Another day another win: FIFA Cup 2 Champion, Kim Leong

He wears the number 7 in name and on his back; he torments defenders, harries midfielders and leaves strikers no time on the ball. His unflappable style and strong mechanics make him a formidable opponent for any FIFA gamer—and some may even argue he plays better football as Real Madrid better than the Real Madrid players themselves. His name is Tan Kim Leong, also known as kim07, or to his clan mates, kimo, and he is the recently crowned champion of Singapore’s FIFA Cup #2.

Kim Leong (middle), the FIFA CUP #2 Champion

As a 5 time Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) and FIFA winner in Singapore, as well as being a 2 time champion of FIFA in Malaysia and in India for both the PS3 and PC, Kim07 is a feared opponent in the FIFA arena. “I didn’t feel any pressure,” stated kimo very calmly despite being singled out as the player to watch by the FIFA Cup’s previous winner, Erwyn Shah, “my experience has (got me) covered for most of it, you will have to handle pressure well in order to succeed.”

Kim Leong at Nou Camp Stadium

Kim Leong, who plays under Kickers Square, a combination clan well known in Malaysia, and Domination Square, an Indian gaming team, is one who thrives under pressure and in the face of competition. “All the matches went smoothly until the semi finals when I versus my Kickers mate, amo. It was tough up till the very last min!” Related Kim, hardly fazed but incredibly delighted to have pulled through, “the final game was against Wen Jun “hibidi” of Flash—this game was especially tense because it was the 2010 WCG champion against the 2011 champion!” Kim Leong eventually came out tops after winning both sets by a margin of 3-1 and 2-1, but the champion envisions more tantalizing clashes between the two rivaling clans in the future. “I believe it’s going to be an exciting rivalry,” he adds.

Kim Leong (middle) won the WCG Singapore 2011

However, despite adding another medal to his long line of accomplishments, Kim07 is not about to let the victories get to him as he remains rooted at perfecting his game and meeting new people through the social element of competitions. “I am honored to (have) won so many awards during my 10 years in FIFA and PES; I’m also honored to have met a lot of friends in both FIFA and PES because these gamers are totally different. (However) there needs to be more competition, not only to prepare for WCG but to keep the standards up so that the best players can battle overseas.”

So what’s next for Singapore’s most decorated football egamer? Well, no prizes for guessing there, it’s the big stage next time round. “I will be trying to fight for a slot at the ESWC, the world’s biggest tournament, as well as the FIWC (FIFA Interactive World Cup). I have represented Singapore the last few years, it’s a different feeling when you’re playing on stage (in front of a live audience) while (your games are being) streamed to the world.”

Kim Leong (middle) representing for Singapore many times before

With the next installment to the FIFA series surely in the works right now, the question on everyone’s mind would be will the Singaporean front man from Kickers be participating yet again?—and the answer is, “yes, I am going to join,” Kim reassures with a broad smile. “I would like to dedicate (this win) to my former employers Fun City and Big Shot Taiwan Snack—also to my clan Kickers, because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Kim is currently in India as a special guest at the Indian Gaming Carnival.

The FIFA Cup #2 took place on the 25th of March 2012 at Tough Cookie Gaming Café, Parklane mall. For more information on the series, look up the FIFA community Facebook Fanpge. For news and updates on your favorite FIFA gamer, Kim07, bookmark his Facebook Fanpage. Alternatively, you may visit the Kickers Facebook Fanpage.