Professional Gamer

Professional Gamer

the Ryanator

Clemson, SC

Male, 23

I played two entirely different video games professionally for multiple years. That is, I traveled around the country often on a sponsor's dollar and competed in video game tournaments for money. I believe I can provide good insights into professional gaming. If you want to know more just ask!

I'm now lead developer at LiveNinja an internet startup that I will shamelessly promote here.

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93 Questions

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Last Answer on February 12, 2015

Best Rated

Assuming you no longer compete professionally, what do you do for work now? Do you work in a gaming-related area?

Asked by Krautman almost 12 years ago

I'm currently finishing my Master's degree in Computer Science. Once I graduate gaming-related work area is a real possibility.

At the risk of dating myself, are video arcades just totally antiquated at this point?

Asked by Old Yella almost 12 years ago

Honestly, I don't know. I don't live in the city so there aren't any around me. I think they still exist but, are far more rare than they once were.

Do you think the Sony PS4 will live up to the hype? Will you be on line at midnight when it's released?

Asked by Diablo Joe about 11 years ago

Honestly, so far I haven't heard too much hype for the PS4, so I guess it could live up to the hype. I won't be in line for the PS4. I've never gotten a console on release date. Games are nice to have on release date because those first few days where everyone is still learning the game can be some of the most exciting, but I normally hold off on consoles until they have a few games I'd actually want.

At a overall scale in your professional opinion, which do you prefer WOW or LOL? Being as one being an ROG and the other RTS?

Asked by Paul K Nihipali over 9 years ago

I'm partial towards LoL, but I'm bad at RTS games so that factors in a lot.

My 15 yr old wants to be a pro gamer. I want to be supportive so how can I tell if he REALLY has the skills. Are there certain stats I should watch for? He is Black Ops all the way.

Asked by kariology over 10 years ago

Black ops is a team game so he'll have to find a team.  He can do that by playing wiht a group of friends or going on forums finding a team looking for players and trying out.  If he played with a group of friends it can be a lot of fun, but he has to have a good group of friends that are able to play a lot and around the same skill level.  If he were to try out online they'd play a few games with him online and then if they thought he fit with them they'd add him to the team.  I generally find teams that assemble this way do better than groups of friends.

After he has a team he needs to actually do some tournaments.  There are lots of online tournaments he can play.  If you live in a big city there are likely some local tournaments you can find too.  His success in those tournament are the stats you should watch for.  If he does well in them he should try going to major national/international tournaments.  That said there is likely going to be a good bit of losing before there is winning.  That's just how it goes.  Going to tournaments and losing still can be a great learning experience.

I'm a mother of 5 boys ranging 4 to 12 ... They have xbox 360, xbox 1, and playstation 1,2,3 is there any way to connect them to 2 tv's for split screening purposes? My kids want 2 screens to play separate players? Is this possible?

Asked by Confused mom over 9 years ago

They would need to have two of the same console.

What are some of the best locations in North America for professional gaming / Major tournaments?

Asked by Kris May about 11 years ago

It varies a bit game to game but, basically the big cities and population centers in the us.  Your best bet is finding a forum for competitve play in your game and they will have tournaments listed.  There are often lots of local tournaments for a game and then major tournaments that the top teams/players go to.  The top tournaments are at various cities.