Aaron Rivera, who is known as Happy, continues to be one of the best players from the LATAM North region, having taken further strides after an impressive campaign last season to make his way to the first major event of FC24. 

He represented Mexico at international level on the last title, guiding them close to qualification to the FIFAe Nations Cup, though strong performances at the FIFA 23 Global Series and FIFAe Club World Cup three months after his 18th birthday in the summer saw him earn $17,000 from high finishes.

A 3-2 finish on day one in the Swiss Stage of the FC Pro Open Global Qualifier saw him come up against AbuMakkah in the next round, when a narrow defeat saw him forced to navigate the lower bracket to secure his place at the FC Pro Open. 

The 18-year-old came back from 4-3 down after conceding in extra time during the semi-final against MUAE14, but he almost won the game after equalising when finding Rafael Leao with some trademark incisive passing play.

Happy managed to win 11-10 on penalties in a shootout in which both goalkeepers found the net. There was more drama in the final, as he produced an excellent strike in clutch fashion with Kylian Mbappe in the final seconds to secure a 5-4 win over JistenNSQ. 

He gave thanks to his family after securing a place among the top 20 players that are set to go head-to-head at the FC Pro Open. There was a special mention for his father, who was alongside him in London to provide support on what was one of the most nail-biting routes to qualification. 

A tricky group saw Happy come up against FIWC 2023 semi-finalist PHZin, FacuCowen, Bonanno, and Young, who he secured a 5-3 win against during the Swiss Stage on day one of the FC Pro Open Global Qualifier.

The Mexican eventually finished fourth with 11 points, ensuring that he will be back at the Open next season and offering encouragement as he only finished three points behind the top two. The hope will be that this can help to push Happy on for a big season.