With 59 goals, a goal difference of +25 and a first-place finish in Group A, Kurt ‘kurt0411’ Fenech performed convincingly at the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final 2018, first in the group phase and then in the knockout stages.

The man from Malta shone especially bright on Day 2. "I changed my formation and the way I played compared to Day 1 and got into this zone which led me to playing my best FIFA – and when I play anywhere near my best there isn't a single person that can touch me," he said.

After first defeating Canadian ‘GoalMachine21’ in the knockout stages, he met last year’s champion ‘Gorilla’ in the last eight. "It was a match the people wanted to see, and a match I wanted to play more than any other," Fenech said. "To beat him in the manner in which I did was special for sure."

His semi-final opponent on the last day of the Grand Final was eventual champion ‘Msdossary’. When asked about his emotions before the game, the 23-year-old said: "I had lots of emotions; every single match I've played all year has led to this."

Fenech ultimately lost 8-3 over two legs. "I didn’t feel like I played anywhere near my best," he said afterwards. "I expected to go a step further."

"It’s definitely the biggest achievement Malta has ever had, but it’s not enough," Kurt explained. Looking ahead to his goal for next season, he added: "My plans? To take what's rightfully mine: that trophy."

He signed off with a few words for his fans. "We've been through an insane journey all year, we kick-started a revolution that we couldn't quite complete but make no mistake about it - this is just the beginning. We're taking over next year."