Lasse ‘Kongen’ Bækkelund became Team Liquid’s first FIFA professional last month.
With the current growth of FIFA’s esports scene and the forthcoming 2018 edition of the EA title, we caught up with Kongen ahead of the FIWC finals. Find out his tip to win below.
Esports Insider: Lasse so congratulations on becoming Liquid’s first FIFA player – what do you think the involvement in the scene by an organization like this says about FIFA’s esports potential?
Kongen: The competitive FIFA landscape, until now, has been dominated by players backed by traditional soccer teams. Team Liquid is one of the first global esports franchises to enter this realm and I’m super excited to help make its mark in the space.
Esports Insider: EA and FIFA announced major plans at E3 to expand the game’s esports presence with the 2018 edition of the title. Thoughts on the details of the announcement?
Kongen: I‘m very excited by FIFA 18! FIFA just keeps getting bigger, and I’m so happy to be a part of it, and proud to have the right team with me!
“I think Wolfsburg might be the club that leads the way because they were first movers and they have a great team”
I really like that EA has added icons (legends) for PS4 – previously they were only available on XBOX and this provides us Playstation players a more equal playing field. EA has done a really good job of building a community around the competitive aspects of FIFA so I’m very excited to see what additions they make in the 2018 edition.
Esports Insider: Bad luck on the FIWC qualification this time around – who is your pick to win in London this year?
Kongen: Since the ESWC in October and the Paris regionals, I have been saying that TimoX will win it!
“It excites me that there is a possibility that there might somehow be a Champions League one day”
But at this level with 32 of the best players in the world, everyone has earned their spot and if they play their best, they all have a chance to win.
Esports Insider: When it comes to the various league and tournament formats, for example there is the E-Divisie in which games are organised to shadow the Eredivisie’s fixture schedule, which do you think works best for FIFA?
Kongen: I think the leagues are a good thing for the growth and mainstream appeal of the sport, and it excites me that there is a possibility that there might somehow be a Champions League one day. It all looks very promising and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Esports Insider: Which football clubs do you think are leading the way in esports right now?
Kongen: I think Wolfsburg might be the club that leads the way because they were first movers and they have a great team. PSG also has a lineup with a lot of talent and a really good work ethic. I think those are the two clubs that are excelling at FIFA esports.