Callym Beukes said his career highlight is ‘making an honest living out of something that some individuals have ridiculed me for’.
South African Fighting Games player Callym Beukes is flying the flag high in Saudi Arabia at one of the biggest esports events in the world. Picture: @tyrone_bradley/Instagram
JOHANNESBURG – South African Fighting Games player Callym Beukes is flying the flag high in Saudi Arabia at one of the biggest esports events in the world.
The Gamers8 festival is organised by the Saudi Esports Federation, the nation’s main esports association. This is the second edition of Gamers8, with the first event taking place in 2022.
Speaking to Eyewitness News about his preparation for the TEKKEN 7 Nations Cup taking place from 6 to 9 July, Beukes said he’s not used to competing on an international stage having only competed internationally once before, earlier this year, but he plans to adapt and give the competition his best shot.
“What I have found to be frustrating about myself as a gamer is my need to seek assurance from others instead of myself. Ultimately, I have to realise that I am a part of a community in a big way despite being self-conscious when I don’t achieve the expectations I set regularly because we cannot always be on top 24/7 as human beings.”
FILE: South African Fighting Games player Callym Beukes is flying the flag high in Saudi Arabia at one of the biggest Esports events in the world. Picture: callymbeukes/Instagram_
Beukes is Team SA’s captain at the Tekken 7 Nations Cup, which will be a 3v3 showdown between teams from 16 nations. Gamers8 has gathered some of the best Tekken pros from each of these 16 nations to compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool and points for the Gamers8 Club Awards.
“The challenge that each tournament presents, as it requires an immense amount of focus and awareness to do well but there is always an aspect that you can enhance in Tekken,” said Beukes.
Tekken, which is Japanese for “Iron Fist”, focuses on hand-to-hand combat with an opponent, with the gameplay system including blocks, throws, escapes, and ground fighting. The series includes combos and special moves, with characters also able to stage break arenas.
Beukes, a competitive Tekken player for Goliath Gaming, said he took a risk becoming a gamer but feels it’s paying off.
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????GG GIVEAWAY????
Thought we were done?@Callym_Beukes along with @TweetsByProxy & @spaghetti_za are ????????HUNGRY FOR VICTORY ????????. Our local Tekken warriors are competing in Saudi Arabia ???????? in the massive @Gamers8GG Esports and Gaming Festival.⁰
If you’re hungry too???? then show… pic.twitter.com/584MHRASti‘ Goliath Gaming (@GoliathGamingZA) July 5, 2023
“I mean it was always a risk. I neglected all sports in high school starting from Grade 10 to pursue this ambition and it paid off, luckily. I have learned to keep moving ahead in life, through all the highs and lows. One should be grateful for the prospects they are given and make the most out of it.”
Gamers8 2023, is set to be the biggest esports festival ever, with a $45 million prize pool.
Their lineup of games is diverse with something at Gamers8 for almost everyone, with games ranging from CSGO, Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG to DOTA2 and Starcraft 2, Rocket League and Fortnite to Tekken 7 and Street Fighter 6.
Beukes said his career highlight is “making an honest living out of something that some individuals have ridiculed me for. Slowly that misunderstanding of esports in South Africa is starting to vanish and I couldn’t be optimistic that we are embracing the passions we all share.”
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