Congrats on winning the ShotStopper Showdown. How does it feel to be the first tournament champion on Premier League Player?
It feels pretty good! I’ll admit, I’ve got a bit of impostor syndrome since I had a later start time compared to everyone else. But overall, it was a great way to kick off my mornings for about half a week. Thanks for that.
Were you confident of the win from Round 1, or did you surprise yourself with how you performed?
Honestly, I thought the competition might be easier based on footage I’d seen from the original finalist. But I was wrong! My scores were beaten multiple times. I ended up submitting my final at the last moment, just to secure the win. It was tougher than I expected.
What’s the trick to being a good shot-stopper?
You definitely need good reflexes, but it’s also about mental resilience. If things don’t go your way, you can’t dwell on it. Shots keep coming, and if you’re too busy feeling sorry for yourself, you’ll miss the next one. Dust yourself off and stay focused.
What will you be spending your prize money on?
I’m torn between two options. My real-life goalkeeper gloves aren’t in great shape, so I might spend the prize money on a new pair of gloves. On the other hand, I could donate the entire prize to my local animal shelter. Decisions, decisions.
Will you be entering the next online tournament of Premier League Player?
OF COURSE. I doubt I’ll get past the first round, especially if the next tournament isn’t ShotStopper again. But even if I’m just cannon fodder, I’ll still have a blast competing.
General Questions
Where does the username come from?
I’ve always loved cheetahs. They’re fast, agile, and have terrible stamina, which honestly reminds me of myself. It’s a bit of projection, but even without that, cheetahs are just such cool animals. Plus, I’m a big fan of cats in general.
Who do you support?
My primary team is Bayern Munich, mainly because of Shaqiri and Schweinsteiger, who both played there before coming to Chicago. That said, my Premier League team is Chelsea because of Gaga Slonina and Christian Pulisic, who both had solid stints there.
Who’s your favourite player and why?
My all-time favourite is Tim Howard. For active players outside the Premier League, it’s Gaga Slonina. In the Premier League, it’s Kevin De Bruyne. Yes, I’ll admit I have a soft spot for American goalkeepers.
Favourite Premier League Stadium?
It’s got to be London Stadium. This might sound silly, but it’s the only Premier League ground that’s been featured in a Sonic game.
Premier League 5-a-side team? Who gets in yours?
For an all-time team within recent memory, I’d go with Cristiano Ronaldo up front, Kevin De Bruyne and Tottenham-era Luka Modrić in midfield, Vincent Kompany in defence, and Tim Howard in goal. (Yes, I’m leaning into my American bias here)
What’s your favourite Game Mode on Premier League Player? Why?
Right now, it’s definitely ShotStopper. No surprise there! It’s so much fun facing those insane, Roberto Carlos-level bending shots. I’m also a big fan of the Moments mode, and I’d love to see something similar for goalkeepers in the future. Hint, hint…
If you were recommending Premier League Player to a friend, what would you say?
I’d tell them it’s an absolute steal. It’s the closest you can get to real-life football action, and it’s a great way to test if your offensive awareness would have the skills to get Premier League managers to sign you. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.
A massive thank you to SpeedyChee for joining us and sharing their journey as the first-ever ShotStopper Showdown champion. We’re excited to see how they fare in future tournaments and wish them all the best.
