Hashtag Honey Badger · @HTU_HoneyBadger
8th Aug 2019 from TwitLonger
Released by Hashtag
Hashtag have decided not to renew my contract for FIFA 20. I will be released by the organisation once my contract is up in September. My current plans are to move home to NZ, unless something arises quickly as my preference would be to stay if financially viable for myself and my girlfriend.
Moving to England was a massive risk that hasn’t really paid off. I feel this year has been full of ups and downs. Although qualifying for an LQE, eNations and reaching a final of a country cup wasn’t enough to achieve playoffs, my performances have showed I can still reach major tournaments.
This year has been riddled with unlucky moments for myself. Moving across the world was challenging to say the least. I booked my flights to Europe before the change of qualification was announced. This would have had a major impact on my decision to move and impacted Hashtag’s strategy too. They brought me over not only to compete alongside my team-mates in the HQ, but to part of their content and involved in the real-life football side of the club. However, as EA doesn’t announce the structure till late on, we had to gamble on this being an option which it would have been on the previous year’s competitive set-up. The new schedule meant it was very hard for me to be involved in the content side for Hashtag which was disappointing for us both. EU West PS turned out to be the toughest region. 10 rounds of Swiss and weekend league really limited the time on weekends to spend with my girlfriend.
Upon first moving, my apartment wasn’t ready, even though all the money for the deposit etc was paid. We ended up having to stay at Wes’ apartment for a month before finding a place for ourselves. I greatly appreciated this. However, this wasn’t the most comfortable situation for myself and my girlfriend. The added stress of looking for an apartment and finding a job for my girlfriend really effected my performance in the early stages.
I was consistently reaching the knockouts and qualification games throughout the first 2/3 months, but struggled to get over the final hurdle. I lost 4 qualification games throughout the year and ultimately cost me playoffs and potentially worlds (depending on performance). One of my biggest setbacks this seasons was the ePremier league. I lost in the final. The tournament was the first ePrem qualifier and was run poorly. However, most importantly, the tournament was held only a few days after the first time finesse meta was patched. I really struggled to adapt in the short timeframe. ePremier League was a tournament I really wanted to be a part of, and it took a mental toll on me.
I was playing 10-12 hours a day (watching gameplay, practicing and discussing with others), but not seeing improvements in my performance. I truly embraced the grind.
Although being released by Hashtag wasn’t what I wanted I feel that I’ve given it everything; moving across the world, attending Hashtag games, playing Sunday league where possible and being at the HQ day in day out exemplified my commitment to the club. Being with Hashtag involves a lot more than just FIFA. In the harsh world of professional sport ultimately it’s results that count and, although I’ve been to the last qualification game on a number of occasions, those final points remained elusive.
The most frustrating part about being released was the timing. After the final country cup, my situation for not qualifying for playoffs didn’t change. I was asking to find out about next year for a couple of months, but I only got my answer recently. I now understand that Hashtag had to wait to see how their other players performed at playoffs and speak to them ahead of the next season but the short notice makes it tricky planning the next stage of our lives. Something we are going through now.
Sorry if this dragged on, but felt some people might be interested in the life of a professional gamer and how harsh the scene can be. Luckily, I have my university degrees to utilise. I know I have the ability, personality and talent to succeed as a professional FIFA player. Only 12 months ago, I finished 5th in the world and I know I can replicate this in FIFA 20. I’m ready to prove people wrong and achieve big things in 20. I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me and it did changed our lives. Massive thank you for all the support this year from everyone, it’s truly been an epic ride.
#EmbraceTheGrind #BadgerBack #More2Come