Jaime “Bozniano” Perez is one of the most recognizable players in the FIFA 21 scene. He even won MVP and best goal in the PlayStation Tournaments Open Series 2020 Year in Review Show for his innovative playstyle. We netted some time with the champ to talk about ambitions, career highlights, and mentality.

How did you get into competitive gaming?

I played a tournament in FIFA 17. It was a winner-take-all tournament with a $5k prize pool, and you could enter the contest if you bought the game in a certain location. 

Even though I was a casual player for many years, I didn’t have much tournament experience, but made it to the Top 16. I was invited to fly to Mexico city and met some of the greatest FIFA players at that time, including Villamore, Ul1barri and David Lucio.

I lost third place in penalties and placed fourth. I thought ‘wow I’m actually good at this.’ 

Why FIFA?

I’ve always liked competition and played highly competitive futbol in real life. I started playing FIFA in 2005 on the Gamecube. I enjoyed it because I’m a fan of the game and I liked being able to play as my favorite team, the Monterrey Rayados.

I like other games, like Call of Duty, but feel a personal link with soccer since I played the game since I was five years old.

What’s the highlight of your career so far?

Winning the Open Series championship three times. Once in FIFA 20 and twice in FIFA 21. The Open Series has the greatest players in North America and anyone can sign in and play. I’ve gone far every time.

How does it feel to be nominated for MVP of North America?

It’s an honor. When I started playing competitively I never imagined I’d beat pros who had consolidated teams. I was just a player without a team or economic support. It was an honor to be nominated for one of the biggest tournaments in PlayStation.

What’s your favorite Open Series moment?

The first final I won, against Kingcj0. I had a bad record against him after our prior matches in the weekly qualifiers. When it was the monthly final I was very nervous because I had lost every time up to that point. I was nervous and questioned myself.

However, I was playing well and I said ‘OK I’m just going to play calm.’ One thing about FIFA is that mentality is the essence of what makes you good in the game. I told myself ‘I’ll probably lose but I’m going to try my best.’ Then my mentality changed and I told myself there was a reason I’m in the final and we’re just two players playing competitively against each other.

What are your goals as a gamer?

In FIFA, my motivation is not just about the money but to be considered one of the world’s greatest FIFA players. I’m not there yet but I want to get there. 

Join the FIFA 21 Open Series for a chance to be featured and meet top players like Bozniano.