Next level

The Champions League final in Istanbul is just days away, but before then there is another trophy at stake. We’re in the compact ESA Espor Arena to witness the eChampions League finals, with eight players ready to do battle for the trophy and nearly €70,000 in prize money up for grabs. 

This intense, high-pressure event was about to change the life of one young gamer forever – and just to up the ante, there is footballing royalty on hand in the form of Ruud Gullit, Kaká and the actual Champions League trophy. As such, you would have expected more animosity between the players – some trash talk, maybe? A few mind games? Not a bit of it.

In fact, good friends Francesco ‘Obrun’ Pio Tagliafierro and Lucio ‘Hezers’ Vecchione even shared a drink the night before, despite knowing they were due to clash in a crucial bout. With every player appreciating how tough it was to get this far, mutual respect reigned supreme.

In true Champions League style, the event started with the players stood on stage as the iconic Champions League anthem filled the room, but then it was down to business. And if anyone was looking for an insight into how difficult the day would be, it came pretty swiftly: Emre Yilmaz’s impeccable record as the only undefeated player in the entire tournament ended in his opening match. He was well beaten by reigning world champion Umut Gültekin, a player Yilmaz had never bested in competition before.