’d usually have a real-life friend of Webby’s and Hilton became the best CB on the
another lad called Hilton to help us run things as a ‘management PS3. Long story short, the four of us have known each other for
team’ but he was unavailable until the last 10 games. Having said pretty much a decade and have become good friends in real life.
that, I’m lucky to have a good number of leaders in the team that
can step up if there was ever a situation where we aren’t available I’ve been on VFL now for approximately 12 seasons now and
to play. there have been a lot of ups and downs: from getting relegated
in my first season as a manager with Paderborn, playing for
How long have most of you been playing together and Cesena in Serie B where the only good thing that came out of that
how did you end up competing in Serie A? season was meeting a lad called Sammundo who has become
a big part of our group years later; signing for Juventus in Serie
Storytime… A then getting sold to Bayern Munich before I even played a
game. Speaking of Bayern, I have much respect and appreciation
If we start at the beginning, Crozza and I go way back to FIFA 08 for R9Benny for giving me my first chance at CAM when I was
on the PS3 where we used to play Head-to-Head against each relatively unknown in the community and there I was competing
other most days. I won’t go into our H2H record though Crozza, alongside players that already had ten trophies each.
don’t worry! Let’s just say there was a few rage quits on his
end early on… When FIFA 09 was out and 5v5 Online Team Play I left Bayern as I wanted to manage my own team and play with
was introduced, that became our game mode then FIFA 10 was my friends, I was given Nottingham Forest in season 18 and we
introduced and we made a team called ‘Adrenaline Rush’ that we
used to compete on another website called FVPA back in the day. made that our home for 6 seasons, picking up a couple trophies there.
During my time here, I bought Fx l3l Pique as a gamble for 2.5m and he
In FIFA 10 or 11, we gave this guy called Webby Drei a trial with is still one of the best signings I have ever made, he beats himself up
our team. I remember going into our first game with him; seeing a lot when he makes a mistake but only because he wants to do better
JUSTIN LAWSON
and that’s what I appreciate... Until he starts blaming the game for The game against Roma, I watched it on stream and I felt the
everything then I’m ready to throw him out of a window! game was very even until EA decided to award them a penalty for
their player running into our player and we lost.
There is a season at Huddersfield when our boy, Adam WWR was
the manager as we wanted to play with our friends and we vowed The game against Spezia, we were winning 2-0; we just did not
never to discuss it again but I just want people to know, don’t let manage the game correctly and we drew the game 2-2. It was my
him be a manager again. fault as I always encouraged ruthlessness; pushing for goals and
I didn’t teach our team to manage games but this was one of the
Fast forward a few seasons later to season 30, I took games that helped us to learn massively. We played Spezia again
management of Stade Brestois in Ligue 2, recruited the players in the cup quarter-final and again it was a very tough game.
that I knew for a while now and their friends and we won the
league in the last season of FIFA 17. When FIFA 18 came out, We had a few games where we were making games difficult for
I stepped down as manager due to the friendlies option in Pro ourselves and probably too many games for my liking where we
Clubs being broken and I didn’t want to get players online just to had to come back from a couple goals down to win the game.
waste their time waiting for a game that might never happen. That game we played against Lazio, we were 2-1 down and after
we conceded the third goal, let’s just say I had some words
I signed for Manchester United when the game was fixed but with the team about our current performance. It was roughly 10
during my time there, I realised I simply don’t enjoy the game minutes of in-game time left, I scored a goal from outside the box
when I’m not playing it with my friends to have a laugh with, I did and we started to believe we could pull it back in the remaining
not feel like I was playing to my best. I spoke to Crozza, Hilton and time. In the dying seconds of the game, Webby scores the winner
Webby and they felt the same way and wanted to play our brand and you could feel just the relief in the party; you could hear how
of football; we might not win anything but at least we could try by happy and proud everyone was to get that 4-3 result.
playing attractive football.
I knew from that Lazio game that we would win the title and I
I asked the admins if any teams were available and Fiorentina came didn’t say it to the rest of the lads but I said it to the management
up so I took it and signed the players that I had been playing with team that we were definitely going to get that trophy. Even when
for a long time. I told the management team that we would need I got sent off against Torino (which meant me missing the last
three seasons to challenge for the title and in three seasons we two games of the season), I had complete faith in the team that
would be competing in the Champions League. Nobody thought we would win the league and it was only fitting that we won the
we’d have a chance at challenging for the title as the last two league by scoring a goal with the last touch of the game after
seasons we were finishing in the bottom half of the table. Well, third being 1-0 down all game against Napoli.
time’s the charm and I guess it all worked out in the end.
Who were your standout players?
In summary, some of us have played together from a few years
to over a decade, picking up new players along the way and many This trophy could not have been won without all the players, they
have stayed. each had their own role to fulfil and they all worked hard not to
let each other down. I always said the most important thing is
Which VFL league will you ply your trade in moving that we fight for each other and we give each other our maximum
forwards as VFL Bury? effort because it might be a game but that mentally applies in
real life. I couldn’t be any happier with this group of lads because
People might have wondered why I wanted to go to Bury when I’ve they did exactly that all season. I could do a whole list of players
just won the Serie A with Fiorentina and the answer is very simple. and why exactly they stood out but I think I’ve written too much
I have lived in Bury for some time and I love the place so why not already in the previous questions!
manage the place I love. It is a well-known fact on VFL that I have
always wanted to manage Bury and bring it up from the bottom to Does the team practise much together and what drills
the top and that’s what we plan to do starting from League One. do you do?
Talking about last season emerging as champions, Honestly, we don’t really do practice and we don’t play as much as
what were your toughest matches? other teams. Outside of VFL sometimes we would play in another
team and I’d ask our players to play in different positions if they
There were a lot of tough matches throughout the season but our were up for it because I felt it would be a good idea for players to
toughest was probably: learn how to position themselves in our other positions and help
“We don’t really do practice or any
drills but in terms of set pieces, I
listen to what people want”
to learn what movements are required in certain positions on the esport but for that to happen they need to do better when it comes
pitch. We had a couple sessions where we’d have Adam being the to the bugs in the game, for example, there are times the game
DJ and putting on music for us to sing along to for some good old will redirect your run for you or your pro won’t lock onto the ball
team bonding. even though he’s standing right next to it. At the start of FIFA 18,
friendlies didn’t even work so they clearly didn’t test it out properly;
We don’t really do practice or any drills but in terms of set pieces, nobody wants to watch or play a game that doesn’t work properly.
I listen to what people want to try and we test it out in games.
When it comes to our play style, if we’re not doing trial sessions or Most if not all esports titles are team based so I don’t see why Pro
VFL sessions, we’ve had sessions playing ‘hot potato’ in our box Clubs can’t be more commercial with the right support and if EA
against the other team, basically playing one-touch football in our worked more closely with VFL, things might change for the better.
box and if you give it away you come out of the box and it goes on
until there is one player left. If I feel certain players need a more There seems to be little desire to improve Pro Clubs
visual representation, sometimes I’ll cut clips from our stream to from EA, why is that?
demonstrate what I’m talking about. However, most of the time
– Webby is the one that does the overall team talk of how to play In my opinion, I don’t think there is much more that needs to be
when it comes to VFL and I analyse what people need to be doing improving with Pro Clubs. I have seen people asking for things like
better and will discuss it with them either in game or after the more customisation e.g. tattoos and more hairstyles, badges, kits
game and tell them what they need to work on for the next game. etc. but for me I just want the gameplay to be better.
What formation do you prefer and why? If they got more profit from it, maybe they’d have more desire to
improve it but they also need to invest more into it for that to happen.
I am 4-3-3 through and through because I am a big fan of Pep
Guardiola and when I first started playing pro clubs, his way is What should EA have added into FIFA 19?
how I wanted to play football. I like the 4-3-3 because it gives us
bodies in the middle of the pitch, there is more flexibility in that I wish they revamped the whole attributes system in Pro Clubs.
midfield 3 for example, we rotate our positions a lot and this helps Either let us assign our points up to a maximum overall or just
when teams come out trying to man-mark us. If our CDM pushes go back to the old days of FIFA 10 where everyone was rated 85
forward, we’ll always have another CM to sit back or if we need to and for me, that’s the true test of skill as everyone is on an equal
see out a game and be a bit more defensive, we can have one CM level. I’ve had this game for a year and I’m still not even close to
sitting deeper with the CDM. The 4-3-3 provides a lot of passing max overall.
options and the ability to play in triangles more naturally, it allows
teams to be compact centrally but still have width provided by the It would have been nice if they added the ability to re-join games
wingers that can control the opposition back line. after being disconnected as it could be a cup final and if you’ve
lost a player early on in the game then it means you’re down a
Any formation can be good with the right players and the right player the rest of the game and it can really make the difference.
manager but for me, I know what I’m doing with a 4-3-3 and it
suits how I want us to play. What can the VFL do to develop the game further?
Can Pro Clubs become more commercial? VFL have already got everything set up, I believe Pro Clubs would
have died if VFL didn’t exist. If it was up to me or I was working with
Absolutely but first they need to pay attention to the game mode EA, I’d be working closely with VFL to improve things because they
properly and listen to the community. Pro Clubs can be a serious know what should be done, they have a thriving community. EWF

