“Fatality” Makes Six Figure Salary Playing Games
Posted by Sean Fallon on November 20, 2005
Filed Under Gaming | Stumble This
At 24, Jonathan Wendel, aka “Fatality,” is living the dream. He expects to make over $200,000 this year as a professional gamer.
“It’s fun to play games for a living,” says Wendel. “Getting up every day is very easy.”
No kidding. The gaming industry is rapidly becoming the driving force in entertainment - already surpassing Hollywood in yearly revenue. The fact that people like Wendel can make a better than average living at it suggests that gaming is no longer considered a childish pastime - it’s a sport that requires a tremendous amount of skill.
“I’m doing something no one else has ever done before,” Wendel said during a break from practice for the Cyberathlete Professional League World Tour Grand Finals that begin Sunday in New York, where first place would win him a $150,000 check. “I’m kind of a pioneer.”
Despite pulling in a salary that is on par with many top level executives, Fatality lives a fairly bare bones existence. He currently lives on around $15,000 and invests the rest in his business.
“I don’t really have time to indulge in anything,” said Wendel. “I’m so dedicated and so determined to be the best I don’t have time to indulge in other stuff.”
Wendel estimates that three quarters of his time this year has been spent on the road. He generally spends at least 8 hours a day perfecting his craft.
Still, at 24, Wendell is an old-timer in the world of gaming. His success at the Grand Finals this year will go a long way in determining his future in the sport.
“Gaming is so much fun and so relaxing,” he said. “I don’t see why anyone would want to stop playing.”
Update: 11/23/05 Wendell did, in fact, win the Grand Finals this year - so it looks like he will be around for many years to come.
Source: AP
Posted by Sean
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7 Responses to ““Fatality” Makes Six Figure Salary Playing Games”
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$15,000? He invests 185,000 a year on “his business?” You would think he could keep a little more of that money for himself.
Pfft I would school this tool any day.
[...] Bit-Tech also brought up a good point - it seems entirely plausable that ATI might try and leverage the Macci name to sell products in much the same manner as various companies employ the Fatal1ity brand. [...]
[...] Few would argue that Jonathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel is the most gifted gamer on the planet - a superstar and a pioneer in an emerging sport. [...]
[...] And if you don’t believe that professional gaming is a viable source of revenue for USA or for the players, check out this Nerd Approved article on how Jonathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel earns a six figure salary playing video games. [...]
Hello!
Im Christia from Philippines.
HOw can I contact Jonathan Wendel thru email or phone?
[...] It’s every gamers wet dream to find a way to make a living playing video games, and Jonathan Wendel aka “Fatal1ty” is not only making a living but thriving with a six figure salary at 25. [...]