Waynesboro ‘Guitar Hero’  wins 1st place in the 2009 World Cyber Games

As excuses go, it’s easier to swallow than the bit about the dog chowing down on the homework.

Robert Michaels, 19, a Waynesboro native and Georgia Tech nuclear engineering student, recently told his college professors that he’d miss a week of class to play video games.

In September, Michaels won the “Guitar Hero” competition at the World Cyber Games U.S. National Finals in New York City, competing in a group of 10 finalists.

Along with a $2,500 check, Michaels won an all-expenses paid trip Nov. 11-15 to Chengdu, China, for the World Cyber Games Grand Final. Michaels will compete with gamers from all over the world for a prize package that has yet to be determined.

Last year’s champ won $10,000, as well as a Samsung phone, laptop and monitor.

Michaels developed his skills during his days at Fort Defiance High School, where his time was divided between soccer – he was a goalie – the academic team and video games.

“During high school, it was pretty much all my spare time,” Michaels said.

Now?

“I’m barely playing at all,” he said. “Maybe half an hour a day.”

Michaels did much of his legwork over the summer, when he won entry into the U.S. National Finals in an online qualifier. Eight online qualifiers were held, each with more than 100 entrants. Winners in each qualifier received an all-expenses paid trip to New York.

Michaels competed in four online qualifiers, winning the last spot.

“My philosophy going in [to the qualifier] was I didn’t think I was gonna win, but I got a free trip to New York, so [who’s] complaining?” Michaels said.
He welcomed the chance to meet some of his kindred spirits in person.

“I’ve talked to people online a lot, just about the game and whatnot, but it’s a lot different meeting a person in real life and being able to interact with them on a more personal level, when really all that bonds us is the game,” he said. “Still, the people are great and it’s really easy to get along with them.”

Traveling abroad will be a first for Michaels and perhaps the greatest reward of his “Guitar Hero” journey.

“Regardless of how the competition goes, I think it’ll be a great experience,” Michaels said. “because I get to go to a different country – one of the superpowers of the world at that – and get to meet people from all over the world.”