Venkateshwaran Anirudh obtained a Master of Science in Computer Science from Arizona State University, and works as a software engineer at Blue Yonder. Originally from Mumbai, Anirudh obtained his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Mumbai University. He was the Great Game Lab’s founding student researcher. An avid supporter of Liverpool FC, Anirudh has a deep appreciation for the power of sport to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. He is also a fan of mixed martial arts, Formula 1, and outdoor hikes. He wants to stay involved with the Great Game Lab in the hope that someday ASU will hire Jürgen Klopp to run it .
Favorite sports memory?
When Liverpool FC triumphed over FC Barcelona 4-0 in the 2019 Champions League semifinal, turning around a 3-0 aggregate deficit. This remarkable victory marked the beginning of the Jürgen Klopp era at Liverpool and achieving it against Lionel Messi's Barcelona made it even more remarkable.
Your global sports Mount Rushmore?
Sachin Tendulkar, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Lewis Hamilton
Which world leader would you put in goal?
I would like to position the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as the goalkeeper for my team. He served as India’s president from 2002 to 2007 and was an aerospace scientist who inspired the nation to reach new heights. As a visionary leader, Dr. Kalam would take on the role of goalkeeper with a clear strategy, anticipating the opponent's moves and positioning himself effectively to safeguard the goal
Which athlete would you want to be world leader?
I would be thrilled to see Steven Gerrard as a world leader. Talisman, captain, and leader of men are just a few words that capture his essence. He consistently prioritized the team over himself and rose to the occasion whenever his team needed him the most.
Best rivalry?
Leo Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.
A sign that the world of sport is shrinking?
The fact that upon graduating from grad school in the U.S., a kid from Mumbai (me) could watch my Liverpool take on Arsenal in Philadelphia, of all places, in a stadium that usually hosts a different type of football.
Where would the Great Game Lab find the quintessence of global sport?
At any FIFA World Cup.
Question you'd most want to ask other fellows?
What is the one moment in sports that gave you goosebumps and made you fall in love with the game?