Winning the Cape Town States Championship for 2024 is an incredible achievement for Taariq Hassiem, a dedicated player with a long history in the game of Yu-Gi-Oh! For the third time in his career, Taariq will proudly represent his country and community on the competitive stage. This time, he’s setting his sights even higher, aiming to improve on his previous Top 64 finish and prove himself once again among the best players in the game.
Defending the Title: Keeping Cool Under Pressure
Going into the tournament, Taariq knew he had a target on his back as the reigning champion. “I was nervous but excited,” he shared, fully aware that everyone would be gunning to take him down. However, pressure isn’t something new for him. His background in competitive sports has taught him how to stay composed and perform when it matters most. This experience proved invaluable as he worked his way through the rounds. “I tend to do very well under pressure,” Taariq said, “so I had to keep my cool and get the job done.”
Playing Snake-Eye Kashtira
For the tournament, Taariq chose to run Snake-Eye Kashtira, a deck he describes as highly consistent and capable of playing through many interruptions. The deck’s ability to maintain its strategy despite interference made it the perfect choice for the high-stakes matches he faced. Kashtira’s versatile nature gave Taariq the edge he needed to advance through the rounds, even when the competition was fierce.
Facing Off Against a Top Player in Cape Town
One of the most intense moments of the tournament came in the last round of Swiss, where Taariq faced off against one of Cape Town’s best players, Jason Webster, in a mirror match. Unfortunately, he lost that match, but fate gave him a second chance. In the finals, Taariq found himself against Jason once again. This time, he knew he had to step up his game. “I had to play better than before to take the win,” he said, and that’s exactly what he did, ultimately securing his victory and the title of Cape Town States Champion for 2024.
Minimal Testing, Maximum Experience
Interestingly, Taariq doesn’t spend much time on rigorous playtesting. Instead, he focuses on discussing strategies with close friends and members of the Yu-Gi-Oh! community. He has been playing the game since it first arrived in South Africa, and his extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the game. By attending local events once a week, he stays sharp and builds on his knowledge without the need for endless practice sessions.
Community Support and Motivation
Winning the tournament was about more than just personal achievement for Taariq—it was about making his community proud. He’s deeply connected to the local Yu-Gi-Oh! scene and relies on the support of his friends and fellow players to push him forward. One person in particular has played a pivotal role in his success: Timothy Charles Chalis, a close friend who has been with him since day one. “Timothy is always cheering me on and working on theories with me,” Taariq explained. “He’s basically my coach.” This strong support system has been crucial in Taariq’s journey to the top.
The Importance of Rest and Mental Preparation
When asked about his preparation for tournaments, Taariq emphasized the importance of rest and relaxation. “Not doing anything Yu-Gi-Oh! related and just getting a proper night’s sleep” is key to his success, he shared. Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation, and being well-rested allows him to stay focused and calm under pressure during the tournament.
A Competitive Mindset
Taariq credits his competitive mindset and ability to stay calm under pressure as the main factors behind his success. His experience in both sports and gaming has taught him how to handle tense situations and make smart decisions even when the stakes are high.
Advice for Aspiring Players
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Taariq offers some simple but important advice: “Put in the effort and be patient.” Competitive Yu-Gi-Oh! requires time, dedication, and perseverance. It may take a while to see results, but with determination and hard work, success will come. “Don’t give up,” he encourages new players.
As Taariq looks ahead to representing his country and community once again, his journey serves as a testament to the power of focus, determination, and the support of a strong community.