Orri Thorisson, a self-professed Football Manager addict, has secured a real-life management position with Icelandic fourth division side Knattspyrnufelag Vesturbaejar (KV) thanks to his expertise in the video game. At 27 years old, Thorisson is hoping to revive the struggling team, which has seen a significant decline in performance and attendance at games.
Despite lacking formal management experience, Thorisson’s extensive 571 days of gameplay on Football Manager, amounting to 8% of his life, have earned him the opportunity to lead KV. The Reykjavik-based KV has turned to Thorisson as they seek a fresh approach to turn their fortunes around.
The decision to appoint someone with a strong gaming background has sparked discussions, with some questioning the wisdom of hiring a manager primarily based on his success in a simulation game. However, supporters of the decision highlight Thorisson’s deep understanding of KV, coupled with his brother’s notable contributions as one of the club’s best players in history, as reasons for optimism.
Football Manager is a simulation game where players take on the role of a football manager, and Thorisson’s proficiency in the game has drawn attention to the potential benefits of virtual experience translating into real-world success. As KV waits to see how Thorisson will fare in his new role, the decision to hire him based on his gaming expertise has generated interest and raised questions about the intersection of virtual and real-life management skills.
