Luqman Haziq Hajiman cannot wait to take on the world's best FIFA players at the FIFA Ultimate Team 2018 Playoff after being recognised as a national athlete for Malaysia.
Along with four other professional gamers competing at another esport tournament, "Fenrir" was presented with the Jalur Gemilang by the National Sports Council of Malaysia on Thursday.
"I hope this is the first of many to come," the University of Malaya student said of the honour of representing Malaysia.
"I want to continue to represent the country in FIFA in the future especially because it is what I am good at."
Luqman qualified for the international tournament, which will be taking place from January 26 to 28 in Barcelona, Spain, after undergoing a gruelling online qualifying stage on the PS4 platform.
He recorded 154 wins out of 160 matches to secure his Playoff spot, and is now looking forward to the bigger challenge.
"I think the competition will be quite even because we will be using a new format," said Luqman, who also finished second at the recent 2018 Malaysia Cyber Games.
"[Regardless] I believe I can go all the way [to the final] if I do my best.
"I am excited and eager to meet and play against my idols who have inspired me to reach this level such as Spencer "Gorilla" Ealing, who won the tournament last year."
The eight best players from the Playoff will progress to the Grand Final in Russia in conjunction with the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Seng Foo Lee
Fri Jan 19 2018
IPL: Jadeja stars as CSK move into playoff places
Ravindra Jadeja top-scored with 43 runs and claimed three wickets as the Chennai Super Kings gained revenge on the Punjab Kings in the IPL.
PSV crowned Eredivise champions for the first time in six years
PSV needed a draw against Sparta Rotterdam to get their hands on the Eredivisie trophy but got the job done with a fifth consecutive win.
Rangers 4-1 Kilmarnock: Gers come from behind to keep pressure on Celtic
A strong second-half showing from Rangers ensured they will head into next weekend's Old Firm just three points behind Celtic.
Jokic salutes 'special' Edwards after influential Game 1 display
Jokic hails 'special' Edwards
Simeone insists Atletico 'cannot stop pushing' after narrow Mallorca win
Atletico Madrid tightened their grip on fourth place in LaLiga with victory over Mallorca, but Diego Simeone wants more from his players.
'It can only get better' - Sabalenka leaving Madrid Open 'with positive thoughts' despite Swiatek defeat
Sabalenka upbeat after Madrid Open
'It hurts to lose' - Inzaghi apologises after Sassuolo defeat
Inzaghi sorry for Sassuolo defeat
Inter Miami 6-2 New York Red Bulls: Messi makes more MLS history as Suarez scores hat-trick
Report: Inter Miami 6-2 NYRB
NBA: Edwards scores 43 to lift Timberwolves over Nuggets in Game 1
The Timberwolves got a huge performance from their superstar and took Game 1 on the road against the defending NBA champions
Seattle Sounders v LA Galaxy: Sluggish starts frustrating Vanney
Preview: Sounders v LA Galaxy