Andrew Vigil was a pro-gamer.

Running under the name “Kinko Eh“, he dominated local Halo 3 tournaments in Silverdale, Washington; winning 9 times out of 10, and had won an estimated $300 to $900 at hometown tourneys. It was then he joined an online gamer clan, called “Random Fours“, and he uploaded some local tourney videos online to showcase the clan’s skills. Suddenly, sponsorships came flooding in, and an energy drink company was chosen to sponsor the team. They would compete in national pro-tournaments for the MGL (or Major League Gaming) Circuit, going to New York and South Carolina for their first pro-tourneys, ranking in the top 10 out of 50,000 teams. Life was pretty good for Andrew.

But Vigil wanted more out of life.

So after graduating high school and talking to a Marine Corps Recruiter, he decided that he would take the ultimate step forward. He joined the United States Marine Corps.

Vigil said the decision did come with some disbelief. When he broke the news to his friends that he was leaving pro-gaming in order to join the Marine Corps, they were not very supportive, Vigil stating that his friends made fun of him for such an impulsive decision. While it was difficult to give up such an easy high income job, he wanted to do more with his life then just play games. And after a year in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program, Pvt. Andrew Vigil was accepted into recruit training and picked up by Platoon 3255, Company L.

As for pro-gaming, Vigil says that he won’t compete anymore, which is a shame. However, he still deserves most of our respect, not as a pro-gamer in the professional gaming life, but as someone who risks their life to protect they country they love.

So if you thought my article about pro-gamers playing Grand Turismo 5 and becoming racing superstars was crazy awesome, this story will reinforce the fact that pro-gamers can not only excel at games, but excel at life as well.

Read more of the story [via Military.com].