The time has finally come for me to interview a professional gamer. I have been expecting this interview for a while, my research has prepared and build-up to this moment.

Stiven Hernandez 

Writing for The Social Sciences 

May 6, 2022 

I entered the voice chat where Ektor was waiting for me. We were the only two people online at that time, it was early in the morning. We decided to use their usernames because he was not comfortable using his real name. Ektor has been my friend for a while now and he told me he has never been interviewed before. 

Ektor sounded enthusiastic as always. I asked him, “How were you introduced to video games?”. He starts speaking about a Christmas when he got a Nintendo but stops himself mid-way to change his answer. He says, “Back when I was in D.R (Dominican Republic) my dad brought home something that looked similar to Gameboy. It was like a spin-off with Tetris, racing, and ping pong pixel games”. Ektor claimed to play those games until the AA batteries would run out and he had to replace them. I asked Ektor, “What video games are to you?” To which the answer with, “Video games are a place where I can prove myself, a place where nothing is impossible and there is no limit.” He composed his answer slowly, thinking about what he would say next before he spoke. I proceeded to ask him about his childhood and if he ever imagined himself playing games professionally. Ektor did not hesitate to respond with a solid “NOPE”. I asked him what steps he took to get where he is now, and he stated that he does not have a straight answer as he just went with the flow and took every opportunity he could when advancing the ranks.  

Having the right equipment is important because it brings an advantage when playing video games. I asked Ektor, how much he had invested in equipment; he took a deep breath and a couple of seconds to answer, “I have spent around $5,000 on equipment. The computer itself was about $3,000, then with the table, chair, monitor, mouse and all the other things it adds up to $5,000 or something close to that.” He spoke with such ease as if this was not a large amount to be spent on equipment. I can only wonder how much the rest of the team has spent. Based on the money that Ektor has invested in equipment I asked him about his income. “Is the money he is earning from tournaments or the team itself enough?” “To live, no. But even if it’s a small amount, it inspires me to keep going and aspire more”. I continued with the question, “Is there any other type of income coming in?” “There is. I am a lifeguard. There is good money and I get enough time to practice”. I followed up with the question, “How much time do you spend practicing? “It depends on the week. I may have plans for important things like spending time with family. But on average, 5-8 hours a day”. The joy he was feeling when he spoke about his family traversed the microphone, he must have a good relationship with them. How is your relationship with your friends and family? I asked. He doesn’t sound too interested in answering this question, but he says, “I hardly see my friends because I spend so much time practicing. I have been missing parties and cookouts. But with my family it’s different, I live with them and see them every day”. He takes a pause, “sometimes I think about moving out, but I’d miss my mom’s cooking”.  

“How do you keep up with the new game strategies and the game meta?” I asked. “I watch a lot of videos and read blogs online. When I eat, when I can’t sleep, when I’m in a car, I am always looking for things to up my game”, he answered. I asked Ektor if he had free time, he said “barely”. “What would you do if you had free time?” I asked, “I’d probably play video games, to be honest”. His answer sounded honest as if he were imagining himself playing a match at that moment. I asked Ektor what motivated him to keep playing video games. His tone changed, “I think about quitting more often than winning, but since I have gotten this far, I need to keep going and reach my goals, where I aspire to be and the thing I want to do”. I asked Ektor, in his eyes, what does it take to be a good player? I did not get a straight answer, he said it was “a mix of a lot of things, like a smoothie. You need to be cocky, greedy, determined, but also honest with yourself and what you can and cannot do”. I proceeded to ask him if there have been any obstacles during his gaming career. His voice projected frustration and anger. “A lot” he says, “my worst enemy is posture. Before I did not pay attention to my posture and my back started hurting. Eventually, I started using a post-it close to my monitor to remind myself to keep my back straight.” “Any other challenges you’ve had?” I asked, “Yes, but those are more personal, and I don’t want to talk about it”.  

Next question, “What are some benefits of playing video games professionally?” He said with a goofy tone, “I am getting paid to play games, I am doing what I like, and there is much more”, his tone changed again to a more serious one. “But by far the best is that I feel purpose behind everything I do, and it will help me reach my goal”. “What are some downsides of playing video games professionally?” He was direct and blunt when he said, “TIME-CONSUMING”.  

Ektor previously said that this will help him reach his goals. I asked him what his ultimate goal was, and he said, “My ultimate goal, I don’t know. But for now, I want to become a well-known gamer, get sponsorships and be able to provide for me and my family. After that, we’ll see I guess”. I followed up with a common question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” He answered, “Hopefully in some big named team like Giants, Heretics. Imagine being in Faze Clan, that would be a dream. if not, working 9-5 at McDonald’s”. He said with a laugh. “Is there a plan b?” I asked, “nope, this is what I have been wanting to do since high school and this is what I will do”.  

Overall, this interview was eye-opening. I was able to see what other people do not; most people just think you have to be good to make it as a professional gamer, but they don’t stop and think that this is a person you like no one else. Ektor is a great person with a bright future in front of him. I felt comfortable and no lines were crossed during the interview, everything went smoothly. 

Questions used in this interview

(The questions were not asked in this order)

1. How were you introduced to video games? 

2. What are videogames for you? 

3. As a child or being relatively new to the world of video games, did you ever imagine yourself here now? 

4. What steps did you take to become a professional gamer? 

5. When it comes to equipment, how much money has been invested? 

6. Is the amount of money earned by playing video games enough? 

7. Is there any other form of income? 

8. How much time is dedicated to practicing? 

9. How do you keep up with the strategies and meta of the game? 

10. Do you have any free time? 

11. If so, what do you do with that free time? If not, what would you do with that free time? 

12. What motivates you to keep playing? 

13. Based on your experience, what is the key to being a good player? 

14. What obstacles have you experienced in this journey? 

15. What are some benefits you see in being a professional gamer? 

16. What are some downsides of being a professional gamer? 

17. Has this career choice changed your relationship with your friends and family? 

18. What is your ultimate goal? 

19. Where will you be in 5 years? 

20. Is there a “plan B”?