“India wasn’t an official FIFA playing nation in 2018, but Mesut Ozil and his team’s faith in me changed my career completely”: Siddh “Jenasid” Chandarana, FIFAe athlete, Indian National Team

Q. Your love for FIFA can often be traced back to your passion for football. Your social media posts have often indicated your passion for Arsenal. Could you reiterate a few instances that you will always cherish as a lover of the sport?

Jenasid: It’s the love for football that got me playing the game. My uncle was a huge Arsenal fan, and growing up, he used to tell me stories about the Invincibles. That’s how I fell in love with the club.

Siddh has been a die-hard Gunner ever since he got his first taste of football-ecstacy (Image via Jenasid | Facebook)

My first ever football game was the 2006 World Cup final, a game I will remember. Not to forget the Champions League tie against Pep’s Barca when Arshavin scored the winner, one of the best nights of my life.

Q. Being a Gunner, you must have been proud of representing Mesut Ozil’s esports team for over two years. Please tell our readers about your time at M10 Esports and how the organization’s support has impacted your performance and your life?

Jenasid: In 2018, India wasn’t particularly a FIFA playing nation, but Mesut and his team showed a lot of faith in me, and it changed my career completely. Mesut was a player I adored at Arsenal, and as a kid who loved the football club he played for, it was a dream come true.

May I introduce to you: Siddh „jenasid“ Chandarana is the next member of the @M10Esports family! 🇮🇳💪🏼🎮 @jenasidfc is one of India’s very best FIFA Athletes. Welcome to the squad!!! Team mein apka hardik swagat hai👍🏼 #M1Ö #TeamOzil pic.twitter.com/nGenrIyhaG

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 24, 2018

M10 is one of the most prominent organizations in the world of esports, and I learned a lot from my time there. It changed my personality completely.

Q. You have been on the competitive esports scene for almost three years now and have played against hundreds of professionals. Who was the most difficult opponent you have faced, and which one is the most memorable game in your entire FIFAe career?

Jenasid: I’ve faced many talented players, but my Indian teammate Charanjot “Charanjot” Singh is the most formidable opponent I’ve encountered to date. I think the Virtual Bundesliga final in Delhi will be the most memorable FIFA game.

Won the Virtual Bundesliga International Series qualifier in Delhi which means I've qualified for the Grand Finale and one step away from Representing the country in Germany! Let's get it 👊 #M10 pic.twitter.com/cUG5HKbjUE

— Siddh Chandarana (@Jenasidfc) April 11, 2019

I was trailing by two goals, I made it 2-2, and the game went to penalties. There, I was trailing by two again, but I managed to save the last two and take the game to sudden death, where I was lagging again but somehow ended up winning the final. I just can’t forget that game.

If there was ever a guy to do it from India, it was him. Absolutely unreal mentality to go on a run in the losers playing every single game on one bar. Can’t wait to see you smash it in the broadcast veere ❤️ https://t.co/sTER57b5Rc

— Siddh Chandarana (@Jenasidfc) January 24, 2021

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Q. What is your strategic approach towards each match you play in the competitive scene? Do you strategize differently for different games, or do you have your own thumb rule?

Jenasid: I usually like to stick to what I know best and play my game. I always want to control the game and make sure it’s played at my tempo. There are obviously many things you need to consider concerning your opponents, but I like to back myself and my game every time.