Mumbai based Aniruddh Joshi is the winner of the PES 2016 – Road To Milan tournament organized by e-xpress Interactive Software Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading video game distributor in association with Games The Shop. Aniruddh overcame tough opponents in the group and knockout stage, including Ritesh Mukherjee in the final. The National Finals were held in Mumbai on 18th and 19th March where 32 winners from offline tournaments across India and PESLeague.com went head-to-head to win the coveted ticket to Milan.
We got the chance to have a chat with Aniruddh, and he shared his passion for Video Games and e-Sports.
Gaming Central: It’s great to have you here with us today! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Aniruddh Joshi: I am 24, a Digital Marketer by profession. An avid Sports fan and a weekend gamer. I love travelling to various places, should it be for work or unplanned adventures with my close friends.
GC: What got you into gaming? Any early memories about the first games you played?
AJ: I was first introduced to games when I was 10. Mario, Dave were the games I enjoyed playing back then.
GC: How did you get into PES? How did you get better?
AJ: The first ever football video game I played was Pro Evolution Soccer 3 back in 2003. I prefer this particular genre because this is the sport I love. This inclined me towards playing PES and since then it became my favourite. I also, have many friends from the community with whom I spend most of my weekends dedicating to PES 2016. This led me towards becoming by far efficient in the game.
GC: What games do you usually play? Which platform do you play on?
AJ: I own a PlayStation 4 on which I enjoy playing Assassins Creed, GTA V, The last of us etc.
GC: What are your favourite games?
AJ: The Division, Call of Duty Black ops 3, Watchdogs and of course PES.
GC: What motivates you play Video Games?
AJ: Video games are a great stress busters. Video Games also drive motivation in socializing with my friends. Especially when you play with your friends or family. I love the fact that it lets one explore the novel like unrealistic stimuli which I feel is the best motivation that anyone can get.
GC: How has the competitive gaming experience in India been? What have you learnt from it?
AJ: E-sports is slowly blowing up in India. There are many organisers in India who have been organising e-sports championship leagues for games like Dota 2, CSGO, WWE 2K16, FIFA, Mortal Kombat and many others.
The response received to these tournaments in India is phenomenal. The competitions are hard-hitting as there are professional players and teams from around the country to battle it out in the most professional way. There is undeniably immense talent and competition within the country. Desire challenge and competing with others is what I have learnt from e-sports as a spectator.
GC: What are your expectations and aspirations in Milan?
AJ: I am excited albeit nervous that I will be representing our Country there. I am practising every day to ensure I don’t let down the hopes. My focus right now is only to give my best in Milan.
GC: What would you tell other aspiring gamers? Tips or advice?
AJ: Gaming is now being considered a legitimate and a lucrative form of sport and this will be the only way forward in the Gaming Industry in India. Play more but Play Competitive.
GC: How does it feel to be the pro player who is getting the opportunity to go to Milan?
AJ: The feeling is speechless. I am thankful to e-xpress Interactive Software Pvt Ltd and Konami for giving me the opportunity to pennon our nation at PES World Finals in Milan. I will make sure I do the best of the rare chance.
GC: Anything you want to add? Any shout outs?
AJ: There is a great career in e-sports if one takes it professionally. A gamer at least once needs to experience to what e-sports is like so please go ahead!
GC: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. We wish you the best for Milan.
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