Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list is an elite curation of some of the most ambitious movers and shakers on the continent. The key features have always been determination and passion showcased by Africa’s most promising young blood.
The 2021 class of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 has seen a few South African names grace the listicle hall of fame. It’s an especially incredible compilation of people considering the type of year it chases – after all, 2020 was the year of COVID-19 which took an unforgiving bite out of ambition and financial growth.
However, the opportunity that the pandemic unlocked to harness skills into legendary status has come into fruition. FIFA fruition more specifically.
Julio ‘Beast Bianchi’ and Thabo ‘Yvng Savage’ Moloi are making massive moves as competitive FIFA players for Goliath Gaming (an SA Multi-Gaming Organisation). They both made the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2021, proving to be inspirations for e-athletes as well as SA’s young and ambitious.
2021 celebrates 30 of Africa’s brightest achievers under the age of 30 in the categories:
- Business
- Technology
- Creatives
- Sport
Julio ‘Beast’ Bianchi
Hailing from the Mother City is 23-year-old Beast. He’s an e-sports athlete and FIFA champion and has numerous successes under his belt, earning him his place on the icons list. He’s not only signed to Goliath Gaming, but he’s also their FIFA squad captain.
He was initially a semi-pro footballer, and just a few years ago he exchanged his football boots for virtual kicks which proved that he could succeed in either.
Highlights
2018
- At the FIFA World Cup Global Series Playoffs in Amsterdam, the name Beast started to gain massive traction.
- He ended up beating 2x world champ August Agge Rosenmeir and finished off in the top 64 in the world on PS4 for the tournament.
2021
- Beast made FIFA history. He was a part of the first national squad from SA to qualify for and compete in the official FIFA Club World Cup.
- The FIFA Club World Cup Finals, which took place in February saw a winning prize of roughly R3.6 million (East Coast Radio),
- In April this year, he also qualified to represent SA’s team in the official FIFA eNations online qualifiers.
Stats
- Beast ended the FIFA20 season at #3 on PS4 in SA
- He also ranked #155 in the world according to the Official FIFA rankings.
- Beast is currently ranked #2 in South Africa as per the official FIFA21 Global Series Leaderboard.
His side hustle is studying accounting at CPUT in Cape Town.
The other South African to rainbow flick his way onto the list is Thabo ‘Tvng Savage’ Moloi. At just 19 years old, the Joburg boy is making waves in the world. He also plays for Goliath Gaming and is the first Red Bull sports athlete in Africa.
Highlights
2018
- Yvng Savage started making his name known in the competitive FIFA scene in 2018. He has won numerous tournaments since then.
2020
- In 2020 he was the captain of the official eBafana Bafana FIFA team in the inaugural FIFA eNations Stay and Play Cup.
- The squad was also made up of Cassper Nyovest, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Kagiso Rabada.
2021
- Yvng Savage qualifies again to form part of the SA national FIFA squad.
Stats
- He finished the FIFA20 season as #1 on PS4 in the whole of South Africa.
- And 73 in the world on PS4, according to FIFA’s official rankings.
- Currently, he’s ranked #4 in SA of the official FIFA21 Global Series Leaderboard.
Picture: Unsplash