Do you find yourself worrying that your kids spend too much time playing video games? Maybe they're paving the way for a big scholarship and bright future in eSports, like hometown favorite Dominick Caparotti. Dominick just accepted a scholarship from Ottawa University, where he'll be competing and coaching other players in his favorite game. He was willing to indulge this mom-of-gamers, and answer my questions about how he got where he is and what comes next. Congratulations, Dom!
Q: Briefly describe the scholarship.
A: My scholarship allows me to compete in Call of Duty's "Gunfight" mode for Ottawa University. I will represent the college in all my collegiate only tournaments and competitions.
Q: When did you into gaming, and what got you started?
A: I started gaming back in around 2004 with the release of "Star Wars Battlefront" on the Playstation 2. Games have always been a part of my life since then, specifically shooters.
Q: What's the difference between playing video games and eSports?
A: Playing video games is just playing for fun or amusement, eSports is competition in video games at the professional level.
Q: What are your favorite video games?
A: I personally am addicted to the Call of Duty and Star Wars Battlefront franchises. But I only compete in Call of Duty Gunfight.
Q: What motivates you to get better? And what's the next step in an eSports career?
A: What motivates me to get better is the drive to cement myself as one of the greats. When people look back at the Gunfight scene in a couple years (since it is only a year old) I want them to remember what I accomplished within it. The next step is competing for Ottawa, then making the Call of Duty Championship this year. I also will be coaching beginners looking to get into Gunfight at the professional level.
Q: What advice do you have for kids who want to follow in your footsteps?
A: Don't take no for an answer. We didn't know if Gunfight would return, but every day I made sure my voice was heard, and eventually they brought it back. Always find a way to compete at the highest level.
Q: Did your parents ever give you a hard time about playing video games? What do you have to say about that now?
A: Yes. Until I explained what I was doing, they never really understood it. Now they are my biggest supporters.
