I'm paid to play computer games

9:30pm Friday 30th May 2008

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A PRO computer gamer is just one step away from showcasing his skills on the world stage and thousands of pounds in prize money.

Dean Sutton, 25, of Winifred Road, Pitsea, who makes a living from playing games on the Xbox console, is competing in the UK national final of the Championship Gaming Series.

The pro gamer, known in the gaming world as Picaso, is travelling to Los Angeles to compete with his team, Birmingham Salvo, to try to secure a place in the World Championships, which has a first prize of $500,000.

Dean, who was only selected for the team at a competition in Birmingham last week, said he was excited about it.

He said: "I've only been a pro gamer since last week and I'm getting paid a salary for the next year plus any prize money. The prospect of splitting $500,000 between my teammates is pretty good. It seems a bit weird just for playing video games, but I'm glad it could be our team."

Dean, who started playing about four years ago, will join his nine teammates at the final, where they will take on rival team, London Mint. He plays Forza 2, a motorsport game, while other team members specialise in football game Fifa, the Dead or Alive fighting game or the team-based shooter Counter-Strike.

Dean said: "I've never been out of Europe before so that's exciting.

"I'm feeling nervous but I think we have a good chance of getting through to the final so I'm quite confident."

Michael O'Dell, manager of the Birmingham Salvo, who selected Dean for the team, said: "He is one of the best players in the world, there is no doubt about that.

"I think he can help take the team to the world final, it's just about how he can handle the pressure of being watched by millions of people."

If successful in securing a place at the World Championships, Dean and the rest of the team could be watched by an estimated 300 million viewers as the competition is broadcast on Sky in the UK, Direct TV in America, Star in Asia, and Eurosport.

They will fight it out against seven other teams from America, South America and the rest of Europe for the prize money.