‘A russian gamer is my inspiration’

CHENNAI: I always believe that whatever we do, we must do it wholeheartedly. Every time I play a game I aim for the first position. I’m never satisfied with second or third position,” says 25-year old Bari Naser Anwar.

Anwar who is popularly known as Zedisbugg in the gaming world, has been an avid gamer since childhood. Later, during his early teens he used to play games with his friends at gaming zones. However, it was difficult for him to afford going to gaming parlours every day. “I realised that my parents were supportive when my father gifted me a PC in class 10. Since then, I have been practicing extensively and there was no looking back” says Bari.

He used to maintain separate schedules for studying and gaming. Along with excelling at gaming, he was a bright student too. But after graduating, he took up gaming as a full-time vocation. He follows the management skills of Russian player Clement Ivanov, who is known as Puppey in the digital world. He says, “Puppey always forms different teams with new players. However, his team always emerges as the winner. He is one of the best captains and I aspire to be like him one day.”

He has been part of several prestigious teams including Necbreak and Beyond Infinity amongst others. After gaining a firsthand experience under Necbreak, he formed his own team Elunes in 2015. Under his leadership, team Elunes was shortlisted in top 16 of an International event Manila Major in 2016. It was the only Indian team to be selected. With team Beyond Infinity he was the part of The International TI6 tournament. Over the years, he has mastered the game — Defence of the ancients 2 and has his own team currently. His team Size 35 is planning to take part in the Taiwan Excellence Cup which will be held in October. Initially, it was difficult for him to get sponsors.

Recollecting the yesteryears of struggle he explains, “Earlier there were no sponsors. Gaming was not considered a full time profession. There was lack of skilled players also. Right now, the scenarios have changed. We are now being sponsored by one of the best gaming sponsors based in Mumbai,” adds Bari
He used to enroll himself in boot camps to sharpen his skills. For this he had to move to Bengaluru and engage himself in 16 hours of practice every day for a month. “Gaming has been my passion since childhood. I always wanted to take gaming as my profession. I live for it. So, I invest long hours in this. I firmly believe in practice makes a man perfect,” says Bari

After long hours of practice, he switches to his stress buster games like Counter Strike and Player Unknown Battle Ground. He stresses on the fact that gaming has changed his life. Gaming motivates him towards a new day. He has overcome his communication problems and has also learnt proper management skills. Besides this, he has made some really good friends. Presently, he has partnered with Twitch which hosts National and International tournaments.