"Like anyone else's job": Teen paid to play Fortnite video game
DUBLIN, Ohio — A game face on, hours spent in front of the screen, fingers flying across the keyboard and a controller. Leading his avatar through the levels of Fortnite isn't just a hobby for Dublin teen Enzo Simonette, it's his job.
Fortnite is one of the most popular games in the world, with millions of people logging in to play every day. Simonette's skills at the game earned him some recognition, and at just 14 years old, he's been recruited to turn pro. After signing a contract with a company called Ghost Gaming, Simonette gets paid a monthly paycheck along with tournament winnings.
"There's not many other 14-year-olds that are getting paid to play video games at this high of a level," Simonette said.
And he's dedicated to earning his spot, putting his time in to play.
"Probably eight to 10 hours a day...At the end of the day, it's just like anyone else's job."
Simonette plays on a team with three other guys. He says Fortnite E-Sports has projected them as the number two team in North America. Soon, they'll put that to the test, playing in an international tournament in Montreal in September, playing for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the World Cup in 2019.
"It's just a crazy experience that someone my age doesn't get the opportunity to do very often," Simonette said.
But like any other teen, he doesn't just get to live his life focused on video games. While his family supports his skills and job, they also make sure he takes part in family responsibilities.
"He has to respect the times of the day that I want to see his face, and I need him to take out the trash, and have family dinner with us," Simonette's mom said. "He's still 14 and has the responsibilities that all 14-year-olds have."
While Simonette loves playing Fortnite and his job with his team, he says his career plans are to become a doctor.
"I plan on playing Fortnite specifically and competitively for as long as I can, but I think school is going to come first for a good while."