Dan B Design
Graphic Designer
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ISSUE004SEPT2018

“How would I describe

2 Esports World Football

eMLS recently held the eMLS All-Star Challenge as a leading Designer

couldn’t believe it when I saw their

tweet about going into esports and

Shortly after his FUT Champions Cup sucsess, he signed with

Going from an unknown to an esports celebrity was good because

As an unknown when you went to

I didn’t really know what to expect because I had never been to

My intention was always to go and win because there is no point of

Following your success would you say

I had the opportunity to prepare with Deto in Manchester. We had a

Most of the players at the tournament had someone

Do you check other components out in advance for

NFG’s Singaporean gamer, Chiang

18 Esports World Football

I play football myself and simply love everything related to the

You are quite the footballer, do you still play?

The Dutch FIFA scene is producing some quality

eMLS - Future force

26 Esports World Football

28 Esports World Football

The former MLS star

32 Esports World Football

34 Esports World Football

After huge weekend league performances, picked from

38 Esports World Football

group of people who What other games do you compete in?

ALL SUBSCRIBERS WILL BE ENTERED

For all the latest news and exclusive interviews

42 Esports World Football

Grinta is a term known in football, meaning grit, determination

From the Serie A to Bury

Having won the Serie A participating in the VFL league

46 Esports World Football

YouTube Channel Art

Previous Clients Include... Get In Touch

Hashtag Harry Stalybridge Celtic FUTWIZ ChrisMD @danbdesign

Hashtag Boras Brandon Smith Hashtag Ryan Morgz [email protected]

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