In recognition of a Major League Gaming event happening this weekend at the Meadowlands, The New York Times has a profile of Lil' Poison, the 9-year-old pro gamer from Long Island, New York. If you're not familiar with Lil Poison (real name Victor DeLeon), except for that whole making-absurd-amounts-of-money-playing-games thing, he's a perfectly ordinary third grader. He bikes. He does homework. He watches SpongeBob.
Although Victor earns money for his exploits--our pals over at 1up are some of his sponsors--he's technically not considered a professional by Major League Gaming. For one thing, he'd need to rank higher. For another, he'd have to be 15 years old. I weep for my misspent youth.
You may now begin discussions as to whether or not he's being exploited by a) his parents, b) the gaming industry, or c) both.
He's 9 Years Old and a Video Game Circut Star [New York Times]
