As a public figure for aspiring FIFA esports pro players, Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi has always been candid about the hard work that it takes to make it in the industry.
South Africa (26 May 2022) – “Yvng Savage the number one” is how fired-up Red Bull esports athlete and FIFA pro player Thabo Moloi describes himself.
Known for his skill on the digital football field, Moloi has had his fair share of experiences over the past two years that have offered him the opportunity to gain new knowledge, insights and reaffirm his plans for the future. Now it’s time to look back on the past and take stock of the lessons learned before heading into the 2022/23 season.
As a public figure for aspiring FIFA esports pro players, Moloi has always been candid about the hard work that it takes to make it in the industry: “In my opinion, you need to have comprehensive knowledge both of and in the game, and to practise as often as you can. More specifically, making sure it is quality practice”.
And much like traditional athletes, esports athletes aim to garner enough buzz on the competitive stage to pique the interest of sponsors. Moloi reflected on the impact that partnering with a sponsor has had on his own career so far: “I definitely feel a lot more confident and mentally stronger – both in-game and in my personal life, because of my journey with Red Bull and their support”.
Moloi has made the most of every door that Red Bull has helped him open, including a recent solo trip to the Red Bull Arena in Austria, home to Red Bull Salzburg FC.
Photo Cred: Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi seen during a shoot in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 17, 2020. // Mpumelelo Macu/Red Bull Content Pool
“The thing I enjoyed most was the stadium tour and learning about the stadium culture. From the back rooms and what they do behind the scenes to even the parking lot. The whole experience throughout was just great for me. And I have a newfound confidence in travelling alone and meeting new people”.
The speed, accuracy, demand for focus, and stressful competition that esports players regularly endure means that, much like traditional athletes, their bodies need to maintain good form for optimal performance.
“The opportunity I got to spend at the APC (Athlete Performance Centre) in Austria equipped me with essential insight and knowledge about the right kind of nutrition as well as mental and physical focus and practice, and how this can and will impact my gaming career”, says Moloi.
While esports athletes can control their training and diet, other circumstances outside of their control can also offer opportunities to grow.
“Almost being forced to grow up and become an adult early on, and in a short space of time, having to take on big responsibilities due to family circumstances definitely has to be one of the hardest transitions for me,” says Moloi. “That being said, being a Red Bull player has shown me how important the right support structure and backing are and that balancing out work and professional life is very important. It takes time and effort”.
Moloi is currently gearing up for the ABSA Gaming Festival, which runs for a period of seven weeks, and will feature three online tournaments – Fortnite, Apex Legends and FIFA 22. The Fortnite Duos and FIFA 22 tournament will host four open qualifier events, one per week, whilst the Apex Legends streamer tournament will feature two qualifier events.
“Mentally, I feel good and ready for the gaming festival, especially following my previous performance of finishing first seed in the qualifier. Next up is the group stages, and my main objective is to win the tournament”, explains Moloi.
With the 2022/23 FIFA season up ahead, Moloi’s ambitions continue to burn bright: “The plan is to be the best version of myself both gaming-wise and personally. And of course, to win the FIFA eWorld Cup one day”.
Photo Cred: Redbull | Supplied
Sources: Thabo “Yvng Savage” Moloi
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