Team Singapore has done us proud again, this time in the field of eSports, clinching third place in the FIFA Online 3: EA Champions Cup Winter 2016 last weekend (Dec. 17 to 18).

They also walked away with prize money totalling a whopping S$84,840 (US$60,000).

The contingent, comprising of Wen Jun ‘hibidi’ Chiang, 26, Fernando ‘Amraan’ Amraan, 22 and Joseph ‘Zarate’ Yeo, 23, were crowd favourites, and had even beaten Europe at the competition that was held in Thailand.

Korea came out first and second.

Korea had two teams as they were given an additional slot for being the defending champion, allowing them to send in two teams instead of one.

This is not the first time the three individuals from Team Singapore have gamed competitively.

Amraan recently emerged as the winner of the South-east Asian Open Championships, and Yeo also clinched top spot in Fifa Online 3 Garena Campus League in 2014.

Chiang, the team leader, has two Gold medals from World Cyber Games Singapore under his belt. He has been playing FIFA competitively since 2008.

Growing Significance

If you're thinking how come a competition about FIFA Online 3, essentially a video game on football has become so recognised, you'll be surprised.

Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, West Ham United and German team Wolfsburg are all signing professional virtual football players.

This includes 18-year-old Kieran Brown, who now represents Manchester City at eSports internationally.

Earlier this month, French football club Paris St Germain, announced their own eSports division, even venturing into games not related to FIFA, such as League of Legends.

Perhaps it's about time that we recognise the efforts of our eSportsmen, and show them the support they deserve.

All images courtesy of Team Flash

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