We ran into Paul Nelson at DigitalLife as he was just wrapping up a seminar on the pro gaming leagues.  Just about everyone I know thinks they have what it takes to be the next big money making gamer.  Paul, or as you know and fear him, “czm,” was kind enough to answer a couple of questions for us:

PlayFeed: What game made you start competing?
Paul Nelson: Quake, I mainly play Quake 3 right now in tournaments.

Do you have any special “good luck” charms you bring with you to the tourney’s?
Yeah, tons.  I have to have my mouse, mousepad, keyboard, keyboard wrist guard, mouse wrist guard, USB Drive preloaded with my drivers, camera, two pairs of headphones: one open ear and closed ear for team and solo combat… I can go on and on and on about what I bring with me.

Please do.
Gum, lots of gum. I chew so much gum it has got to be unhealthy. Oh yeah, and Powerbars.  You never know when a game is gonna be delayed and you have to go 9 hours straight of gaming.

What’s the most money you ever won in a single tournament?
QuakeCon ‘04.  I won $25,000 for that.

What about your first year as a “pro”?
I won $15,000, I was only a sophmore in High School.

What the absolute best thing about be a pro gamer?
I like that my friends can watch me be ‘famous’ but to them I’m just a regular guy, but most of all I love the competition.

What about the money?
It is an added bonus, but it’s most fun to compete.  I was never in it for the money.

What games are you looking most forward to?
Quake 4

What about next gen consoles? Any favorites?
I’m excited about next gen gaming in general, but I love to play Zelda, so I guess Nintendo Revolution.

What advice do you give to those who want to get into pro gaming?
You need lots of free time.  So if you have other priorities, try to practice on spare time.  Like I said, I started playing for the competition and online gaming allows me to do that.  After you’ve got the time, follow competitions, get involved in the community.  The internet is a good source to find out where there are competitions in your area.  You can also practice playing online.  Just stay involved.

We thank Paul for his time, and wish him luck.