I was always driven to the strategy side of games, and am what is termed a “honer,” which is someone who is continuously working to optimize their gameplay and approach to the game.

My biggest accomplishment in this space so far is being a match away from qualifying for the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour after innumerable years of overcoming bad mental habits and approaches.

I started from behind and made every conceivable mistake in the book at least 15 times over just to be sure, but managed to catch up. I would have continued my Magic career and worked hard to do so, but by that point, I had to concern myself with how to make a living instead, and that sort of took over.

Since rediscovering my passion for gaming and competition I am now pursuing professional esports mainly through Valorant in what I call my “boomer to pro” arc.

I deeply admire the G.O.A.T.s of various games and have dreams of becoming one someday. My biggest inspirations are Jon Finkel, ZywOo, yay, Rafael Nadal, and Michael Jordan.

Here, I will share the lessons I wish I knew a long time ago. Costly lessons that took me a lot of time, introspection, energy, defeats, and research to learn. That way you can get the “lesson without the scar.”

Crucially I will also showcase the works of leading experts — the people whom I learned many of these lessons from in the first place — to help you thrive on this competitive path you have chosen.

If this sounds exciting to you, stick around! And see what Skill Diff Productions can do for you!

Thank you.

— Freeman.