After all of the intrigue and controversies surrounding the recent moves by Complexity, it was time to find out who really pulls the strings behind the organization. Everyone has heard of Jason “1” Lake, but who is he and what does he do? Lake takes on Trevor “Midway” Schmidt in a one on one interview.

While most people know you for the management of Complexity, what do you do when you're not managing the team? Family? Job?

LAKE - My primary career is owning and running "Lake & Associates, P.C.," a corporate real-estate law firm. My immediate family consists of my wife, Danielle, and my 1 year old daughter, Alexandra "Allie" Lake. They are what's most important to me, and everything I do is for them.


What's your background? What did you do before getting involved in eSports?

LAKE - Personally, I went to Iowa State University where I was fortunate enough to graduate #1 in Finance. Then, I applied to all the top law schools in the country: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Emory. My dream was to move to California and be a Stanford corporate lawyer, but I got denied admission. After that, I went to Emory (called the "Harvard of the South") and borrowed $100,000 to get a law degree. The funny thing is after this big degree, I couldn't find a job.

I was depressed and pissed off, so I started my own firm, specializing in Real Estate. Lake & Associates has provided for my family very very nicely, but has damn near given me quite a few nervous breakdowns. Everyone thinks I'm a "silver spoon" kid. Nothing is further from the truth. I work myself to death for what I have, and I'm NOT as rich as the fans think I am. I'm just "ballsy" enough to invest in a sport/business I believe in.


What made you decide to get into eSports? A single moment?

LAKE - Actually, not at all. I grew up a "video gamer," but I quit years ago. Then, a friend of mine started playing Half-Life, so I'd grab some beers and watch him play to pass the time. I got pretty big into Half-Life, then he got me into CS. I pubbed for a year or more before I even HEARD of CAL, UGS, etc. At first, I hated the "clan" idea. I'm not a follower, and think things like that are stupid.

However, after I understood the true competitive nature of the sport, I was drawn to play in a clan. My first clan was named "Profile." They found me in a pub playing "awp_map” when I was like 90-4. I talked quite a bit of trash and backed it up, so they picked me up. Over 3 months, I got angry how little dedication was in my clan, so I talked to my wife, and she said "Start your OWN clan." That's how compLexity was born.


Most people in the community equate yourself and Complexity with money; how much money to date have you spent in the eSports scene?

LAKE - That is totally understandable. I'm not here to pretend I'm something I'm not. I grew up fairly poor, and quickly learned that money CAN equal success. Doesn't guarantee success, but it sure helps. When I do something, I do it 100%, so when I promised Y0shi I was for real (when starting coL) I meant it. Did money take us from CAL-O to CPL Top 5 in 13 months? You BET your ass.

But did money give these guys true heart and motivation? Did money skyrocket compLexity to the top? No WAY. I've always run companies ever since I was a young kid throwing teen dances for profit. I found the right combination of people: players, staff, coders, etc etc, that make us what we are. I'm here to tell you money can NOT buy success. However, money, proper management, and DRIVEN "employees" can rule the world.

You didn't really say how much money exactly, are you willing to actually attach a figure to the investment you have made in this industry?

LAKE - As a businessman, disclosing numbers isn't wise. However, in the spirit of sharing with our new industry, let me just say it's substantial. I believe in this business, and it's over $225,000. That includes all coL's sponsorships, tourneys, salaries and website promotions. If you don't think I believe in this sport, let me tell you something: that's more liquid cash than I own right now.


Do you honestly believe the money you have spent in the scene was a wise investment and if so why?

LAKE - Honestly, I've been VERY blessed in my life. I can really say that everything I've touched has turned to gold. Not because I'm special or really talented. I just think I'm lucky, and I've said enough prayers. Will E-Sports succeed? Definitely. I've studied the demographics, the revenues, and the overall structure of where we are in sporting society. We are on the BORDER of a major revolution. Will *I* be able to profit? Will compLexity be the New York Yankees of the next 75 years? I sure hope so, but with or without me, this "hobby" is a new revolution.


A logical business model would see an investment of money for a startup with the goal of returning that investment into revenue and profits in the long run. Unlike other popular teams out there, coL has yet to be sponsored by any fairly large company are you concerned with not being able to recoup investments you have made?

