Posted on 26 February by Mikel Arrien – Partner Marketing Executive, SCEE
FIWC Champion 2009 at FIFA World Player Gala
Back in December 2009 Lionel Messi was named FIFA World Player of the Year 2009 at the FIFA World Player Gala. Along with the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Bruce Grannec, FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion 2009, attended the gala and we wanted to share his experience with all of you.
If you think you can beat Bruce and be the next FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion, grab a copy of EA SPORTS FIFA 10 and register for the On-line competition or attend any of the qualifier events. Visit fifa.com/interactiveworldcup to find out more.
At about 8:00 am, my guest and I took off on our flight from Paris to Zurich for what was going to be one of the best, if not the best, days of our lives.
About 2 hours later, we arrived in Zurich, where we were met by some people from FIFA and a television crew that would film every one of my movements throughout the day.
Once introduced, we took a taxi to the FIFA headquarters. The first thing I noticed when I entered was the display case containing all the FIFA trophies, with, in the foreground, the world cup. I took some photos and then got to meet Sepp Blatter. He was taking a little time out from his day to talk to me and ask me a few questions. I was very impressed.
It was now time to leave the headquarters and go to the hotel to get ready. It was almost time. Once we were dressed, we headed off to where the ceremony would take place, near the hotel. We got there and went through the lobby, with our FIFA guides, and through the press room, where all the journalists and cameramen were gathered, waiting for the 5 finalists: Messi, C-ron, Kaka, Iniesta and Xavi. We passed through room after room (quite a labyrinth), finally arriving in the waiting room, where there was a buffet table and a PS3 system to play FIFA. I waited for the players and played a few games against some women who weren’t bad at all. Then, the players arrived…
It’s so weird to suddenly have the world’s best players show up. Messi, C-ron, Iniesta and Xavi were actually in the room with me. Usually, they’re on-screen and I’ve got a joystick in my hand!
Once I’d gotten over the surprise, I went to see each one of them, got my picture taken with them and had them sign jerseys. They were just so great. Unfortunately, Kaka, who’s one of my favourite players, hadn’t arrived yet.
It was now time to go to the press room for the prize-giving ceremony. I found out along the way that Evra, himself, would be giving it to me. But first, I had to answer a few questions. After that, Evra went onstage and gave me the award, letting me know me that I was only the champion of the world because I’d never gone up against him. After he gave me the prize, I finally got to talk to him and it was really fun to use my French! Then, the 5 finalists, including Kaka, got to the press room. When the conference was over, I finally met him, had him sign my Milan jersey and took a few photos.
That night, at dinner, while waiting for the ceremony to begin, we got to see some of football’s great older stars, like Platini, Weah, Matthaus and many others…
After a very impressive ceremony, during which Messi was given an award, I went back to the hotel, full of emotions and dreams.
It’s so weird to suddenly have the world’s best players show up. Messi, C-ron, Iniesta and Xavi were actually in the room with me. Usually, they’re on-screen and I’ve got a joystick in my hand!
Once I’d gotten over the surprise, I went to see each one of them, got my picture taken with them and had them sign jerseys. They were just so great. Unfortunately, Kaka, who’s one of my favourite players, hadn’t arrived yet.
It was now time to go to the press room for the prize-giving ceremony. I found out along the way that Evra, himself, would be giving it to me. But first, I had to answer a few questions. After that, Evra went onstage and gave me the award, letting me know me that I was only the champion of the world because I’d never gone up against him. After he gave me the prize, I finally got to talk to him and it was really fun to use my French! Then, the 5 finalists, including Kaka, got to the press room. When the conference was over, I finally met him, had him sign my Milan jersey and took a few photos.
That night, at dinner, while waiting for the ceremony to begin, we got to see some of football’s great older stars, like Platini, Weah, Matthaus and many others…
After a very impressive ceremony, during which Messi was given an award, I went back to the hotel, full of emotions and dreams.
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