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Counter-Strike: The Mind of Montaner

By: Stewart Blake - Published September 04, 2006 at 12:05 AM EDT - Writer Archive
Stewart "egeiz" Blake introduces the first edition of "The Mind" series as he sit downs with compLexity star, Danny "fRoD" Montaner and takes a look at life when you eat, breathe, and sleep what we know as professional eSports.


Danny with our very own Midway at the World eSports Game Masters event.
Most interviews start off with the boring introduction of how you got started in gaming, what teams you have been on, and basically who you are as a player. I want to know what’s beyond that. So let me start by getting everyone in the same picture as Danny Montaner. How were things growing up as a kid? What you have gotten out of life so far, and what you are looking to accomplish?

Growing up as a kid I guess I could say I had a normal life. I was getting good grades in school, thinking about colleges that I want to attend, etc.. And, at that time, I was one of the starting pitchers for the Miami Braves, a really good traveling team based in Florida. I guess you can say that is where I got my competitive nature, but I quit baseball after 11 years for CS. And now, I am focusing on CS 100%. With the money I am making, I am going to turn it around and use it for investments. I bought myself a car because I was in desperate need of one since mine had been broken for a few weeks. I plan on buying a house soon, and moving out with some friends as soon as possible.

What kind of person do you see yourself as and how do you think people see you?

Well, unfortunately I am probably seen as the 'bad guy' by the online community. But, if you get to meet me, you will know I'm a very humorous and easy going guy. I really try to be myself always because I want people to not judge a book by its cover, and give me a chance.

Being Hispanic you can face a lot of stereotypes/prejudice growing up and as your life progresses. What kind of things do you deal with when it comes to your everyday life or have things been for the most part "fair" so far?

Well, thankfully I live in Miami, a city dominated by the Hispanic community. Pretty much everyone here is Hispanic, or something other than 'American.' Because I live in a city filled with Hispanics, there really is no need for anyone to be racist period since we live in such a diverse city. Then, in all the places I have traveled to, and growing up, I have never experienced any racism towards me. I guess every now and then I see something on your forums, but what can we expect.

What do you think of people who feed off of the stereotype? If I was one of them and didn't know much about you on a personal basis like I do now I would say you are cocky, pretty demanding, and you think you are too good for your own shoes. What would you say to me or anyone who perceives you this way?

Growing up in this game, I took the criticism from top players as my reason to succeed and prove everyone wrong. I don’t think it's fair for anyone to judge people on how they appear, or how they are unfairly portrayed by the community. And, pretty much my only response to someone is they really should give me a chance, and get to know me because I am pretty much the opposite of how people portray me.

What would you change in your life if you could go back at any point?

Nothing, I live a life devoid of regrets and try to enjoy every day I'm here to the fullest.

Many people have role models. Who have you looked up to throughout your life and what have they been able to give you just by watching them go through their own life?

I was a hardcore sports fan when I was younger. I still have thousands of cards, probably worth tons of money, and a lot of other memorabilia. I was just a huge fan of the sports themselves, not really the players. I can't say I have really had a role model. I want to be my own person, and maybe even be the person who is looked up to by others, which is perfectly fine with me.

What kind of qualities would you like others to know about you and do you see any disadvantages trying to present yourself without people knowing these particulars?

I think I would let people know that I am a really down to earth, level headed, and humorous. I like to crack a lot of jokes, and make sure people are always smiling. I really don't see any disadvantages other than the fact you can't change how people are, and if they want to judge me they will, and if they don't want to they won't. I can’t really control minds... yet...
Continued (1/4) »
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