Team Versatile made history by lifting the BGIS 2025 trophy in front of a roaring Kolkata crowd. But for their IGL, Saumya Raj aka “Saumraj”, this win was more than just a title; it was redemption. After watching his former teammate lift the trophy in 2023, Saumraj returned stronger than ever, becoming the first-ever in-game leader to win BGIS twice. In an exclusive post-match interview with SportsTiger, Saumraj opened up about his journey, the mindset shift in the team, his approach to leading rising star Spower, and his message to his ex-teammates at GodLike.
Q: First IGL to win BGIS twice, how does this historic moment feel?
Saumraj: Oh yeah, the first time felt really nice. But in 2023, I wasn’t playing, I was just watching the tournament in Mumbai. I was sitting there like a clown, watching my ex-teammate Destro lift the trophy. At that moment, I told myself, “I can’t live like this. I want to be there again. I want to win again.”
Q: The team had just 37 points on Day 1 but went on to score 132 over the next two days. What changed?
Saumraj: I think it was the positive mindset of the team. The first day is usually about adapting, understanding the lobby, and how others are playing. Once we had that figured out, we improvised. That helped us bounce back hard.
Q: Let’s talk about Spower—how important is he to the team, and how do you manage or control such an aggressive player?
Saumraj: (Smiles) "Control" is a very bad word. I used to control my teammates earlier, but now, when I see Spower, I feel like he’s a younger version of me. I want to be a free bird now, and I want him to be the same. I let him go wherever he wants, do whatever he wants. He’s young, he’s still learning, and his best version should come out naturally, not because of me forcing anything on him.
Q: Lastly, one piece of advice for GodLike?
Saumraj: I don’t have advice for them. But I do care for my ex-teammates. I genuinely want all of them to work hard and compete for the trophy. That’s what this game is all about.
