This week we sat down with SF9’s Cristian Valeri “SF9 Nuggzy” for a quick fire round of Q&A on his FIFA esports career to date and his Goals for the upcoming FIFA 22 season.
- How did you get into FIFA and esports? I got into FIFA because of my brother. I would watch him play all the time, then we started playing against each other every day after school. I got into esports probably because of Call of Duty though, I would watch the pros all the time and then started to play gamebattles, with my interest in esports starting to grow from there.
- What do you like to do outside of FIFA? Outside of FIFA I work a day job so that takes up a lot of my time, but when I get the chance I try to spend it with family and friends. Otherwise, I enjoy going to A-League games and following the NRL.
- Although it’s still early in your career, what’s been your highlight in competitive FIFA so far? I would say reaching 2nd in the ESL Country Cup last year.
- What is your goals for this season with SF9 and FIFA 22? My goals for this season as cliché as they are, would be to just continue improving any way possible. Getting help from the lads who have been around and know what it’s like to compete will help a lot, but other than that I would also like to make an event this year. I think I could have made a few events last season, so I am looking to build off that progress.
- What’s your thoughts on the roster we have assembled at SF9 for this season?I think the mix of players are great – bringing in someone who has so much potential [Saad] is great for us. He’s only going to get better throughout the season. Dill has been competing for a few years now and has been up there with the best every season, and Mo / Sarge and Pete are obviously some of the most experienced and accomplished in OCE.
- Which FUT player so far do you think will be used most by the Pros and why? Would definitely say Ginola, 100%. He’s the best card I’ve used this year and works well with the FGS restrictions – will be a must have.
- Favourite skill move? Easy. Would have to be the reverse elastico,always looks great when it comes off.
- Not giving too much away but what style of FIFA would you say you play? I like to control the game and take my time in attack.
- Who’s your one to watch player from the Oceania region this season? Has to be Saad. The dedication he has shown so far is unmatched by anyone else, and the effort he has put in will pay off. But other than that, I would say Naylor. In my opinion he was the best player in our region last year, so I’d expect him to have another strong season.
- Finally, what advice would you give to up and coming players who want to make a career in FIFA esports? It’s very early in my career, but already I can tell it takes a lot of dedication and mental strength. I wouldn’t expect to be good straight away, it will take time but rewatching gameplay from losses and staying positive will help you learn faster.