LAKE - That's a wife observation. Honestly, I've tried to approach this business with a new plan: build a world powerhouse with my OWN money, THEN go after top-tier sponsors when we have some REAL leverage. We have purposely just begun to seek true cash sponsors as part of a 5-tier business model I created over a year ago. Do I expect to recoup my investment? That's the catch-22 isn't it?

I've told my wife over this risky investment, give me 10 years and I'll make 10 million dollars. Will I succeed? Only God knows. But coL is here to stay, and as E-Sports grow, we will grow. My wife always says I let my "win-at-all-costs" attitude get in the way of profitability, but I guess only time will tell. I just can't stand losing.


Since it's a public fact that you take no cut of your players prize money, even giving them bonuses for placing above your expectations; won't it take sponsorship money to recoup your investments in your team?

LAKE - Most definitely. I'm not going to lie here: we win $15,000, I "lose" $12,000. I spent that to take this team to CPL BEFORE bonuses, and the players keep 100% of the prize. I don't believe in stealing a player's prize. They earned it, I didn't. If I can't get my profits from sponsors, then I'm a failure. I shouldn't take from my players' pockets to line my own.


Do you think that eSports is hurt by the fact that there are not many companies in the industry turning profits?

LAKE - I think it's a hurdle that we must overcome. Baseball started in the dirt fields of New York. We started on the WORLD wide web. I think we've got this.


How much more money can you realistically pump into coL before the team would need outside revenue to cover player salaries and current giveaway/site bonuses?


LAKE - As much as it takes to win. To be VERY honest, my companies have had a VERY bad second half of 2004, and I'm struggling. I'm not the BILLIONAIRE everyone says I am. Sure, there are months when I can burn 20's, but right now I'm hurting. But the bottom line is my family and my financial backers are 100% dedicated to The Syndicate. I've shown investors our documentary, and they've literally pulled out their check books. I'm blessed because I knew quite a few wealthly people that believe in me. Even if I "fail" compLexity has enough money to conquer the world.


You have done a lot of work in the movie arena of the eSports scene; why did you decide to pursue this area and do you feel your movies and most recently your CPL related stuff has changed people's opinion of coL any?

LAKE - Let's not bullshit here. I started the compLexity LTD for 2 reasons: #1 because I knew it would get my website tons of hits, which sponsors like, and #2 because I honestly enjoy the movies, and think the movie community needed a little money to keep them thriving. Before "Redemption" no movie we've produced has changed anyone's opinions, but to be truthful, the response to Redemption has been shocking. I get like 75-150 pm's a day, but all of a sudden I'm getting "I used to hate and flame you, but I've changed my mind, please unban me" PM's. All I can say is we had the courage to release a REAL video (for God's sake I let them show me CRYING) and the community has really responded in a mature and supportive way.


Complexity made quite a big deal out of the recent signing of Sunman and the promotion of Bullseye to VP of coL, do you think that this trend of extravagant releases of newly signed players will continue eSports wide?

LAKE - Well, to be frank, I have become great friend with Sean ("Bullseye"). He lives in Atlanta, and often comes over to watch movies in my theatre. However, my father brought me up to be a hard-core businessman; HARD core, yet heart-felt. Sean was a coL family member looking for a REAL future beyond being a gamer. I'm an owner looking for some help in the person of a talented manager. I guess you could say that 2 1/2 hour meeting I mentioned on TSN was a "coming-to-God" for both of us. I knew I needed a younger, more dedicated player, and Sean knew he had to move on with his professional career.

We're both very fortunate that everything has worked out, and I can't imagine a more qualified manager in the E-world. Also, as a side note, I watch our scrims 6 days a week (drives my wife nuts lol) and coL.cs with Sunman might just bring the next few world championships back to America.


Let's say every player in the World was available to you for signing, hypothetically, who would you sign and why?

LAKE - The compLexity Syndiate has been in touch with EVERY top North American player, and a couple Euro and "Inter-Continental" players since CPL. We have made our choices.


What is the most you would spend on one player today for a contract?

LAKE - Great question you know I can't answer. Allow me to say, though, The Syndicate *WILL* be the first organization to sign a Million Dollar Contract in Western E-Sports.


Obviously a lot of press from United 5 claimed that coL stole Sunman, how do you respond to that criticism?

LAKE - I really feel badly that my friends from United 5 feel I "stole" Justin. These stupid allegations that coL placed Crissy in U5 are nothing more than children watching soap operas.

