Optic Gaming is an e-Sports organisation founded in 2006 who are known for competing on the Call of Duty franchise. Later adding teams to Both Halo and Counterstrike. Optic Gaming played with the idea of joining the Halo Pro Circuit in 2012 but it proved to be more difficult than anticipated with them only placing in the top 64 in their first competition. Under the captaincy of veteran ex-“Status Quo” captain, Michael “FlamesworD” Chaves, Optic built a much stronger team and enjoyed moderate success over 2015. Optics roster has remained fairly constant throughout with FlamesworD, MaNiaC and Ace playing in the majority of Optics matches. In April 2016 FlamesworD retired as a player and took over as the Coach of Optic Gaming.
So who are the players currently playing for Optic Gaming?
The captain of Optic is veteran player Nick “MaNiaC” Kershner. Gamertag: OpTic CaiNaM. Age: 24
Maniac is best known for his 6-year tenure at “Believe the Hype” where he played alongside both Ace and APG at one time or another. Maniac is considered an e-Sports celebrity with over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. His popularity has increased since he joined Optic. Maniac is considered amongst his peers as one of the better players in the League.
Next up we have Aaron “Ace“ Elam. Gamertag: OpTic AcE GC. Age: 23
Ace has been in the pro circuit since 2006 and has finding much success across several iterations of Halo and several teams. In 2008 he coached a 2-man team in the MLG Vegas Championship, taking 1st place. This made him the first person to place 1st as both a player and a coach across all competitions. In 2013 he won the FFA Halo championship ahead of “iGotUrPistola” of Team Liquid and current team mate Str8 Sick. He won $200,000 in that tournament.
The third member of Optic Gaming is Cory “Str8 Sick” Sloss. Gamertag: Optic Str8 Sick. Age: 23
Str8 Sick is best known for his fantastic record in 1v1 competitions, in his career he has entered 5 major MLG 1v1 competitions placing 1st in 4 of them and 3rd in 2013, behind team mate Ace and iGotUrPistola. Str8 Sick has never matched his solo performances as part of a team, but under the renowned leadership of Maniac that may change this year.
Finally we have Bradley “APG” Laws. Gamertag: aPG. Age: 21
A Pure Gangster, most often known as APG has been a Pro Halo player since 2006 making his way through 19 teams and winning 4 major tournaments with 4 separate teams. APG is technically a member of “Team Liquid” according to his contract, and is currently subbing for Optic Gaming who were short 1 player when the season began. It appears likely that Team Liquid will release APG making it easier for Optic to officially add him to their roster, however the fact this has not been done already has raised some questions.
Optic Gaming have built a strong roster of talented individuals that have also have experience of each other’s play. This should have been a good formula for success however, Optic Gaming have had a slow start to the season losing 4 of their 6 games. Despite the poor start to the season I would expect Optic to fight for a top 3 finish. Watch their come back on Twitch every Thursday and Friday 5pm (PT) or check them out on Halo.gg.
Happy Gaming.
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