Highlights:
* A look at GosuGamers India’s exclusive interview with iQOOSouL IGL, Mohammad “Manya” Raja.
* Manya and his teammates recently won BGMS Season 3.
* iQOOSouL is also participating in BMPS 2024.
Team IiQOOSouL blew everyone away during the Season 3 Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS), where it topped the table to lift the victory in August 2024. After BGMS Season 3, the fan-favorite team has some bigger challenges lying ahead, including the ongoing BMPS 2024 event. After iQOOSouL’s victory at BGMS 2024, GosuGamers India’s team reached out to its IGL (in-game leader) Mohammad “Manya” Raja for a chat. During an exclusive interview with our team, Manya touched upon various topics, from the performance during BGMS Season 3 to expectations for BMPS 2024. Check out an excerpt from the conversation with iQOOSouL’s IGL as follows:
“We deeply trust each other” – iQOOSouL IGL And BGMI Pro Manya Talks About Synergy Among His Team
Q: Over three days of BGMS 2024 Grand Finals, your team saw many improvements. Having finished Day 1 in the 5th spot to lift the trophy on Day 3, iQOOSouL peaked at the right time, especially in the last two games. What strategy helped that flourish on the final day?
Manya – On the final day, we focused on staying sharp and flexible with our strategy. Even though we didn’t make it to the top 3 on Day 1, we were still in the game, just a few points behind. For the last two games, we went all in with high-risk moves to maximize our chances. When Nakul pulled off a 1v3 clutch and secured the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, we knew our strategy had paid off. In the end, sticking to our plan, playing our natural game and not letting the situation shake us helped us win the title.
Q: Your win was decided in the last match, as Entity was also among the top contenders. Before you guys edged ahead of Entity in the 12th round, what was going on in your minds, and how did you control the nerves?
Manya – The pressure was intense, but we stayed calm and focused. We relied on our training and teamwork, paid close attention to communication and executed our plan carefully. Keeping our composure was crucial for handling the situation and performing at the right moment.
Q: Jokerr, Manya, Rony, and NakuL are four names fans have read in the same breath for ages. With Mayavi (and Ayogi) being at the helm, the synergy among the teammates has been built since the Global Esports days, when you guys were the Season 1 winner. Is the synergy within Team iQOOSouL something that gave you an edge over the others at BGMS Season 3?
Manya – Our team’s bond, both in and out of the game, is one of our greatest strengths. We deeply trust each other, whether on the battlefield or off. The coach has fostered this close-knit atmosphere within the team which helped us grind smoothly during BGMS Season 3. Our strong synergy gave us a significant advantage and was key to our victory.
Q: BGMS has a unique and innovative point system with features like Powerplay and Impact Player. What do you think about such innovations? And Can they be a great addition to KRAFTON’s BGMI events?
Manya – Adding Bounty, Powerplay, and Impact Player brought a strategic twist to the matches. The tournament format and rules made each game more unpredictable than usual, leading many teams to change their playstyles. These new elements made the games more exciting for both players and viewers. Rony was an outstanding Impact Player during Survival Week and his extra points were a big help for us. I think features like these could really improve future BGMI events in the country.
Q: At BGMS, we saw at most four matches happening on a matchday, which was quite viewer-friendly. Do you think other events should also adopt a Four matches/day policy instead of six games (which sometimes can be overwhelming for fans to follow)?
Manya – The four matches per day format at BGMS made the experience more engaging and enjoyable. I think this approach could boost fan engagement in other events by making it easier to follow the action without feeling overwhelmed. It could also help reduce fatigue for both players and viewers during long matchdays.
Q: With BGMS being over, can you name at least one team (apart from yours) that was among the toughest-yet-impressive?
Manya – Entity and Team Tamilas really gave us a tough fight with their strong performances. Carnival Gaming also kept us on our toes right until the end. They pushed us to raise our game and the competitive spirit added to the excitement of the finals.
Q: BGMI is currently the most famous esports title in India. Still, players might have been facing numerous struggles like financial crunch, lack of family support, professional setbacks, and more. Can you elaborate on the same?
Manya – Just like in any other sport, the best players in esports rise to the top. For BGMI and mobile gaming, a big factor is our affordable data plans and the availability of smartphones. Anyone with an internet connection and a phone, no matter where they are in the country, can start playing without a big investment or infrastructure. Plus, tournaments often have open qualifiers, allowing any team or player to step up and make a name for themselves. However, since esports is still growing in India, it’s important for players to have a backup plan beyond gaming to secure their family’s support. Players may face setbacks, like a dip in performance or challenges in tournaments. While this is normal in any sport, having the right mindset and determination can help them overcome these obstacles and succeed.
Q: After an impressive performance at BGMS, what are your takeaways from in terms of positives? And what areas would you like to work on (as a team) ahead of upcoming BGMI tournaments?
Manya – It feels great to be one of the top teams in India, but staying there takes ongoing effort. BGMS Season 3 gave us a winning boost and improved our teamwork and confidence. The new format and features helped us adapt and create different strategies. This event has been very beneficial and we’re excited about the upcoming tournaments.
Q: Apart from SPower, all BMPS 2023 winning team members are here in iQOOSouL now. The bar is already set high. Do you guys feel any pressure about living up to expectations at BMPS 2024? How are the preparations going on? Can you share anything?
Manya – Everyone on our team, from me to the coach to the assaulter, has a clear role and is committed to it. There isn’t external pressure, but our own drive and discipline keep us at the top and push us to win tournaments. Personally, I’ve always wanted to bring a trophy home for iQOOSouL. Now that we’ve done that, I’m excited to win even more for the organization. As the defending champions, we’re focused on continuing our winning streak and aiming for victory at BMPS 2024.
