Those that lead.

IeSF's 9th Esports World Championships - Busan.

Like any other sport, cyber-athletes sink years into preparing for international competition where they can become noticed on a global scale and compete against their peers.

Thus it is once again time for IeSF's annual World Championships, to which Mind Sports South Africa, South Africa's largest membership based gaming organisation, shall again be sending an official team to represent South Africa. The team to represent South Africa at IeSF's 9th Esports World Championships - Busan is the 18th team that Mind Sports South Africa is sending out to represent South Africa in international competition, and is the 24th Protea Esports Team selected to officially represent South Africa.

South Africa has a proud record at such World Championships as, not only is the team much liked by all at the World Championships, but the team punches way above its weight.

Even with the poor infrastructure in South Africa, the South African team, through its hard work and dedication is currently ranked 14th in the world.

MSSA is now in a position to announce the selection of the team captains for CounterStrike: GO and League of Legends for IeSF's 9th Esports World Championships - Busan. It is only a matter of time before the entire team is announced.

The two selected to lead the CounterStrike: GO and League of Legends Protea eSports teams are:

• CounterStrike: GO - Ryan van Schalkwyk
• League of Legends - Brandon “Brafester” Fester

Ryan van Schalkwyk (Team Captain)

Ryan yan van Schalkwyk 

Ryan yan van Schalkwyk is only 21 and is a software developer.

Along with CounterStrike, Ryan enjoys playing my guitar and making music.

Ryan quickly admits that he enjoys pushing himself hard and bettering himself. The competitive aspect of CounterStrike: GO enthralls Ryan. It is through such hard work and competitive spirit that has allowed Ryan to earn the achievement of being selected as Team Captain, an achievement of which Ryan admits that he has always dreamed.

By pushing himself, Ryan has demonstrated to MSSA that he has the ability to lead the national team.

As Ryan says, " I'm really looking forward to pushing myself and my team as far as we can go at the world championships".

Brandon “Brafester” Fester (Team Captain)

Brandon “Brafester” Fester

Brandon “Brafester” Fester’s history in competitive eSports started four years ago where he captained a team of friends, with the goal to be the best. His determination and passion helped his teammates, and opponents, grow as players and people, but his leadership is what ultimately pushed him to the top.

He is currently captain of the Goon Squad (VexxedPhoenix), the current DGC champions and strongest team in the country for League of Legends - for the second year in a row. He too promotes growth and development in his communities and organisation.

He is currently working on improving his individual skill and preparing his teams for various League of Legends tournaments. On being informed of his selection to the position of Team Captain, Brandon stated, " This has officially become the best and most important day of my life. I can think of nothing more prestigious than representing my country, let alone captaining the side!

Thank you for the strength and support! I too have high hopes for the team and future of South African esports on all fronts. I shall do my best to ensure we can not only meet expectations, but exceed them where possible!" MSSA is proud of its choices, and it is in Ryan van Schalkwyk and Brandon “Brafester” Fester, upon whose broad shoulders, the leadership, inspiration, and skill, that the MSSA put their trust to deliver a great team to participate in IeSF's 9th Esports World Championships - Busan.

The 9th e-Sports World Championship will be held at the Busan Port Authority Convention Center from November 8^th to 12^th, 2017., and until such dates, the two athletes are excited about their 'Road to Korea'.