Meet the Team: Afonso Maia

From Esports to FQA: How Following His Passion Led Him to Side 

When Afonso Maia first picked up his brother’s Nintendo Game Boy, he couldn’t have imagined it would lead to a career in video games. What began as late-night matches and weekend tournaments eventually turned into professional esports competitions – and later, a full-time functional QA role at our Braga studio. 

Afonso’s path wasn’t straightforward, but it was driven by one constant: a passion for games and a commitment to mastering every challenge they presented. But how did he get there?

Origin Story

Afonso, one of our functional QA (FQA) testers in Portugal, began developing the skills he'd later use in his career through a love for video games that started when he was just a kid. Whether it was sneaking off with his brother’s Nintendo Game Boy or playing Wii with his family, he has fond memories of laughing, competing, and bonding over games.  

But the moment that truly changed everything was when his brother introduced him to League of Legends. “I was hooked,” he explains. “That game didn’t just entertain me, it sparked something deeper. I knew I wanted to be part of that world.” 

Winning Local Tournaments

When he saw people turning their passion for the game into professional careers, he dreamed of doing the same. By 16, he started winning cash prizes in online tournaments. “I still remember the excitement and adrenaline I felt for those competitions – rushing home from school, getting off the bus, and running to make it in time for a tournament.” 

But when he shared his success at home, the reaction wasn't what he expected.  

“The first time I told my parents and family that I was winning money from these tournaments, they didn't understand how that was even possible,” he recalls. The questions were immediate: “How does that work?” and “Are you sure that's legal?”  

“At the time, I felt a bit sad and discouraged because instead of being happy for me, they were worried. They thought I might get into trouble, even though I was just doing something I loved and was succeeding at it.”  

Despite these challenges, Afonso persisted. Looking back on that time, he says, “I spent countless nights with a friend, studying and practicing, pushing myself to improve so that one day, that dream could become reality.” 

By 18, that determination had paid off. 

Going Pro

From 18 to 22, Afonso competed professionally in League of Legends across Portugal, Greece, and France. He played in national tournaments and leagues, including Portugal's first and second divisions. 

“It was an intense and unforgettable experience,” he reflects. “I learned how to work with a team, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to constantly improve. The highs and lows of competition taught me resilience, discipline, and how to communicate clearly – even when things got tough.” 

But by 2022, the scene was changing. The organization running most Portuguese tournaments started making changes that drove sponsors away. “For players, it was a disaster,” Afonso explains. “Organizations told us we could keep competing at the highest level, but without salaries.” 

In the face of these changes, Afonso did his best to keep the dream alive by trying to compete in other countries again. However, the scene had grown so much and become much more competitive. While he was among the top players in Portugal, the leagues in France and Greece were only recruiting the best of the best.  

The days of professional gaming came to an end, leaving Afonso unsure of whether he could find a viable career in the industry.  

Then he discovered Side.  

Finding A Career in Game Dev

On the surface, it may not seem like the skills of a professional gamer fit well into the more technical demands of game development, but it didn’t take long for Afonso to find a good fit.  

He explains, “I originally applied for a mini-project on the audio production team, but when I learned more about functional testing, I realized how much my experience in esports connected to this role.” The skills he’d developed – problem-solving, strategic thinking, adaptability – were exactly what the job required. 

Joining Side as an FQA tester felt like the perfect fit. In his words: “Today, I’m surrounded by people who share my passion for games, and I get to contribute to projects that reflect the same excitement I felt when I first started playing. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that values quality, creativity, and innovation.” 

Even if it wasn’t the traditional path, Afonso looks back on his journey with pride:  

“Esports gave me so much more than just a chance to compete. It gave me confidence, perspective, and a set of skills that I now use every day in my job. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that following your passion can lead to amazing places – even if the journey isn’t always straightforward.”