From Casual Gamer to Pro: The Journey of a Macaco Sortudo Player
As we sit down with João, a 25-year-old gamer from Brazil, it’s clear that he has come a long way since his humble beginnings as a casual player. Known to his friends and family as Macaco Sortudo (the Lucky Monkey), João’s rise to gaming stardom is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of turning their passion into a career.
Early Days: The Birth of a Gamer
Growing up in a small town in Brazil, João here was always fascinated by technology. As a child, he would spend hours playing with his older brother’s old computer, teaching himself how to navigate the internet and play simple games like Solitaire. But it wasn’t until he turned 12 that João discovered the world of online gaming.
"My brother introduced me to World of Warcraft," João recalls. "I was hooked from the very first quest. I spent hours each day playing with my friends, exploring the vast virtual world and learning new skills."
As João grew older, his passion for gaming only intensified. He began to explore different genres, from action-adventure games like Assassin’s Creed to strategy games like StarCraft II. His friends and family started calling him Macaco Sortudo, a nickname that stuck long after he began competing in online tournaments.
The Turning Point: Competitive Gaming
It wasn’t until João turned 18 that he realized the potential for competitive gaming as a career. He had always been interested in esports, but it wasn’t until he stumbled upon a YouTube video of a professional gamer streaming their gameplay on Twitch that he was inspired to take the leap.
"I remember watching this pro player from Korea play League of Legends, and I was amazed by his skill level," João says. "I thought to myself, ‘Why can’t I be like him?’ I started practicing intensively, focusing on improving my mechanics and strategy."
João’s hard work paid off quickly. He began competing in local tournaments, where he met other aspiring gamers who shared his passion. Together, they formed a team and started practicing regularly, honing their skills and developing a cohesive game plan.
The Journey to Pro
As João continued to improve, he started to attract attention from larger gaming communities. His name became known among fans of League of Legends, and he began to receive invitations to compete in bigger tournaments around the world.
"I remember my first big tournament was in São Paulo," João recalls. "I was so nervous, but when I took the stage, I felt a rush of adrenaline. We didn’t win, but we made it to the quarterfinals, and from that moment on, I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life."
Over the next few years, João dedicated himself to training full-time, honing his skills in League of Legends and other games like Dota 2. He formed a partnership with a well-known gaming organization, which provided him with access to top-notch coaching, equipment, and resources.
The Highs and Lows: Overcoming Challenges
As Macaco Sortudo’s reputation grew, so did the pressure to perform. João faced intense competition from other professional gamers, many of whom had been playing for years longer than he had.
"There were times when I felt like giving up," João admits. "The stress was overwhelming, and I would often go home feeling frustrated and defeated. But my family and friends were always there to support me, reminding me why I started playing in the first place – for fun."
One of the biggest challenges João faced was balancing his online gaming schedule with his personal life. As a professional gamer, he had to spend long hours practicing, streaming, and communicating with his teammates.
"It’s not easy being away from your loved ones for so long," João says. "But I knew that this was my chance to turn my passion into a career, and I couldn’t let anything get in the way."
The Reward: Success and Recognition
João’s hard work paid off in 2018 when he and his team won the prestigious League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) in São Paulo. The victory catapulted Macaco Sortudo to international fame, with thousands of fans cheering his name at gaming events around the world.
"It was an incredible feeling," João says, beaming with pride. "To know that all our hard work and dedication had paid off was indescribable. And when I received the championship trophy, it was like a dream come true."
Today, Macaco Sortudo is one of the most recognizable names in the gaming world. He continues to compete at the highest level, inspiring millions with his determination and skill.
Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Gamers
As we wrap up our conversation with João, it’s clear that his journey has been anything but ordinary. But what sets him apart from other gamers is his unwavering passion, dedication, and perseverance.
"If you want to be a pro gamer," João advises aspiring gamers, "be prepared to put in the work. There will be times when you feel like giving up, but don’t let that happen. Surround yourself with people who support you, and never lose sight of why you started playing in the first place – for fun."
As we bid farewell to Macaco Sortudo, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. With a bright future ahead, this Lucky Monkey will undoubtedly continue to conquer the gaming world, one championship at a time.