The EsportsBetting.com Invitational concluded a while back, roughly a month ago, as we recollected the statistics here: https://www.gamers.com.mt/news/775/great-statistics-out-of-the-esportsbetting-com-launch-invitational. Following the event, we decided to reconnect with one of the players, being Alexander "AlekS" Andersson from Fnatic Academy, who placed 5th to 8th at the event. The youngster, only 16 years old, has some incredibly useful tips for others.

Greetings from everyone here at Gamers.com.mt! Before we get started, why don’t you introduce yourself to our readers; tell us who are, where you come from and your affiliation to the esports industry.

I'm a 16-year-old kid from Sweden, I've played computer games all my life but I started with CSGO about 3-4 years ago. I've always been a competitor in sports like handball and football but I've never reached the top level like I have now in CSGO.

AlekS is a keen member of the Fnatic Academy; an institution dedicated to nurturing esports in youth. What else can you tell us about the Fnatic Academy and the services that it offers?

Fnatic Academy is the best thing that's happened to me in CS and life. It made EVERYTHING so much easier for me. They do set expectations but even though I'm in school they are making compromises with me to make everything work out without affecting my formal education in the day. Fnatic is helping me develop as a player and as an individual.

Let’s shine some light on your individual career. Being only 16 years old, it’s incredible to observe the dedication from such a young age. Many youngsters aspire to be in your position – what has the journey been like to get to this position?

My journey up to this point has been quite rough. People don't realize that when you want to become really good at something you have to offer a lot of time and resources. I've had to quit my pursuit of sports, miss out on social and family activities such as birthday parties just to attend events and even practice. I did this only because I wanted to become better and fulfill my dreams; I cannot say that these sacrifices were easy to make. One thing I have held onto is going to the gym, keeping myself fit in this profession, although I do occasionally miss sorts. Yet now, after I've "made it", I feel a lot better - all those sacrifices and hours have paid off.

Recently, we concluded our largest online event ever; the Esportsbetting.com Invitational. Fnatic Academy was one of the 8 teams invited. How would you describe your performance at the event? Did you satisfy your expectations?

Although going out 5-8th in a cup is always underwhelming, we're proud of the effort. Good results against AVANGAR and LDLC, which are well-trained teams that have played a lot more than us together and have much more experience, are encouraging. Playing the online cup was pretty nice honestly. For the event, we resided at the bootcamp facility in Jönköping so it was easier to prepare and get hyped up for the game. Next tournament, we'll come out with more wins almost definitely.

Of course, there were 7 other top teams involved. What are your thoughts regarding the level of competition which was present at the event?

Overall, the teams involved offered a high level of competition. I believe that in certain aspects of the game, some teams were even better than us, although we still put up a good performance. Those matches gave our team a great amount experience that will help us succeed in the future.

Placing second in their group. Fnatic Academy advanced to the bracket to play against and lose to LDLC in a tight match – LDLC going on to place 2nd overall. An unlucky placement. Still, it’s a good placing for the team; what goals does your roster have for the remainder of 2018?

The main goal for us this year is to keep on improving and becoming better as a team. Even though we're not getting the preferred results from the start, we have to keep on fighting. I really believe in my team and I think that all of us are slowly actuating our potential as we quickly progress. Perhaps placing in the top 30 on HL.TV and qualify for a minor would be our side goals.

Individually, what are your goals for the rest of 2018 following this event? What is your ultimate dream as a player?

For me as a player. I want to be on the best team in the world - I don't mind if I'm not the best in the world, but as long as I'm contributing to my team as I should, that's fine by me. I would like to thank Gamers.com.mt for giving us an opportunity to let us show ourselves to the world. Also, I want to say a reminder to other kids like me trying to become professional to stay in school. I'm representing one of the biggest organizations while attending school at the same time. I would like to thank FNATIC and all of FNATICS sponsors that are supporting me and my dreams.

Thanks for the interview. Good luck for the future!

We hope that you all enjoyed this interview, following the largest event we've ever organised. We are so excited for the next local event here at Gamers.com.mt.



AlekS's Profile:

https://www.gamers.com.mt/players/269/aleks



Fnatic Academy's Profile:

https://www.gamers.com.mt/teams/61/fnatic-academy