QuakeCon 2013 Coverage - The Pro Gamers

Anybody who frequents this site or watches my videos on YouTube knows that one of my favorite things to do is talk to competitive gamers. You won’t necessarily find the most analytical interviews or breakdowns of specific matches but instead a more conversational tone. The principle idea is that identifying with personalities within the wide world of competitive gaming can help grow the community and I am attempting to help that happen.

This weekend at QuakeCon 2013 held in sunny Dallas, TX, I not only interviewed my first professional QuakeLive player, Shane ‘Rapha’ Hendrixon, but I also had the opportunity to sit down with the “Ambassador of eSports” himself, Johnathan 'Fatal1ty’ Wendel. 

First up is Shane “Rapha” Hendrixon. Spoiler Alert: Rapha took first in both the Duel 1v1 and Clan Arena tournaments at QuakeCon 2013. This interview however was conducted on Friday before the Duel Grand Finals. Topics range form tournament format, the QuakeLive esports scene, and how he go in to Quake in the first place.  

I remember years ago watching a video of young blonde guy standing on the Great Wall of China and talking about making money playing video games (2002ish?) and thinking to myself holy crap what am I doing with my life. That blonde dude, yes I’m talking about Fatal1ty, was hanging around the tournament room at QuakeCon 2013 and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to talk to him. 

Had a great time talking to these guys and I hope it shows. A special co producer credit goes to my buddy Amp for filling in the blanks for me at Qcon. Cheers and be on the lookout for more great interviews from QuakeCon 2013.