My names Nick "Nomey" Burfield, I'm 23 years old and I've been playing quake for a little over a year now. Previously I played TF2 CS and a little ra3.

What expectations and goals have you set for yourself to achieve playing in the tournament?

My goal is to win it because I hear they have really good steak in texas, also I have a few online friends in texas that I have gathered over the years and it would be great to find out if they are as weird IRL as they are online.

Since you have heard about the tournament and qualified to participate in the final twelve what kind of changes, if any, have you made to your training schedule?

I have just generally started playing a bit more than I probably should due to exams etc, over the next few weeks I will try to really hone in on some problem areas but right now im just getting my play time up so that when i do have the time and energy to think about how to improve, I am already at a level where it will actually help!

Is there anything specific you are training to improve or better about your game?

I have lots of secret things I am going to be working on but I would rather not tell the other competitors and thereby give them advice on how to get better, its going to be totally awesome.

Have or will you be doing any research into your opponents, and if so what kind of research would you be undergoing?

I dont really know about doing research on opponents, its not really my thing. Of course I will look at how each players style works against my own and try to find ways around it but thats just common sense!

Has it sunk in yet that all you have to do is win a free to play tournament and you will be going to QuakeCon 2010? What feelings did you have when you first found out about the announcement?

I think it has sunk in, my first feelings were oh great now we can watch someone get smashed 20-0 by no name randoms! In TexaS! but the closer the tournament gets the more excited I get about it. I think, as other people have mentioned, that it is going to be a great thing for aus quake no matter who goes ( except zenaku ).

Does Quakecon have any special meaning to you personally? Have you ever been?

It doesn't have TOO much special meaning other than its a TOTALLY SWEET TOURNEY IN THE STATES! I've never been before.

Who do you feel will be your toughest opponents in the competition, and why?

If I say whos going to be my toughest opponent they are going to get some confidence when they play me because they are going to think Oh! Nomeys Scared of me! Which will in turn make it easier for them to hit the good shots so I'm not going to say my toughest opponents but I will say the easiest opponents, people like zenaku, ven, panther. I am going to crush them!

How do you see yourself handling under pressure? Do you have any rituals to cope?

I do ok under pressure, its just a matter of accepting the moment and letting the quake flow through you (c) - chance. My rituals involve playing through Money For Nothing once on every instrument in my entire house (Which is quite a few!)

What would you say are your biggest strengths in the Duel arena?

I think (when im playing good) that I can adapt my style quite well to whoever Im playing against. I think im versatile in that respect.

What kinds of experience are you hoping to embrace the most should you attend Quakecon?

Well I have a few "to do" lists for quakecon. Things like, have a few shots of vodka with spartie (naked), smoke a carton of cigarettes with cooller and cypher and perhaps have a quiet moments prayer with rapha.

Thanks for joining us for an exclusive pre-tournament interview. On behalf of the 4Seasons Gaming and ArchaicMSI team we wish you the best of luck in the Draft. Before we go is there any final words?

Thank you for the interview mick, I would just like to say that aus quake wouldn't be anything like it is today without your work. You are a shining light in the darkness, you are a true champion amongst worms like the rest of us. And that you can call on me brother, when you need a hand because we all need somebody to lean on.

Shoutout to the Yukister, big shout out to my YSW BoYZ Reppin and to the understander, for he'th understand'th ye.

Interviewers Mick05/Traits