Roope "Pikkuroger" Bergström - A star on the rise

Roope @pikkuroger Bergström, has despite his young age risen quite fast towards the top of competitive virtual hockey talent and is definitely one of the rising star players in the Elite division. The young man has played competitive NHL since the release of NHL 16, when he mainly participated in the 1v1 game mode. The 6v6 game mode became more familiar a few years later. Since then, he has begun to invest more time into competitive NHL. 

“My first memories from 6v6 games are back from the ECL 10 Lite season, when we gained a Pro promotion with a team called HUIPPUPASSI. It was really my first ECL season and I got to play with two very good friends (Joel @jjokke19 Rinne and Mika @Mikax222 Haverinen) and a dynamic father-son duo (Timo @Aitis Kähkönen and Viljo @viba2008 Kähkönen). It was an amazing season in every way.”

Although Bergström has been playing competitive console hockey for a long time, the greatest success is yet to be achieved in both game modes. Bergström currently plays both game modes, however, he admits that he enjoys playing 6's a bit more. The 6vs6 game mode has become more meaningful these days, which is why it takes up more time.

"In the 1v1 game mode, one of my fondest memories is back in last years FCL when I reached the Top 8-stage and came just short of beating eventual champ Arttu @Artuzio Mustila. At that point, I started to realize that I could start challenging the top in the 1v1 mode. In turn, in the 6v6 mode my first Elite season felt really good and I managed to prove myself against the best players in that environment".

"Right now, I enjoy the 6v6 game format more. It’s just more fun to play when there are nice teammates and there’s no artificial intelligence mixing on the field. Previously, I disagreed and thought that 1v1 was more meaningful to play, but when I started 6v6 properly and got to play on good teams, the mind has changed over time. I look forward to my first LAN events, I think that’s where those best memories will be made." Bergström continues.

When asked, Bergström states that his ultimate goal is to win a bigger tournament and possibly become a professional at a later stage. The young man states that he enjoys a good burger, a hot shower and listening to music before the games. Perhaps that's where his skill comes from?

We also wanted to reach out to some old and new teammates of Roope, and when asked about the youngster, Jere @jergelii Jortama responds: "Roope is willing to evolve every day, definitely wants to be the best in the game in the future. He's a hard worker and spends a lot of time practicing the ins and outs of the game. You can also see that he wants as many tips as possible from the more experienced players and knows how to change his own style of play if required in any situation. Outside of the ice he's a nice and funny guy." Captain Kristian @kriketski17 Veijola chimes in on the praise and confirms that Bergström truly does his due diligence on the practice rink and is a motivated individual when it comes to reaching the top.

As customary, we asked Bergström about his top 6 team, without any of his current teammates on the roster. The team named by the young man did not bring any big surprises, as there are names familiar to even the general public.

LW: @Buantso Able to decide games by himself and create opportunities from nothing. Has that X-Factor in tight playoff games when someone has to be the hero.
C: @Beniittto A really skilled player.. A lot of experience although he is a younger guy. Deserved MVP of last season's playoffs.
RW: @Eki An inconceivably good player, really is a complete allrounder that can help his team in any situation.
LD: @xDoumi A great puck moving defender and he has experience despite his young age.
RD: @loimmu A perfect example of a great defender, no weaknesses and solid all around.
G: @ICappeI A good experienced goalkeeper with a tremendous ability to read plays.

When asked about the opportunity to switch roles with any specific player on his own team, the youngster didn't hold back on praising his captain.

"If I had to choose someones skillset from my own team then it would be @kriketski17. He's a good captain and otherwise a really complete player that has great skill. Krike sees the ice really well and is really good in his center position, it's easy to flank him on the wing."

Outside of playing, Bergström goes to school and spends a lot of time with friends. He doesn't really play other games outside of NHL. He used to play football since the age of 4, but quit a few years ago due to lack of motivation.

In addition to being Roope's old teammate, @Aitis is the General Manager of esports organization GOONS and is the mastermind behind the operation as a whole. He sees a bright future for the young man: "From day one, it was evident that we're getting a very ambitious and already skilled player in Roope. He's also humble and has that drive to push him forward onto great things. Next season he'll fight among the big names for the title of best forward in Elite."

We're certainly seeing a great player in development and have the privilege to watch him closely as GOONS currently pave their way towards the playoffs in the FCL. They'll also continue their momentum in the Elite division next season, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled!