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PS3 fanatic Hakam Abdul Hakam Hussain Abdul Karim has become the first Arab to conquer the online gaming world ... but says he's unlucky in love.
The 25-year-old Bahraini information technology student from Adliya became passionate about playing video games on his computer as a schoolboy. But when the interactive PlayStation 3 system came along his play time increased and he began to rise to the top of the trophy system ranks completing every video game no matter how difficult.
His success has had a cost, as he explained: "I've never been on a date because I am too busy playing! It started off as fun but then it became serious."
Hakam became a part of the www.ps3trophycard.com site climbing to the top with his intense game play and quick fire fingers.
He said: "The trophy system is direct. If you complete a mission then you receive a pop-up on your screen notifying you that you have won an achievement. But you know that you have truly completed a game when you achieve the platinum trophy. You can only receive that when you have unlocked the entire trophy list."
Hakam achieved a total of 5,990 trophies, of which 111 are platinum meaning he had fully completed 111 games. The site announced him as the top PS3 gamer on the worldwide web.
Hakam - a.k.a Hakoom - is also a hit on the You Tube video-sharing website with thousands of visitors checking on his playing prowess and gaming tips. One of the most popular posts features him hitting 100 platinum trophies with his friends cheering him on in the background and so far his efforts have received more than 59,000 hits.
He added: "I first got recognised when I entered the Top Ten on the worldwide leader port as the first Bahraini on the list. Once I became Number One I got a lot more attention. Every day I receive around 200 messages in my PS3 mailbox and some just send blank messages to signify they have checked out my profile."
Not only has Hakam gained the attention of online gamers he has also recently been interviewed by the international Official UK PlayStation Magazine outlining his achievements, his favourite games and his future plans.
He said: "I didn't believe it at first. I love playing games. Depending on the game I can play for hours and can't stop. I usually play about eight to 10 hours a day.
"I also make sure I get enough rest, maintain my grades at university and still manage to hang out with my friends. Time management is important if you want to keep your Number One ranking.
"Right now there are two other Arabs in the Top Ten and you know why - because Arabs make the best gamers!"
Hakam hopes one day to either become a video game reviewer/tester or to open up his own gaming shop in Bahrain. He said: "There isn't much of a gaming industry in Bahrain. However, abroad it is a multi-billion dollar industry. That's why I am contemplating opening a store where kids can buy video games and play as well. That way I can play too. Maybe one day we can hold gaming exhibitions as they do abroad."
However, while the king fights to keep his throne, Hakam lacks a queen to rule his heart and the gaming world with. But, as Valentine's Day approaches, he has it all to play for! "I'm looking for a girl who likes to play games and not sit in a coffee shop all day," he said.
Editor's note: Are YOU game for a date with the king of gaming? Enjoy a dinner-for-two with Hakam at Silks Restaurant ... courtesy of GulfWeekly, in association with Movenpick Hotel, to celebrate Valentine's Day. It may be the start of a great romance or simply a long friendship. Email editor@gulfweekly.com with your name, age and a recent photograph and tell us why you think you would be an ideal date for Hakam. GulfWeekly agony aunt Betsy will choose the entry she thinks most suitable.
