The 31-year-old, who was born in Iraq, said that gaming helped him to get away from issues of integration and identity after moving to Europe.

"It's a fine line between integrating in a new culture and not getting out of touch with your culture at home," said Hormis to the Global Esports Federation.

"And I think that the most challenging part was between copying who your friends are at school, and still being who you are at home. 

"I had a hard time figuring out [who I was]. 

"I've copied so many people to fit in, then who am I at this point? 

"And am I still Iraqi, I'm also Christian Iraqi.

"Sometimes I didn't feel I could fit in with my friends, but also not at home, because I became too Dutch - and that, I think, was the most difficult part.

"For me, what I love about gaming is that you can forget everything, including your identity.

"It's all about focusing on the game, playing together with your teammates, and trying to beat the opponent."

Hormis' family fled Iraq when he was one year old and they finally settled in The Netherlands three years later.

He added that the likes of esports can lead to people integrating better and finding friendships elsewhere.

"I think sometimes it's forgotten how much energy and effort it takes to step out of your shame of being in a new country, new culture," said Hormis.

"I think by inviting people actively, that makes the first step a lot smaller and the nice part about gaming is that you already speak the same language."

The Netherlands were in Group F with Serbia and Uzbekistan in eFootball 2022, but did not get through to the knockout rounds.