Michael LaBelle
FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008 US Live Qualifier finalist.

How long have you been playing the FIFA?
I started playing FIFA games in 2004, and learned of the FIFA Interactive World Cup late during 2005 through some announcements. While reading through the description and rules I was ecstatic knowing I would have the chance to compete for such an amazing opportunity through playing a game I love.

Who is your favourite team?
I support Everton and Real Madrid but when playing competitively is varies year to year. Depending on your play style certain teams favour over others.

Why do you like playing with your favourite team?
Playing with a team you support makes the experience more entertaining as now you have full control over club decisions, management and players that you watch on TV each week.

You won the FIWC 08 live qualifiers in the US last year. How did you prepare for the tournament?
Last year was my second FIWC live qualifier (I placed second at the 2006 regional), so I changed my preparation in hopes of gaining an advantage over my competition. Two weeks prior to the regional I stopped playing online and only played local friends offline in order to get more accustomed to LAN differences. I practiced everything from free kicks to experimenting with different camera angles. The outcome of this training prepared me perfectly for the tournament.

What was it like to win the live tournament?
The win was incredible; all the hard work and dedication paid off. It was almost a feeling of relief knowing when I returned home there would be no pressure on me having to compete in the FIWC online qualifier as I was already qualified for the World Final.

Who was your hardest opponent and why?
In the event I encountered many great players, but my semi-final match against Ruben Zerecero Morales would surely decide the winner of the tourney. The game was intense with additional pressure and the magnitude of the match was known by every competitor and spectator in attendance. After beating Mr. Mexico I stayed focused and finished off my opponent in the final, leading me to becoming the North American Champ!

How have you been training for this year’s tournament?
I have played some online and offline, making sure to observe different playing styles while incorporating adjustments into my game.

Is there another FIFA gamer who you really want to compete against/avoid and why?
I have competed against nearly all the big-name players in North America whether on PC or console FIFA. I really like the pressure added when you go heads up with other well-known players in the community. That’s what competition is all about.

What was it like at the Grand Final in Berlin last year?
Last year was an ideal year for me. I travelled around the world to play FIFA! I was in Germany multiple times last year, for the FIWC Grand Final and also for another gaming tournament. Attending the final in Berlin was amazing and I feel so blessed to have been given these opportunities. Since then I joined TEAM PANDEMIC, a strong multi-gaming organization respected internationally in E-sports.

Do you have any advice for the other competitors out there taking part in the FIWC this year?
To all the players competing in FIWC: Good Luck