Jacob “JaKeStaind” Attaway is a player for the Charlotte Phoenix Call of Duty team. JaKeStaind, who is from Georgia, finished in the Top 16 in the 1K Tournaments for Black Ops, Top 16 in the 2K Tournaments for Modern Warfare, and the Top 24 at the CDL Atlanta Home Series.

JaKeStaind talked to us about his love for fishing, watching traditional sports in Atlanta, and games like Skyrim and Minecraft. Learn more about JaKeStaind including how he got his username, what he can’t live without, and his favorite activities outside of gaming in this Behind the Screen article.

Have you played any new games during quarantine?

VALORANT. It’s been a good game to play when I need a break from CoD.

What are some things you like about being home right now?

It gives me time to focus on gaming and growing as a person.

What is your favorite weapon to use in CoD & what is your favorite map?

The MSMC and Raid, both of which are from Black Ops 2.

In your opinion, what is the best CoD game of all time and why?

I think Black Ops 2 was the best CoD of all time because of how fun it was. It had league play which was amazing.

What is it about CoD that excites you or makes it unique from/more fun than other games?

The competition. Playing other good players makes me want to improve so I can beat them.

How do you feel about CoD Warzone?

I have a blast playing it. When it first came out, I was grinding it, but I haven’t played it that much recently because I have been playing public matches.

How did you choose your username/gamertag?

I made it when I was young. My favorite band at the time was Staind, so I just combined my name with it.

When and how did you start playing video games?

I started playing games at a young age on the Nintendo 64. I loved playing this hockey game on it.

How did you decide to go pro in CoD?

I have been playing CoD for a long time, but last year was my first time competing professionally in it. It was one of those things where I felt like I was good at it, so why not give it my all and try to make something out of it.

Who do you look up to the most and why?

My dad. He is the hardest working person I know and will do whatever he can for our family.

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? And what is their name?

I have two Chow Chows named Ozzy and Dolly. I just recently got them for Christmas.

What are you most proud of?

Balancing college and Call of Duty. I am almost finished with my degree. Balancing the two has been a challenge, but I’ve been successful.

Do you watch traditional sports? If so, what is your favorite team?

I am a fan of Atlanta teams such as the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and my home state Georgia Bulldogs. The Falcons are by far my favorite.

If you attended college, what did you study?

I’m currently a student at Augusta University, and I am studying Kinesiology.

What is the most interesting thing you have done in the past year?

Traveling to different states while playing CoD. I went to Minnesota for a tournament and got to see snow, which you usually don’t see in Georgia.

What do you like to do in your free time besides play video games (activities/hobbies)?

Besides video games, I like to fish. I wish I could do it more. but when I have free time, I am still playing CoD.

What video game world would you like to live in?

I would live in Skyrim; it would be cool to ride a dragon.

Who is your favorite singer or band? What music do you listen to while streaming?

Travis Scott is my favorite, but I listen to all kinds of music while streaming. Sometimes I’ll put on country music like Sturgill Simpson or Tyler Childers, and even artists like James Brown.

If you could instantly become an expert at something, what would it be?

Speaking another language. I wish I could instantly be an expert at Spanish. Being bilingual would open up more career opportunities for me.

Aside from CoD, what are your top 3 favorite video games to play and why?

Skyrim, NBA 2K, and Minecraft. I’ve always been a fan of RPGs and medieval themes so it’s very fun for me. NBA 2K is fun because I like to play online with my favorite players. Minecraft has always been a game where I can take my mind off things and just play.

What is something you cannot live without?

Ranch sunflower seeds. I’ve been addicted to sunflower seeds since I was little, and I always need to have ranch seeds with me.

What’s something many people fear that doesn’t scare you at all?

I’ve been at some really great heights before, and it doesn’t freak me out.

If you could give advice to players looking to improve at CoD or video games in general, what would your advice be?

To grind and learn the game. In any game you must put in the time to get better. It helps to also watch VODs of yourself.