By PhillyRon | Published: July 18, 2010 11:30am EST
| Player Name: Problem
Real Name: Eric Wright Birth Date: 8/22/88 Hometown: West Covina, CA Current Crew: G-Code First Event Attended: West Coast BCA tournament in Los Angeles, final 8 Number of Events Attended: 50+ Best Placing: Madden Challenge Final Champion 2008 and 2010, Madden Nation Season 3 Champion Favorite Gametype: All-Madden, 4 minute quarters Favorite Competitor: House Shoe Other Favorite Competitive Games: Call Of Duty and Halo Hobbies: Playing basketball/football/poker. And spending time with family and friends. |
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Before we start, congratulations on winning the 2010 EA Sports Madden Challenge.
Phillyron: Immediately after winning the 2010 EA Sports Madden Challenge there was talk amongst the Madden Community that you are now the G.O.A.T. Do you feel that way?
Problem: I feel like I have solidified my spot at the top of the Madden world. Being the only person to win two Madden Challenge Finals has to count for something. Then you throw in all the local/major tournaments that I’ve won over they years, along with the Madden Nation win and I think I have a resume that is second to none.
Phillyron: With all of the success that you have earned in Madden is there anything that you do in the offseason (between games) that keep you sharp for the next year?
Problem: I actually think not playing the game at all works best for me. I don’t touch the game once the last major tournament of the year is over. That way I keep the hunger for the next game when it comes out. I feel if you play too much you can begin to get bored with the game and it eventually takes the hunger out for you.
Phillyron: Can you give us a little background on your athletic career? I think this may help the readers get a better understanding for the coming questions.
Problem: I started playing sports when I was 5 (t-ball). I played baseball, football and basketball up until my junior year of high school. I still play in adult football and basketball leagues out here in California and I still love to play.
Phillyron: What do you have to say to the young kid or current peer that’s out there, looking to make their name by defeating you?
Problem: I was once in those same shoes. I wanted to take Gene’s spot, which was at the very top. You have to go into games with the mindset that you are the best at the game because if you doubt yourself then you have already lost the game.
Phillyron: Is there anyone out there that you feel has that special something that could cause problems for you?
Problem: I honestly don’t feel anyone has anything that gives me problems. I lose games if I make mistakes, if me and my opponent play to our very best I don’t feel like I should ever lose.
Phillyron: If Madden reached the level of Championship Boxing, or UFC/MMA Fighting, who do you think the best game to showcase the community would be, and why?
Problem: The best game would be me vs Big Gene. It would be two of the very best going at it and that is always something special to see. Gene is someone I looked up to when I first started playing the game. I will never forget when I seen the picture of him and that $100,000 check, that was all the motivation that I needed.
Phillyron: With the popularity of Madden growing and MLG picking up the tour last season, have you noticed an increase of visibility for Madden?
Problem: I think the sky is the limit for the Madden world. Things have got better and better, especially with MLG picking us up. I think we are in great hands and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for us.
Phillyron: I know with the success that you have been fortunate to attain, how have the sponsors been treating you? Do you have any offers?
Problem: I actually have been contacted by sponsors and have received some offers. I’m listening to what everyone has to offer before I jump out there and make anything official.
Phillyron: I want to switch lanes and ask about your crew. Is there a real benefit to having a Crew? Can you explain the positives and negatives of a crew?
Problem: Yes it is a huge benefit to have a crew. You get to practice with other top players whenever you want. You get to hear their input on certain things (offense/defense/etc.). Another positive is that you get the support from your crew when you are sitting in that seat with all the money on the line. That is something that can help you get through those intense moments throughout a game and I think it’s a huge advantage to have. I don’t see any negatives about being in a crew, but I would say our crew isn’t like any other crew. We are friends outside of Madden, and that makes everything easier.
Phillyron: You have been with a few Madden crews, are there any players that you consider must have team mates? What makes them special?
Problem: Jet Steele is definitely someone who’s special on the game. He’s a genius on the offensive side of the ball and is a great asset to me. We both feed off of each other throughout the season. He is the offensive specialist and I am the defensive specialist and when you combine those two, you make it almost impossible for your opponent to beat you.
We kept you for a while and really appreciate your time. This last question is for the entire community.
Phillyron: What is your vision for the Madden community/What do you want to see it grow to?
Problem: No problem, I appreciate the opportunity to do this interview. As far as the future of the community, I think we are on the right path and things are only going to get better. I would like to see more tournaments aside from MLG. I know it’s hard for promoters, but I was around when tournaments were huge and I truly believe we can get back to that.
