“This win is for every Indian gamer”: MrTomboy on his 2024 Asian Esports Games triumph and the future of football simulation in India [Exclusive]

Pavan "MrTomboy" Kampelli secured the bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, earning India its first-ever international title in a football simulation game. Competing against skilled players from Laos, Syria, and Indonesia, MrTomboy showcased his prowess with a 2-1 victory in his matches.

His remarkable performance included defeating Asgard Azizi, the 2022 eFootball World Finals champion. In the semifinals, MrTomboy faced Thailand's TXRO, the eventual tournament champion, in a closely contested battle. Although he fell short against TXRO, this milestone remains a significant accomplishment for both him and the Indian esports community.

In an exclusive interview, MrTomboy shared insights into his preparation for the tournament, the strategies he employed, and the importance of this victory for his career and the growing esports scene in India.

---

MrTomboy goes into detail about his preparation, strategy, and the future of Indian esports

Q) Can you share what this victory means to you personally and for the Indian esports community?

MrTomboy: This victory is more than just a medal for me: it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of Indian esports.

Personally, it symbolizes years of hard work, countless sacrifices, and the unwavering support of my YouTube fans, my loved ones, and my country. It’s a dream come true to see India secure a place on the global esports map, and I feel immense pride in contributing to this historic achievement.

For the Indian esports community, this milestone is proof of our potential and a spark of hope for aspiring players across the nation. It shows that with dedication and belief, we can compete with the best and make our mark. This bronze medal is not just mine — it belongs to every Indian gamer who dreams of taking esports to greater heights.

---

Q) What was your preparation process like leading up to this competition? Were there any specific challenges or strategies that helped you secure the bronze?

MrTomboy: The preparation process leading up to the competition was intense and focused. It involved countless hours of practice, analyzing opponents' strategies, and fine-tuning my gameplay to adapt to different scenarios. As a content creator, balancing YouTube responsibilities with preparation was a significant challenge.

Adding to this, I faced negativity from some members of the virtual football community and even a fellow creator. They accused me of being a cheater and questioned my skills, saying I didn’t deserve to represent India.

Despite this backlash, I refused to let the hate define me. Instead, I channeled my energy into hard work and dedication. Maintaining mental composure under pressure was one of the toughest challenges, especially given the high level of competition.

My strategy was to stay consistent, adapt quickly, and focus on my strengths while staying vigilant about my opponents’ moves. Each match brought valuable lessons, and those lessons ultimately helped me secure the bronze medal and make history for India.

---

Q) Esports, especially in India, is still a growing industry. How do you think this achievement will inspire other players, and what do you hope to see next for Indian esports?

MrTomboy: Esports in India is evolving rapidly, and this achievement serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring players across the country. It proves that with dedication, passion, and the right mindset, Indian gamers can compete on the global stage and achieve greatness. I believe this milestone will inspire many young talents to pursue esports not just as a hobby but as a serious career.

I hope this success brings greater recognition and support for the esports industry in India — be it through improved infrastructure, more tournaments, or increased investment. My dream is to see India not just participate but dominate the international esports arena, creating a legacy that motivates generations to come.

---

Q) Football simulation games require a unique blend of skill and strategy. What do you think sets you apart from other players in this genre, and how did you refine your gameplay over time?

MrTomboy: Football simulation games are all about blending quick thinking with deep strategy, and I believe what sets me apart is my ability to stay calm under pressure while analyzing every move strategically.

Unlike many, I focus on not just executing the basics perfectly, but reading the game in a way that allows me to anticipate my opponent’s next move. It’s about understanding the rhythm of the game — when to attack, when to defend, and when to control the tempo.

To refine my gameplay, I constantly review my past matches, learning from both my successes and mistakes. Every game is an opportunity to evolve. I also study the gameplay of top players, picking up new tricks and strategies that I can incorporate into my own style. It’s this commitment to constant improvement, combined with a passion for the sport, that keeps me ahead in the game.

---

Q) Do you see more players representing India in the football simulation scene in the future? Do you think EA FC or eFootball can become as famous as competitive shooters like Valorant, PUBG, or Counter-Strike?

MrTomboy: Absolutely, I see a bright future for Indian players in the football simulation scene. As esports continues to grow in India, more talented gamers are emerging, and football simulation games like EA FC and eFootball offer the perfect platform for them to showcase their skills.

The level of competition is rising, and with the right support and resources, I have no doubt we will see many more Indian players representing the country on global stages.

As for whether EA FC or eFootball can reach the same level of popularity as competitive shooters like Valorant, PUBG, or Counter-Strike, I believe it’s very much possible.

Football, as a sport, already has a massive global following, and if the right investment, tournaments, and community support come together, these simulation games can certainly rival the likes of battle royales and shooters in terms of competitive scene and player base.

The potential is there — it's just a matter of time before football simulation esports in India and worldwide gets the recognition and popularity it deserves.