The Major League Gaming National Championships in Las Vegas are now just days away, set to begin on November 21st. For the first time, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will be a featured game on the live circuit. The Top 8 teams that have battled it out throughout the 2008 Pro Online Circuit have been invited to Vegas, and will be competing for $14,000 in total prize money. With anticipation and excitement building, I took the time get some pro-insight with Team FeaR's "ASSASS1N."

GameBattles: Let's start by getting some of the basics out of the way. What are you known by in the online gaming scene, and what team are you participating with at the MLG National Championships in November?

ASSASS1N: I first proved myself in COD3, considered a top player by many people, and carried that over to COD4, where people not only recognize me for my individual skill, but also for my teamwork, communication, and even leadership skills. The team I will be participating with at the MLG Nationals is Team FeaR -- a team that I stayed with for almost a year now on COD4 and have won multiple tourneys with in the past.

GB: Going back to your team's roots a little bit, how and when was this squad established?

ASSASS1N: Well first it started off with Team unreaL TalenT, led by Hastro, which consisted of the most talented players from COD3. I stayed with them for a couple of months until I ran into some issues with a couple of members and left to join Team FeaR. I previously met their leader Moho at an Orlando LAN that Team FeaR won and figured I would try to team with them because of how competitive and serious they were. From there, big things started happening beginning with MLG Online Tournament A where Team FeaR took home first place, when I would say the game was at its highest peak of competitiveness.

GB: Have any of you ever participated in a live MLG event?

ASSASS1N: Neither I or my teammates have ever played at an MLG event or even just spectated one, so this will definitely be an experience I can’t wait to have and one I’ve been looking forward to for a while.

GB: What are your expectations as far as live competition goes? Do you think it will be more challenging, maybe add a little more pressure, playing in front of so many people?

ASSASS1N: Since I have played at a couple LAN events before for COD4, I kind of have the feeling on how things would work out, but nothing like being at an actual MLG event and having tons of people watching over me and my team at Vegas. There will definitely be a little bit more pressure but not enough to stop me from performing at my best and trying to win.

GB: What do you think will be a more important asset to have at MLG Vegas: good teamwork, or very skilled players?

ASSASS1N: For any game I would believe having good team work is the most important asset especially in COD4 where communication and map setup is the #1 key to winning. Teamwork makes dreams work.

GB: Let's assume that your team is playing as good as they ever have: Do you win the championship? Or is there a juggernaut team that you feel may be unstoppable?

ASSASS1N: If our team is playing as good as we ever played, we would be re-living the MLG A experience all over again when we 3-0'd every team with the exception for of 3rd Degree, who took us to five games. There would be no team with the passion, the drive, the will, and the overall experience Team FeaR. If we played the best we ever have then yes, FeaR would win the championship. Also, as for the "juggernaut team" we would like to think that Team FeaR is that team due to our accomplishments, hard work, and dedication we put into this game.

GB: Has the upcoming release of Call of Duty: World at War had any effect on your team's focus and mentality going into the championships?

ASSASS1N: Not at all, since we all are determined to take home the COD4 nationals we will only be playing that game until Vegas. We'll be avoiding Cod:WaW and GoW2 until after Vegas.

GB: Following up on that, do you have plans to compete on World at War; as an individual, or as a team?

ASSASS1N: I plan on sticking with Team FeaR for World at War and do plan on playing it, but if the game isn't making live appearances at MLG events or has multiple tourneys like COD4, I might have to give GoW2 a shot.

GB: And finally, what do you think will be the best part of the MLG Championships in Las Vegas?

ASSASS1N: Just getting to meet everyone in person. From the COD4 community to the Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Gears of War, and Halo 3 pros. Also hanging out with my team and just having a great time win or lose.

A million thanks to ASSASS1N for taking the time to let us in on a little bit of the experience. Good luck to Team FeaR and all of the other teams competing in Las Vegas later this month! Remember, spectating is free of charge -- feel free to stop by and witness this historic event live!

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