For years, Tom Leese was one of the most recognisable names in the competitive EA SPORTS FC landscape. His skill and ability to adapt to any game situation placed him in the upper echelon of European players. He signed with Excel Esports for a £100,000 transfer fee and became a mainstay on the England team.

However, the last few years have been a rollercoaster for Tom, causing him to doubt whether he could still compete with the top players.

"It’s been hard," Tom admits, reflecting on the challenges he's faced. "A few years ago, I was seen as one of the best players in the world. Then, when things don’t go your way for a couple of games, it gets tricky. I've been good, but not quite at the level I was before."

Although it was a difficult time for Tom, he slowly began to rebuild his confidence, starting last season.

“I know how good I can be, and I showed signs of it last year when I won some cash cups and competed in the ePremier League. You hear some people say that you can’t compete with the new guys, but I knew after the FC Pro Open Regional Qualifiers that I could compete.

“I deserved it, and I played really well all weekend. It gave me this satisfied feeling and confirmed that I can still play at the top level. At the start of FC 24, just after leaving Excel Esports, I joined Hashtag House and started playing really well. I’ve managed to carry that momentum into FC 25.”

The keys to rebuilding his confidence come from his competitive experience, studying psychology, and the maturity that comes with getting older. According to him, these factors have been important in dealing with the intensity of competing against the best.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made sure to manage my emotions. The way you feel goes a long way when there are so many good players at the top level. A lot of it comes down to who can perform under extreme pressure and manage their emotions.

“I’ve had times where I’ve played in front of a live crowd and wanted to wind them up, but I’ve realised that I’m at my best when I’m just focusing on myself. Being the best player in the world is my goal, and I won’t let anything get in the way of that.

“I study psychology a lot because I’m really interested in how the brain works and how people perform under pressure. Learning about that has helped me understand what works best for me as an athlete.”

His hard work has paid off as he secured entry to the upcoming FC Pro Open Global Qualifier in November. It was an emotional moment for Tom, as it showed everyone in the EA SPORTS FC community that his career was far from over.

“Honestly, my first thought after the Regional Qualifier was that I’m starving,” he laughed. “I realised how much I focused all day, and it was a long Sunday of competing. You just have to stay locked in.

“I’ve got my coach between rounds, or I’m just floating around the house, but it’s tough because all I’m thinking about is the next game. I guess the other feeling is relief because you don’t think about the outcome—you’re just trying to focus on each game as it comes. So when that whistle blew after 120 minutes in the last game, it was emotional. There’s a full YouTube video coming out where you can hear my camera shouting in the room. I’m sure a few neighbours heard us as well.”

Not only does he get a chance to compete for a spot in this year’s FC Pro Open, but he also has a chance to make up for last season, where he was just a few places away from qualifying for the inaugural competition.

“Last year, I was two rounds away from qualifying. I made it into the Top 16 instead of the Top 12, and it stung watching it from home,” he explained. “I watched Tekkz go 7-0 straight and thought to myself that my day will come—that I’m not done with this yet.

“Most pro players will tell you that sitting at home and watching LAN events is a strange feeling because you’re annoyed you’re not there competing. I wanted to be at the next FC Pro Open, and that’s definitely something I aimed for.

“I saw how big it was, the big moments, and the reception it got online. It gave me the motivation that I wanted to be there.”

As for potential rivalries heading into the competition, he has no one in particular in mind. However, there are a few players he's watching closely.

“I don’t think there’s anyone I have a particular rivalry with. I’m just keeping an eye on the top players, like Anders [Vejrgang], because playing him is always a big occasion. Tekkz is one of my best mates, but it’s always a big event when we play. Also, the South American players—those guys are so good when they turn up to LAN events, and they’re so passionate. It’s going to be a fun journey.”

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