Today, we sit down for an exclusive interview with Syrian PUBG professional Salam “Salam” Khaleel to talk about how his journey began, how he climbed the competitive ladder, the achievements he has earned, and his ambitions for the future.
Welcome, and thank you for joining us. As a Syrian player who reached major regional competitive stages, how did growing up in Syria shape your playstyle and competitive mindset?
First, I would like to thank ArabGamerZ for hosting this interview. I believe most Syrian players share similar challenges and obstacles throughout their journey in esports. Adapting to those difficulties—especially from a psychological standpoint—was essential for me to continue my professional career. Mental resilience became a key factor in pushing forward despite the circumstances.
PUBG is one of the most popular esports titles. What encouraged you to choose and focus on it?
Choosing PUBG Mobile happened by coincidence. As we all know, the game gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Many young people were looking for entertainment at home, and PUBG Mobile became that outlet. It was also accessible since it runs on mobile devices and does not require expensive PC equipment like many other competitive titles.
Are you satisfied with the current Arab esports ecosystem, or do you have observations about it?
The Arab region is witnessing significant and rapid growth in esports. It has become a reality that cannot be ignored. Recently, we have seen the establishment of multiple esports federations across various Arab countries. I believe sports institutions in the region should integrate esports more closely with traditional sports and increase support for this fast-growing sector. Encouraging youth participation through structured projects and local tournaments would further strengthen the ecosystem.
Congratulations on the awards and recognitions you received in 2025. What changed in your level over the years that helped you achieve these milestones?
The turning point came when I began focusing on the mental and psychological aspects of performance—not just individual and team practice. The mental factor plays a crucial role in a player’s growth and development. Proper psychological preparation is essential and cannot be overlooked. I advise aspiring players who aim to compete in major regional tournaments to prioritize mental strength and learn from the experiences of established professional and international players.
Among the awards you’ve won, which one is the most meaningful to you?
Winning the Best Player award at the PMNC MENA Wild Card 2025 tournament was a major motivational boost. It reinforced my determination to continue competing at a high level in esports.
What was the toughest tactical decision you made in a tournament that affected the outcome?
The most difficult decision was changing my in-game role within the team. I had served as the team’s IGL (In-Game Leader) throughout most of my career, so stepping away from that role was not easy. However, the change proved highly beneficial. After switching roles, I won Best Player awards in two consecutive tournaments.
In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake players in the Arab region make when pursuing a professional esports career?
One common mistake is focusing solely on individual skill and team practice while neglecting mental and psychological preparation. Another issue is spending excessive hours playing without proper rest. It is extremely important to take breaks during the day and step away from screens to reduce mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, and potential health problems.
Do you think about what your next chapter might look like? Could we see you coaching professional teams in the future?
Absolutely. Every professional player should think about a long-term plan after retirement. With the experience I’ve gained, becoming a coach for another team is definitely a path I would consider in the future.
Thank you for your time. Do you have any final comments?
Thank you very much for this interview. It was a pleasure sharing my personal journey with you, and I’m happy to contribute something that may benefit others.
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