Pro Gamer Emmanuel “MASTER” Rodriguez

Emmanuel”MASTER” Rodriguez is a professional gamer, he may seem like a regular guy but he is taking Gaming to a whole another lever. Not only is he a National Champion, he is also a World champion in Dead or Alive4. That is a title that is not easily attained. He is living life to the fullest and kicking ass a long the way! I had an opportunity to snag an insight on who he is, and here is what he had to say.

NR: How did you come up with your nickname MASTER??

Master: I came up with that nickname quite a while back. Like in the late 90’s when the Dreamcast Era was hot on the streets. I had purchased Phantasy Star online and the game gave you an option to give your character a nickname. That’s when I really felt like pushing the MASTER name. I never really used it anywhere and the idea behind the name was to have a name that was dominant and respected. I wanted to prove that not everyone that has the ‘MASTER’ handle gets his or her butts kicked. I was just kind of tired of seeing the name MASTER thrown around with no real backing. I was so used to hearing about close friends and gamers that had wacky names like Super sniper or MASTER of Games etc. So I just wanted something simpler but common that some folks can relate to and of course be able to back it up for the first time. Kind of like the first real MASTER, I guess you could say. Trust me when I tell you I feel that I picked the right name because when people ask for my handle I just say “MASTER” instead something random like “The Big Linguine” HaHa!

NR: The Big linguine? Wow! That would have been great though.

NR: Do you prefer Xbox over PS3?

Master: I’ve never really been a big Sony fan. I was always a strong believer of Sega and Nintendo (And I still am), but I would say Sony is starting to slowly but surely grow on me. Especially if they keep lowering their prices haha! I prefer Xbox because it just has all the games Sony was going to get, plus I am a big Halo fan. Of course the deal breaker for me was if Xbox or Sony was going to get the next Dead or Alive so it was a no brainer that I went with Xbox. Another thing really to mention is that XBOX LIVE is really good so I think I made the right choice for now but I may pick up a PS3 soon.
NR: I get that. I use to be all Sony but i figured why not enjoy the best of both worlds.

NR: Any plans career wise? Are you aiming for a job in the game industry?

Master: Plans career wise?? Well there is always a MASTER plan but that plan is usually a set of plans. I do have a few things cooking as far as the gaming/entertainment industry goes but I also have other things not directly related to gaming as well that I have in the shadows. Just making sure I keep several things cooking in the ninja hideout. For now I’m going to keep it ninja and observe some more but let’s just say that if the cards are set and the time is right, Gamers will definitely hear about it and I will probably be having another iView with you haha!
NR: Well thank you for the consideration, although now you have peaked my interest. Oh well I guess I will just have to wait like everyone else.

NR: Any new projects that you may be working on? Will you be attending other conventions this year?

Master: Currently I’m Just working on the New DOACentral.com Site that is now called TKPLAYERS.com TK stands for Tecmo-Koei. It is a brand new site and will help merge all the stuff from DOAC to the new one a lot more efficiently along with other games related to TK like Ninja Gaiden and even Dynasty Warriors all in one spot.  For those that are interested definitely stop by and post your TK Gaming info. As far as conventions go I might go to one more but it will most likely be a smaller local one. I just came back from E3 and ran straight to A-Kon and they were amazing experiences but the budget seems to be getting a little tight at the moment so we will see. I was thinking of Going to EVO finals as a spectator but I will probably have to make rearrangements for next year.

NR: EVO! Lucky! E3! Man I have to say I’m pretty jealous. Well there is always Quake Con and Animefest, both are local and smaller, maybe we will see you there.
NR: What kind of advice do you have for those that want to go pro?

Master: For those that want to go pro I want to say, believe in your dreams because that’s the only way you can ever live one. Pick a game you at least love a little and that is mainstream and build your brand from there. The gaming industry is constantly moving but the players seem to be left behind sometimes. Its time to change that and evolve gaming as a whole and the most important piece of that puzzle are the players. Don’t let haters hold you back, understand that even being pro at games doesn’t come easy and always stay close to your friends, fans and family! “Now go out there and BE SOMEBODY!” haha!
NR: Well you got me pumped! Great advice on handling haters. I find it very annoying when I receive a random message full of profanity all because my opponent was a sore loser.

NR: Favorite game and character of all time?

Master: This one’s a tough one, I like Ryu Hayabusa from the Dead or Alive series and DOA too but I also like Akuma from the SF series. I am going to go with Ryu hayabusa especially after playing Ninja Gaiden 3! He is just too gangsta for that game! My favorite game still is the DOA series but the one that stands out to me is DOA2LE or DOA2U since they are both very similar and like a lot about those particular versions.

NR: Any last words?

Master: Well I got to give a quick shout out to the DOA Community for all the support and help they have given me all these years! Also want to give Tecmo-Koei and Team Ninja a shout out for making DOA In Dallas This year a historical event for the fans and hardcore players. Specific shout outs to my DOA woman Vanessa ‘Vii’ Arteaga, my brother from another mother Adande ‘sWooZie’ Thorne, C1, NVGA , NOS and Vibras Five One for Helping so much with D.I.D. and Supercon. Of course a shout out to all the A-Kon staff for having me once again and making it an awesome experience. Shout out to my Friends, Fans, Family and followers and definitely still loving the haters haha! Last shout out of course is to I.H.O.G. For considering me for this iView and you to NestoRox! And for anyone that wants to get some games in with me on anything let me know and don’t be SCARED! I do get pretty busy though haha but trust me everyone that I am always down to get some games in!

There you have it folks! So who out there is up for the challenge? I know I will give it a shot!

Here’s the GamerTag!

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