Full Name: Michael Shane
Age: 22
Hometown: Tampa
Student/Occupation: Senior in College
Game Nickname: Twixz
Team: eMg
Favored Class: Hunter
Favored Team Composition: Hunter Dk Pally
Battlegroup: BG9

Past Gaming Accomplishments:
#1 Hunter Worldwide S4

How did you get into playing World of Warcraft initially, what led to playing professionally and what keeps you playing the game?

I got into WoW from watching someone look at websites in my English class. The competition level in WoW led me into wanting to play professionally and it is what keeps me around.

Gaming History: the console or PC games that you've played the most or had an impact? Have you played any other games competitively?

I played some competitive Smash Brothers Melee when it was around.

Outside of competitive eSports, what occupies your time. Are you a student? (major?) Any sports or hobbies?
Outside of eSports most of time goes towards school I am an IT concepts major and enjoy playing basketball along with other sports.

To what extent do your friends and family know about this aspect of your life? How have they reacted? Will they be following the competition from home?

My friends and family know about my eSport life, it is something I have been around with my friends since middle school. I do not know if they will be watching this event but they might be.

How did you come to be a part of your team? What are the factors that make this team the best choice for you?

Niero and I have been playing WoW together since TR2 at level 70, we qualified for Germany later on in June but due to prior commitments to school Niero will not be able to attend this MLG (he has confirmed he will be able to attend the other ones). So in his place we will be using Veyl who i have known for a while and plays all the same classes as Niero. This team is the best choice for me because I know and trust the teammates I play with.

What is your usual role on the team? As of this moment, what class is your favorite to play in competition?

I usually organize a lot of stuff with the team, and at this moment my favorite class is still my hunter even though ret paladins are kinda fun to 2 shot people with.

How has the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and subsequent 3.1 patch changed competitive play from last year if any, in your opinion?

Its the same thing, play to win. In this game blizzard will buff and nerf from patch to patch. The better players don't complain and just do what they need to do to win.

If the classes were to remain largely the same come time for MLG Columbus, what comps would you expect to see in heavy rotation. What comps are you anticipating to be the most challenging to take down?

RMP and RLS but I'm pretty sure neither of them will be happy about fighting BM hunters =)

What teams would you expect to pose the biggest threat to your own? Why?

Heavy Cleave, no good target to dps for us.

For someone just starting out in WoW Arena PvP, what is the most effective piece of advice you could offer? What are the keys to success in WoW Arena?

Watch videos/streams. Practice playing smart and against good opponents. The keys to success in WoW arena are really coordination and timing.

Related Links

MLG Columbus WoW Announced and Teams Revealed
MLG Behind the Gamer - zyZ
MLG Behind the Gamer - Hafu
MLG Behind the Gamer - Azael
MLG Behind the Gamer - Happyminti
MLG Behind the Gamer - Glick
MLG Behind the Gamer - Flexx
MLG Behind the Gamer - Twixz
MLG Behind the Gamer - Kollektiv
Official Rules
Spectator Passes
MLG Pro Circuit Landing Page
MMO-Champion.com