South Africa already has some absolute FIFA esports superstars and here at Soccer Laduma we want to put the spotlight on some of these players over the next few weeks. First up, we chatted to Shiaan "Shiaan1201" Rugbeer, one of the best Xbox FIFA players in South Africa.
Soccer Laduma: Hi Shiaan, thanks for chatting to Soccer Laduma in our newly launched esport section. Tell us, is there a story behind your in game alias Shiaan1201?
Shiaan Rugbeer: Well my name is Shiaan and my birthday is on the 12 January hence the 12 for the date and 01 for the month , Shiaan1201.
SL: We were hoping it was your highest goal score like "120-1", but at least now everyone can remember to wish you happy birthday each year. How long have you been playing FIFA?
SR: I have been playing FIFA for 13 years and I have been playing competitively for 4 years now.
SL: And video games in general?
SR: I have been playing video games for as long as I can remember, since the age of 7.
SL: Do you have a preferred console and if so why?
SR: My preferred console is Xbox, mainly because the PS4 controller is too small for me to hold so I end up messing up my skills and a few other things.
SL: How long have you been with your organisation? Have you been with any other organisations?
SR: I have been with Goliath Gaming for just over one year now and no previous organisations.
SL: Which has been your favourite edition of FIFA?
SR: FIFA 17 has to be the best edition of FIFA for me personally.
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SL: That was definitely one of our favourites too. What has been your favourite competitive FIFA memory or achievement?
SR: My most memorable FIFA experience was definitely winning the 2018 VS Gaming tournament where I came out victorious against 1028 people in South Africa. I won R400k and then went on to compete in Amsterdam.
SL: Wow! Not bad for a day's work. Do you ever play any other football games? Any on mobile?
SR: I do not play any other football games because none are as realistic and enjoyable as FIFA.
SL: What's the one tip or trick you have learned that really elevated your gameplay?
SR: Honestly the one trick or tip would be to go back each week and watch a game that you lost and see how you can improve and fix that mistake that was made.
SL: If someone new had to ask you for one tip to improve their gameplay from being a total noob what is the one thing you would most probably suggest they focus on?
SR: I would tell them to focus on their attack because in FIFA20 most people just sit back and defend so if your attack is good enough you should be able to beat most people
SL: Now that you have played more international opponents would you say there is a discernible South African style to our FIFA compared to other regions?
SR: I have played against many international players and the pro players here and there play very similar, it's not much of a difference. In the FIFA eNations Cup in London in 2018 I competed against Tekkz, one of the best players in the world, and gave him a good run for his money.
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SL: Who would you say is your toughest local opponent?
SR: My toughest local opponent on Xbox would be Kaylan.
SL: Have you made any friendships through FIFA that you have never met in real life?
SR: Actually yes, I've made tons of friends online through FIFA who I eventually ended up meeting in person and some I have yet to meet.
SL: If you aren't playing FIFA what other esport would you get into?
SR: I would probably play Call of Duty if I wasn't into FIFA, I usually play that during the week.
SL: Thanks, Shiaan for giving us some insights into the life of a professional FIFA esports player. We wish you all the best for your career.
SR: Thanks very much.
Let us know if there is a particular FIFA esports player you would like us to feature by commenting in the comments section below and we will make sure to chat to them.
