Chiang Wen Jun, also known as Hibidi, leads a very interesting double life that many people might want for themselves.
That’s because the 26-year-old Singaporean is a corporate banker by day and a professional FIFA gamer by night. Fun after a long day’s work, yes?
In an interview with AsiaOne, Chiang shared what it takes to succeed in gaming after winning several championships, including two medals from the World Cyber Games — once the “Olympics” of video games funded by Microsoft and Samsung.
According to Chiang, there’s really no shortcut to success. He said one must “put in the hours” in order to succeed, and apparently, this approach works in both his banking and gaming lives.
The business management graduate told AsiaOne:
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“Both my parents were in finance so when I was younger I always wanted to work in the CBD. It was my goal from young to enter the industry so you put in the work, you get the grades you need, and you make it.”
“Some people may look at my lifestyle and they think I don’t practice (gaming) at all but that’s not true. I work very hard and I think the results show.”
At first, Chiang’s parents were worried about his gaming interests, so in order to convince them to let him play, he had to keep his grades in check.
Apparently, he was successful in doing just that, as he was permitted to do whatever he wanted.
His parents must be proud now, especially since his team represented Singapore in the EA Champions Cup Winter Tournament in December and won bronze in the Bangkok event, taking home $60,000.
When asked to choose between banking and gaming, Chiang replied that he would pick whichever paid better.
“There was a report that came out last month, which said e-sports is expected to hit the 1 billion-dollar mark as an industry by 2020,” he said. “But right now, I’m keeping my options open. Banking is not great right now, but it’s still decent money, so I’m keeping both on the table.”
With his impressive track record, it’s no surprise that many people look up to Chiang, especially youngsters who aspire to become professional gamers, too.
“Get your grades up, because this [Singapore] is the country we live in,” he advised aspiring gamers. “Getting your grades up will get your parents off your back. With them off your back, you are free to do whatever you want to do with your time, like I did when I was younger. And you can play games.”
Hustle now, play later. Perfect.
