Getting to Know: EndOfLine
By Caitlyn Underwood

 

How, why, and when did you get into gaming?

I have always been into gaming. Games have always been there for me, either as a mental escape from my daily grind or a way to vent. On long road trips I played the original Pokemon Red and Tetris. At home, I played computer games and console games. Some of the first games that grabbed my attention were: Warcraft 1, Diablo 1, Super Mario World, F-Zero, Contra III: The Alien Wars, 007: Golden Eye, Perfect Dark, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter II, Streets of Rage 1 and 2, Donkey Kong 1 and 2, Fallout 1, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tribes 2, Warcraft 2, Command and Conquer.

What drew you to Starcraft?

I have always enjoyed Starcraft. I started playing before Brood War (BW), “Vanilla” Starcraft; really only playing the story mode and loving the lore. I didn’t play multiplayer until BW. It was one of those games that was really hard to play and still had so many competitors. I loved it. I especially loved big game hunter games, as well as top vs. bottom games.

I followed the BW scene but was honestly more of a filthy casual at the time. Martial arts, especially Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and MMA, were my main focus all throughout college. However, one day I was training for a major Jiu-jitsu tournament and tore my right hamstring clean through, ending my martial arts career. I could still exercise, but needed a competitive vent. I played sports my entire life, and the only game that was competitive enough to satisfy my needs was Starcraft 2!

What got you into the pro scene?

When I was still injured I threw myself into Starcraft, thirsty for as many builds and styles as possible. Fortunately for me, “12 Weeks with the Pros” came out! Thank you, Mr. Bitter! Here I started following guys like Catz, Sheth, Vibe, Idra, incontrol, and Ret. Then I started listening to State of the Game and started watching season 1 of the North American Star League.

From this point I quickly was able to get out of Silver League and eventually got to Master League. Awesome! However, this was not enough. I wanted to play with and against the best. I started grinding Ladder for hours, creating and throwing out builds until I felt I had a good understanding of the game.

One day I watched a player called Spanishiwa coach Mr Bitter with a crazy build that he called the “Ice Fisher” (Why? Don’t know!) The build was a very well put together gasless build that he used vs. everyone! I thought it was a very graceful and pretty way to approach Starcraft; being very safe and having a explosive mid game. Spanishiwa became my first coach in Starcraft. From there I became obsessed with the pro scene!

What do you do when you’re not playing and practicing Starcraft?

I work as a brewer in a local craft brewery. I am a master level fitness trainer. I work out, read, play board games and console games, home brew beer, watch bad movies, and eat lots of food with my wife and friends.

What games do you love other than Starcraft?

Donkey Kong Country 1 and 2, Streets of Rage 2, Fallout 3, Diablo 1 and 2, Mario 64, Mario Kart 8, the new Super Smash Bros., and Overwatch!

Do you read much? What are your favorite books?

Yes I do! Shogun, the Belgariad series by David Eddings, and the Vorkostigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold .

What are your favorite kinds of movies?

I love bad 80s movies, over the top action movies, martial art flicks, and anime!

Do you listen to music when you play Starcraft?

Depends on my mood, and on if I’m streaming or having fun, or if I’m in try-hard mode!

I listen to old school metal like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Judas Priest. Sometimes old video game soundtracks: Donkey Kong Country, Tribes 2, Vigilante 8, Perfect Dark, Streets of Rage, etc.

What do you do to relax after a long day of practice?

I do cardio, lift weights, eat food, play crappy games with friends, and play Overwatch!

So you like to homebrew, what are your favorite styles?”

There are beer making tournaments: very competitive, like Starcraft tournaments! I love making IPAs and stouts, but I always make beer based on what tournament I’m competing in!

What words of wisdom do you have for any aspiring pro gamers out there?

Get a smurf account where the win/loss record means nothing to you. Grind and work on your macro builds without caring about winning, just improving your macro. Then work out before you play, to allow your brain to better retain the learned information. Lastly, grind, grind and grind! 1,000 games per season. Eventually you will play all Grandmasters. Say hello to me next time we play!

 

Lastly, how long have you been growing that fantastic beard?

A full year. Trim it down professionally once a month to get it to look thicker and less creepy; it takes 3 months to get out of that awkward “stalker look” phase. . . Then acquire beard oil and a beard brush. I believe in all you future beard growers!