Considered as one of the OG’s of the Indian gaming industry, Mohammed Owais Lakhani has won some of the most prestigious honours such as the PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019, PUBG Mobile Club Open – Spring Split: India and PUBG Mobile India Series 2019 and represented some of the biggest teams such as SoUL, Fnatic and Galaxy Racer. In this exclusive interview, he speaks about his journey in esports, representing different teams, overcoming challenges, memorable accomplishments and future goals.

Q 1) How did your journey in esports begin? Which game drew you into the industry and why?

My journey in esports began in 2018. I used to play football with my friends and after football, we would generally chill together and play mini militia. A friend recommended we try PUBG once. Initially, I was not a big fan of it, but the more I played the game with my friends, my love increased. Then I started taking it seriously with a rank push, and my journey started there.

Q 2) You have represented international organisations such as Fnatic; tell us about your experience and the valuable lessons you learnt there?

When I started, I never expected to be a part of an international Esports organisation—playing for a team as big as Fnatic was a dream come true. They provided us with the best of facilities. They played a significant role in bringing the global esports culture into India. One of the most valuable lessons I learned while being a part of Fnatic was professionalism. We learned how a structured esports organisation works, how athletes should conduct themselves, etc. 

Q 3) You have represented SoUL, Fnatic and Galaxy Racer in your career so far; what would you consider to be your best experience amongst them and why?

All three teams have played a significant role in my esports career and I am grateful to all 3 for providing me with such beautiful experiences and opportunities. I have learned some or other things from each organisation. I learned about friendship from SoUL, professionalism from Fnatic and the experience of playing internationally from Galaxy Racer.

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Q 4) What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career? How did you overcome them?

One of the significant challenges that I faced in my career was during the whole SoUL team breakup incident. It took a toll on my mental health. Fortunately, I had incredible support from my family members, who have always been with me through thick and thin. They helped me recover from that situation, and today, I am in a great place mentally. 

Q 5) You have won several accolades such as the PUBG Mobile All-Stars India 2019, PUBG Mobile Club Open – Spring Split: India and PUBG Mobile India Series 2019. Which one is the most special and memorable for you and why?

Winning these 3 tournaments undoubtedly has been a fantastic experience but the PUBG Mobile Club Open – Spring Split: India holds a special place in my heart because after winning this tournament, we were allowed to represent India in Berlin. There is no better feeling than representing India on the global stage. 
    
Q 6) Which team are you currently representing? What are some of your future goals in your esports career, and how do you plan to accomplish them?

At the moment, I am currently playing under the Team Forever banner which is a team started by me. My future goal is to bring back my A-game and compete at the highest level. I want to represent India again on the global stage. The plan for it is simple – hard work, dedication and consistency.