Brazilian eFootball player Cláudio “Henrykinho” Mesquita has achieved a significant milestone, winning the fiercely contested Inter Milan open qualifier to secure a direct spot in the prestigious eFootball Championship world final. This premier event is set to take place offline in Tokyo, Japan, in early July.
Henrykinho`s victory in the Inter Milan qualifier marks the conclusion of the qualification phase hosted by Konami`s partner clubs for the annual eFootball Championship circuit. His success wasn`t easily earned; in the final match, he faced off against 18-year-old Turkish competitor Arda Yildiz, emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
A Champion`s Pedigree
For those within the Brazilian eFootball scene, Henrykinho`s name is synonymous with success. He boasts an impressive collection of national titles, cementing his status as a top-tier player. His resume includes:
- 3x eBrasileirão Champion
- 1x eGol Pro Champion (2021)
- Brazilian Champion (2017)
- MEG Latam Champion (2023)
Beyond domestic success, Henrykinho has also proven his mettle on the international stage, earning a silver medal at the inaugural Pan American Esports Games held during the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. He also holds the distinction of being a Vice European Champion and Vice Pan American Champion (2023). Yet, despite this decorated history, the ultimate prize – a world championship title in Konami`s simulator – has remained just out of reach.
The Path to Tokyo
Interestingly, Henrykinho`s path to the world final was not limited to just one opportunity. He had also qualified for the final stages of the AC Milan qualifier, but it was the Inter Milan challenge where he felt most confident. As he put it himself, sometimes playstyle just aligns better with one virtual squad over another. His eventual victory representing the Nerazzurri means he bypasses the need to compete in the upcoming regional online finals, having secured his spot via the club partner route.
The eFootball Championship world final brings together players who qualify through various methods: the dedicated club partner qualifiers (like Henrykinho`s Inter win), and open qualifiers held across different regions globally. The competition is split into console and mobile divisions. For the Inter Milan team specifically, Henrykinho will represent them on the console, while Nika Apriamashvili, a 22-year-old player from Georgia, secured the mobile slot.
Brazil will have other representation in the tournament as well. Notably, “Juninho_PES” will be competing in the mobile category, representing FC Barcelona. Juninho_PES previously represented Manchester United in the mobile division at last year`s world championship.
The overall level of competition this year is anticipated to be exceptionally high, featuring many well-known and formidable players who have navigated the various qualification paths. Henrykinho himself acknowledged the intensity, noting that the offline setting in Tokyo will add another layer of pressure and excitement – a challenge he seems to relish. For him, heading to Japan isn`t just another tournament; it`s the pursuit of a lifelong dream.
