Mumbai Lad bags Silver in WCG Asian ChampionshipsReuben Pereira- India’s first medalist in an International e-sporting event
Mumbai August 7th 2007 – Reuben Pereira of Mumbai has etched his name in the annals of the gaming world as the first Indian to win a medal in an international e-sporting tournament. He was the silver medallist in the FIFA game finals of the WCG Asian Championships held on 5th August 2007 in Singapore. This unassuming seventeen-year-old Mumbaikar is in the 12th Std (NIOS - National Institute for Open Schooling) in Don Bosco, Borivilli. Reuben has been unbeaten in the FIFA game in India since the last TWO years and his passion for gaming has driven him to scale newer heights. His other interests range from listening to music, collecting coins & stamps other than the usual Pubbing & Clubbing. Reuben fought valiantly in a best of 3 set finals but he lost the Gold Medal to China, loosing 2-3, 4-6 straight sets. He received a Cheque for SGD 600 along with the silver medal.
His mantra for success is “Enjoy whatever you do and live life to the fullest”. Reuben’s advice to gamers is "Play hard and go Pro", Practice, as much as you can, losing is just a stepping-stone to greatness! Keep playing and never give up! Eventually you will make it as a pro gamer.”
In a telephonic conversation, when the chief mentor of gaming in India, Vishal Gondal, CEO, Indiagames Ltd., called on him in Singapore to congratulate, a delighted Reuben, was all praise for the WCG and GoD. He said, “WCG is by far the best international tournament in India compared to any other. It rocks, i think WCG grooms players in professional gamers. I think GoD can be a new place for gamers to get hundreds of free games at a nominal cost and compete for glory against other gamers on GoD. It’s a new beginning in the Indian Gaming Culture! Lets hope one day all the existing gamers join GoD, so we can compete with the best! The prizes they offer are just amazing! Laptops!!!! Didn’t even expect a small toy! but its just amazing.” “GoD is great!!!” He added candidly.
Mr. Vishal Gondal is championing the cause to make Gaming as an e-Sport rather than just a mode of entertainment. He has launched a campaign to that effect. Commenting on that, Reuben said, “E-Sports is something which is not yet gone mainstream in India. But I play online and I think e-sports is a new beginning for gamers all over the world, its a place to meet the best and compete with the best.”
Mr. Vishal Gondal – CEO, Indiagames said, “having seen the Indian gaming industry from the very genesis, it’s quite an achievement for an Indian to win a medal in an international tournament. I certainly think that it was only a mater of time that Indian gamers start to excel in international e-sports. I’m proud that it’s a Mumbai boy who won the 1st ever medal. I’ve seen Reuben play from a long time, but since the last 6 months he has evolved from an amateur to Pro. He has the aptitude and attitude to be a world class gamer. We are glad that GoD is slowly achieving another of its long term purposes - viz., a platform and a habitat for budding gamers to play, practice and WIN!!”
