BENGALURU:Anders Vejrgang is not your average FIFA 21 player, no one is when they have amassed 450 wins without losing a match in its highly popular Weekend League, but what sets him apart is the fact that he is only 14 years old.
While most fans watch their favourite clubs play on weekends, thousands tune in to Vejrgang's Twitch stream to watch him crush his opponents, occasionally humiliating them with difficult tricks that spark a frenzy in the comments section.
The unassuming Danish teenager has over half-a-million followers on the live-streaming platform and his following has continued to grow as he racks up the wins in the Weekend League which pits the best players in the world against each other.
"I started competing in the Weekend League about two-three years ago," he told Reuters. "I have won many local events, beating the top players of my country and online, I won more than 20 tournaments this season alone."
Consistency over the years is no easy task with Electronic Arts (EA) making changes in every annual iteration of the game but Vejrgang, who first started out with FIFA 13, would spend hours everyday perfecting his skills.
"At the beginning of the season I'm investing more time in order to understand and learn the game," he added. "I guess on average I do play about 25 hours per week at that time. Right now, it has reduced to about 15 hours per week.
"People do have a wrong feeling of how much time is needed to become a top player. It's not about the amount of hours you play, it's about how to spend them right."
Any other kid would be grounded if they spent hours on end on their consoles but Vejrgang says his family is supportive and understands he could make a career in gaming.
"They do understand my talent and the potential of esports," he says.
"During the last few months my region has been in a (COVID-19) lockdown. Even now I'm still having online classes, which grants me a lot of flexibility."
His skills earned him a spot in the RBLZ Gaming team, RB Leipzig's esports team, but even though he and his family believe he is old enough to compete professionally, EA thinks otherwise.
"Unfortunately, I haven't been able to compete in major tournaments so far because EA does not allow players aged under 16 to attend their tournaments," Vejrgang said.
EA did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
"I don't see any reason why a digital football simulation should disallow young players to compete in their tournaments," Vejrgang added.
"Even in a game like Fortnite, the youngest players at the World Cup were 13 years old. The skill should be the decisive factor, nothing else."
Reuters
Tue Feb 02 2021

FIFA 21 gamer Anders Vejrgang poses for a photo with his team members of the RB Leipzig Gaming, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany August 18, 2020. RB Leipzig/Handout via REUTERS pic

At least 137 Gazans killed in Israeli attacks since ceasefire
According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor , Israel has been killing an average of seven Palestinians every two days.

Malaysia strengthens semiconductor supply chain with ASEAN member countries - Liew
Malaysia does not intend to compete with neighbouring countries or other ASEAN member states in its efforts to strengthen supply chains.

Six men arrested for alleged misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil in Semenyih
Six men, including five foreigners in their 30s, were arrested for alleged misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil.

Hamas says new round of Gaza ceasefire talks has begun
expressing optimism that the talks could lead to "tangible progress"

Ukraine says ready to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia
Ukraine conveyed its readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as delegations from Kyiv and Washington met in Saudi Arabia.

Musk's SpaceX agrees Starlink cooperation with Airtel in India
Tech billionaire Elon Musk plans to enter the Indian internet market with his Starlink satellite system, reported German news agency dpa.

Trump announces higher steel and aluminium tariffs for Canada
US President Donald Trump plans to impose additional high tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada.
![[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress [COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2025-03/81741686561_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress
Promoting Malay language doesn't mean disparaging or undermining other languages, we can uplift it without diminishing others.

What is driving the bloodshed in Syria?
The violence has pitted the Islamist-led government's security forces against fighters from Assad's Alawite minority.

Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows
Only Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia and Iceland made the grade, according to IQAir.

Gaza hunger crisis could return if Israeli blockade continues, UN relief agency chief says
UNRWA warns the situation in Gaza is quickly deteriorating.

What happened in Philippine drug war that led to Duterte's arrest?
Here are some facts about the drug war during Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Soccer - Manchester United plans to build 'world's greatest stadium'
Manchester United plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium next to the existing Old Trafford, the club announces.

Meta begins testing its first in-house AI training chip
Meta is working with Taiwan-based chip manufacturer TSMC to produce the chip, according to sources.

Russia says it wants united and 'friendly' Syria
Russia has two strategically important military bases in Syria, which it is hoping to retain in the wake of Assad's fall.

Musk says juggling DOGE and CEO jobs is difficult, as Tesla shares slump
Elon Musk says he is running his businesses "with great difficulty" while working with the Trump administration.

Philippine ex-leader Duterte long defiant on deadly drug war
Before becoming president, Rodrigo Duterte earned the nicknames "The Punisher" and "Duterte Harry" for his violent anti-drug crackdown.

Ismail Sabri probe: 36 witnesses finish giving statements to MACC, 23 others to be summoned
A MACC source said 23 other witnesses have also been identified and would be summoned to give their statements soon.

Westin Hotels marks World Sleep Day with wellness-focused offerings
With a growing demand for sleep tourism and wellness travel, Westin aims to solidify its position as a leader in holistic hospitality.

Govt wants local experts to help improve national cyber security - PM's press secretary
Tunku Nashrul Abaidah says the government has high confidence in local expertise to face cybersecurity challenges.