The honest to God truth is Sunman came to coL, promising he was quitting United 5 with or without The Syndicate. We would have been idiots not to bring him on. United 5 has mentioned lawsuits, but I hope it doesn't come to that for two reasons:

#1 we have always supported U5, and #2 we've made SURE not to breach his contact. That's why Sunman still isn't on our CAL roster.


Bullseye's step back from play seems like a major demand from the community who felt his experience didn't outweigh his poor play of late, do you feel the communities' opinion about your team would ever cause you to make a move on your roster?

LAKE - Sean "Bullseye" Morgan is a legend. Nobody can argue that. We are VERY honored that such a player would associate himself with the coL Family. However, Sean is turning 25 in May. He has decided that he can best help The Syndicate by moving to management. Six years is a LONG time to play a competitive game. That aside, with his knowledge, contacts, and LAN experience, I can't image a better manager, business associate or coach. That being said, let's not jerk a chord here Midway: Bulls has been the anchor on the next #1 world team and both him and I knew it. We've fixed that now.


While Bullseye said he had close contacts with Torbull from Team3D, other sources suggest that there's possibly friction between Team3D, specifically Torbull, and coL, specifically yourself, do you any comment about that and do you really see Torbull having any interest in helping coL with sponsors that may cost revenue to Team3D?

LAKE - GREAT question. Similar to ANY enterprise, the top "players" often spend much time in person outside the public eye. I was very thrilled that at the last CPL I was privileged enough to spend time with Craig (aka Torbull) at Angel Munoz's private art gallery.

I explained to him that my drastic comments Spring '04 were more that of a frustrated fan who though his favorite team has lost its heart. He explained to me how quality managed organizations like Team 3D and compLexity could work together to build all of our future. Can Sean work with Craig and assimilate his knowledge? Absolutely! If we don't work together, we'll all fail, and the KINGS of American E-sports have been generous enough to help coL build our organization.


You spoke of an NFL style league on TsN – When can we expect more details of this league and what association would you have to this league?

LAKE - This is the true DEAM of us all. At least all of us that CARE about E-sports' future. I am honored to be involved. My only fear is that the attention span of this community will flame me if this isn't reality in 12 months. Please give us time. We're working SO hard to make ALL of our dreams reality. Who is 'we're'?? I can't say because of contracts, but let me assure you I don't do business with CXG type people. I’m tailing *THE* top leaders in E-sports. Believe in us, because we believe in you. Just give us time. :-)


How many teams would you expect to see in this NFL style league with the information you know now, could there be any from overseas squads that would possibly make a transition to live in the USA?

LAKE - Let's not jerk a chord here Mid. There are VERY few American teams that qualify. Sure, sure, you have a big name.. A,B,C,D. And the ONLY way you stay CAL-I is getting three new players every season. The new "Super League" (because we don't have a name) is not going be to based on age-old names of unorganized and unsophisticated teams. This league will initially be based on MANAGEMENT structure. Because MANAGEMENT leads to stability. Have the Atlanta Braves had the same players over their decade of dominance? Nope. But the ORGANIZATION remains the same. The "Super" league will be initially based on management, and not titles.


How soon does your expectations for your CS team become winning every event - you have been very vocal about setting realistic expectations for your team, when would that change to 'we must win every event focus'?

LAKE - Well, considering the players I've been fortunate enough to bring into the Family, I honestly think we're #1 in the world right NOW. But this sentence means nothing until we prove it. Stay tuned to complexityclan.com. We're just warming up.


While your team is known for signing the big names, they have yet to travel overseas for a tournament. Can we expect to see coL at any of the overseas CPL World Tour stops?

LAKE - My players are BEGGING to travel abroad. We are, in fact, a GLOBAL Syndicate. We're waiting for the right place and the right time to prove our superiority. Until we play NiP, that won't happen, so we'd like to invite NiP to CPL summer. Name the game: we're ready.


ESWC or CPL? Your relationship with CPL suggest you would want to attend that event with your team, but since its CS:Source, what if your team suggested they would rather attend ESWC, would you support/allow that?

LAKE - I personally told Mr. Munoz that I felt CS:S wasn't ready for CPL. However, compLexity will follow his lead, as I feel it would be foolish to disrespect the King of E-Organizations.

I'd like to thank those sponsors that trusted in us before we were "famous:" #lothosting, #comcage, #typefrag and "Innate Media Group (see our website for link)"