Team Pandemic - News - Michs09, Novusnaim qualify for WCG Nationals

This past weekend, one of Pandemic's newest teams saw action at the World Cyber Games regional qualifier as Michael “michs09” LaBelle and Isidro “novusnaim” Sifuentes took Dallas by storm, sweeping the competition on their way to 1st and 2nd place finishes respectively, earning berths in the WCG National Qualifier.

“I'm pretty excited! I feel like Novus and I outmatched everyone there,” said LaBelle, “we are training the right way so we can be ready for the WCG national final that takes place on the October 2nd.”

The right way means practicing together quite a bit as the pair of Houston natives play against each other regularly to hone their skills in a bid for WCG medals. It was no surprise when the pair cruised past their local adversaries to meet twice on their way to national qualification

Michs09 (left) and Novusnaim dominated the competition at the Dallas WCG Regional.

“Novus and I live fifteen minutes away from each other, so we are constantly competing not only to be the best in the nation but the best in our city,” said LaBelle, “I have played Novus head to head now I think about four times in the last couple of years, so we both know what's on stake, and our games are usually very close and highly intense knowing one little error could cost you the match.”

This time, Michs09 came out on top over his friend, 3-1 and 6-3, but no matter the victor, the big picture is what matters as both players will advance to the upcoming WCG National Final early in October. There, they'll fight for the chance to represent the United States in gaming's Olympics, winning the chance to compete against the best players worldwide in Colgone, Germany, this November.

“I think we both agree that we have a good chance of finishing high if not winning the national final, but this installment of FIFA is so random,” LaBelle laments, “we both laughed thinking back on our games how at least half the goals were related solely to luck of the bounce, and funny goalkeeper decisions.”

With any luck, joining them will be fellow Pandemic player Nicholas “Peekay” DePalmer who will attend his own WCG Regional qualifier this upcoming weekend. Check teampandemic.net for more updates in the FIFA squad's bid for WCG Gold!