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Gaming with AB, aka Arush Bhardwaj, is one of the youngest professional casters in India. The Patna, Bihar, native has been killing the casting scene, from PUBG Mobile to Free Fire.
He is a remarkable example for the young generation trying to enter the gaming industry. The 17-year-old has expertly managed all aspects of his life, from his education to professional life.
In this exclusive piece, Gaming With AB shares tidbits about his personal and professional life with Sportskeeda's Ajay Assudani.
Gaming with AB talks about casting, studies, and living the dream life
Q. Other than gaming, how were you in your studies, and which field had you opted for.
A. If we go back to my school days, I used to be that obedient and disciplined child who barely went to the Principal’s cabin. I was decent enough to be in the top 10 scorers of the section, and I believe I am a fast learner. This enabled me to score good marks by studying one night before the exam. I had opted for the Science stream (PCM) after my 10th grade, inviting countless hours of studying.
Q. How was your family support initially when you started gaming
A. My family’s support has been constant throughout my life. I am one of those lucky persons who has highly understanding parents. Even though my family’s financial situation hasn’t been great, they made sure I was in the top school in my city, which back then was very costly. I also got admitted to one of the topmost coaching institutes in Grade 11 to pursue Engineering, until one fine day, I decided to call it off (mid-session).
Q. When did you think of being a caster?
A. Public speaking has always been my thing. I built confidence when standing alone on my school’s stage, reciting morning prayers and giving speeches for two years straight in front of 1500+ students. I always had the love for gaming, from playing on a potato laptop to now having a triple PC setup of my own, I’ve seen it all.
A shout-casting enabled me to put my voice behind great moments which happen in games. The ability to play with words is such a thrill. I used to solo cast on my YouTube channel in competitive scrims (PUBG Mobile), which later got recognized by a large audience. Soon, I got invited for my first ever Studio Casting: the PMIT (PUBG Mobile India Tour) in 2019, and the rest is history.
Q. Being so young, how do you manage being a caster alongside studies?
A. Age has always been just a number for me. I’ve always wanted to be on the top since Day 1. I started working at 14, giving myself a significant advantage in terms of the age factor over others. It’s obviously a dream life. Getting paid to travel, yap about games, staying in 5-star hotels, being recognized in public places, etc. I’m living a dream I never want to wake up from.
As I mentioned earlier, I am very disciplined when it comes to my work and studies. I make sure nothing comes in between. I have learned to manage both of them at a very young age, so it is no longer a problem. I completed my 12th last year, and I am pursuing Mass Communication now.
Q. Comparing the esports scene of PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, what presence do Indian teams have at the international level?
A. The esports scene in India is still rising. The teams have the potential to compete and perform at the international level for sure. I encourage all the teams to play more scrims with overseas teams and practice harder than ever. Aggression now can be seen in many top teams in India, which is so relieving. I am sure we’ll lift a trophy one day!
Q. What made you shift from casting PUBG Mobile to Free Fire esports?
A. As a caster, we should learn all the games in the market and master one in particular. Since I played PUBG Mobile professionally, I could think more from a player’s perspective while casting the game. I enjoyed mobile games, especially the Battle Royale mode.
Both Free Fire and PUBG Mobile are very similar to one extent, which made me expand my horizons to more than one game. I started casting Free Fire pre-ban of PUBG Mobile because of the reasons I mentioned above, and I am glad I was able to switch in time, and the audience accepted me.
Q. What are your expectations from the ongoing FFIC tournament (your favorite team and why?)
A. The FFIC, currently the biggest Free Fire tournament in India, obviously sets the expectations very high for all the talents. From veteran teams to emerging teams (first appearance at an official event), this tournament is going to be a blast.
We’ll have our eyes on the teams from previous FFICs, especially 6S. Another side I will be rooting for is the Captains. This roster can assert dominance left and right and center if they play their cards right.
It’s stating the obvious if we name GXR and Total Gaming, but hopefully, they live up to the name.
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A. I like to live in the moment. However, everyone wants to have a secure future. This is my golden time, and I want to make the most of it. I want to stick to gaming because it has always been a passion for me, but I would love to have a business of my own.
Making my own brand is the only goal I have right now. This is when I keep my weapons in check, give my absolute best shot at everything and come out on top.
Q. What question do fans ask you the most & what is the answer?
A. How to convince your parents for gaming and how much do I earn are easily two of the most frequently asked questions.
You know your parents better. The gaming sector is still a hazardous profession. If your parents are worried, they’re not wrong. However, if you think you have what it takes to stand out from the crowd, sit down with your parents and talk it out. I dropped my coaching classes mid-session (i.e., Engineering prep) to pursue what I love.
It wasn’t easy going up to my dad and telling him this. I earned his trust, belief and assured him that I would complete my studies and do gaming side by side. I passed my Grade 12 with flying colors, and they’re happier than ever. Do not leave your studies at any cost and I am sure your parents want to see you happy as well! Ask at the right time, stick to your words.
Also, money. Understand that money is not the end game. It is, however, a great enabler. Money helps satisfy your curiosity concerning the world. It will enable you to travel and expand your horizons. It will also provide you with independence and the ability to support your family and friends in need, as well as give to your community. Luckily, I can make my ends meet and support my family with the money I make. I have also started investing, which I hope turns out well.
Check out the latest Free Fire MAX redeem codes here.
