Last year, Rudy van Buren qualified for our esports competition via rFactor 2, and eventually went on to be crowned World's Fastest Gamer. 

This year, expectations for another rFactor 2 qualifier were naturally high. After battling and conquering 30 other gamers in the final round, Nuno Pinto was victorious. 

Nuno is one of four qualifiers that have earned a pass to go directly to the McLaren Shadow finals in January 2019. 

Before Nuno flies to the UK for the first time next year, get to know our Portuguese gamer. 

What’s your favourite type of car to race online?

F1 cars, because the speed and skills needed are greater than any racing cars in general.

What’s your favourite racing game?

rFactor 2. Most realistic, better physics, tire model, rain and day and night transitions.

Favourite non-racing game?

DayZ. Open world sandbox that can give you a different experience every single time you play the game, also is challenging as a survival game.

Favourite (real-life) racing driver?

Michael Schumacher - not really much to say, skill, hard work and motivation to win all the time.

Favourite (real-life) race track?

Nordschleife, insane track with no margin for error.

What does McLaren mean to you?

Amazing heritage in racing, with amazing drivers and in the past few years with the road cars McLaren have gone even further. Also it's really impressive that McLaren wants to be part of the esports community.

Any tips for esports competition hopefuls?

Take things seriously because your opponents aren't there to play, but don't forget to enjoy the experience. I have met a lot of fast drivers, I would say anyone that finished in the top five of an rfactor 2 competition is a really good driver.

What gave you the edge to make it through?

Knowledge of the simulator, set-up knowledge, skill and the ability to adapt quickly to cars and tracks.

Any tips for healthy, fun gaming?

Practice and take things as seriously as possible. Also workout and never forget your family and friends to keep a good balance

What does gaming mean to you?

It's a big part of my life because I really enjoy sim racing and because I never had the budget to become a racing driver like I always wanted, so sim racing is the next best thing.

When you’re not working/gaming, what are you doing?

Trying to learn different things. I like to build things. For example last year I built a simple steering wheel for my wheel base. I also like to spend time with my family and I LOVE to spend time with my dog, especially in the summer because I can take him to a river that is really close to my house, and we spend a lot of time there.

The world's biggest esports racing competition will feature four days of intense tests and race offs, with two of the days streamed via our YouTube channel on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 January 2019.