Răzvan Puiu becomes first Romanian to win EA Sports FC World Championship

Răzvan Puiu made history on Sunday evening by becoming the first Romanian to win the official EA Sports FC World Championship in Paris. This remarkable achievement adds to his impressive credentials as the reigning champion of the eSuperliga for the past two seasons.

At just 22 years old, Puiu's journey to the top included a competitive route through the Play-Ins, culminating in a thrilling final that brought together the world’s best 36 players. He began the group stage with a challenging start, finishing in 11th place after securing three victories, one draw, and two losses.

Puiu's resilience shone through as he advanced through the knockout rounds, defeating opponents from Turkey, Brazil, and Bulgaria. His semifinal victory was decisive, showcasing his skill and determination. In the final, he triumphed over Levy “levyfinn”, further solidifying his status in the competitive world of esports.

In recognition of his extraordinary achievement, Răzvan Puiu received a prize of $250,000, marking the largest award of his career. Following this victory, he climbed from 30th to 4th place in the global player rankings.

Reflecting on his win, Puiu expressed his joy, stating, 'The dream of every EAFC Pro player is to become a world champion, and I have managed to fulfill my greatest dream. Nothing is impossible; through hard work and desire, anything can be achieved.'

The competition, with a total prize pool of $1.5 million, is regarded as the most significant individual event in virtual football, underlining the growing prominence of esports on the global stage. As Romania continues to make its mark in this arena, the call for official recognition of esports as a legitimate sport remains strong, with ongoing efforts in Parliament aimed at supporting this vibrant community.