Playing for Enigma Gaming, 18 year old Sagar Kumar, a.k.a Saggy has been making a name for himself by playing BGMI and is aiming to become one of the best esports athletes in the country in the foreseeable future. In this exclusive interview, he speaks about his professional journey, proudest moments in his career, expectations from the BGMI majors, overcoming challenges and future goals.
Q 1) Please tell us about your journey as an esports athlete and what motivated you to take it up professionally?
Everyone starts from scratch and the struggle is everywhere. I started playing the game with friends for fun and I used to watch Mortal and other streamers playing scrims and different tournaments. When the 1st PMIS was organized, that was the time when I created my squad with my friends and I haven’t stopped playing since then. We were defeated in tournaments many times but never lost hope of becoming the best player in India. After my ESL finals, I was excited as it was the biggest event and it was going to be a LAN event. Unfortunately, the game was banned and we were very disheartened. When the news came that the ban was lifted two months later, I created my team and till today I am playing with the same team and hustling for trophies.
After Skyesports 3.0 and the game getting unbanned, there was a ray of hope that I can play the game professionally and that there was a future playing mobile games. That’s when I received an offer from Enigma Gaming and I said yes without thinking. This motivates me the most as well as the fact that I have created my own name in the community with my gameplay and style.
Q 2) At just 18 years of age, you’re already in the top 5 in the MVP list for highest frags. Is that your proudest achievement in your career so far? What are some of the other accomplishments that are memorable for you?
I was a bit sad that I hadn't been crowned MVP but I was in the top 5 consistently. After all, proving yourself in front of everyone is a proud moment for anyone. In the near future, my team and I will be recognised as the most dominant team in India and that will be our biggest achievement. My most memorable moment was when my father called me after seeing my interview in Bgis.
Q 3) What are your expectations from the BGMI majors taking place this year?
This year will change the scene as there are three major tournaments in a row. Enigma will surely dominate the scene and these three tournaments are when we will prove to ourselves that we are one of India’s best teams. We are planning to win all three majors but I’m confident that at least one trophy will be ours.
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Q 4) What are some of the challenges you have faced as an esports athlete? How did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge that I faced was the pressure from my family as I’m in college and by being an athlete, I have to miss my classes often to stay in the bootcamp. My family wants me to go to college and not focus on my esports career and my college also demands 75% attendance. Things are going well so far and I’m managing my education and career and I hope it will continue to do so in the future.
Q 5) What are your future short and long term goals in esports? How do you plan to achieve them?
My goal is to be the best in the future. My team and I will surely dominate the scene. We will work hard and grind everyday till we reach the top!
