Bryan “LuNa7ic” Dorantes is the Team Captain for the Charlotte Phoenix Call of Duty Challengers team. LuNa7ic is from California and placed 9th in the CDL Atlanta Home Series and 2nd in the SCCL Event by SoCal eSports.

LuNa7ic tells us more about his life offline including his love for music production and what video game world he would like to live in. Learn more about LuNa7ic – from what he’s most proud of to what he studied in college, and even his favorite COD game of all time – in this Behind the Screen article.

Have you played any new games during quarantine?

I have not. The team and I have been extremely focused on COD. The CDL (Call of Duty League) recently announced that the Challengers scene will have multiple tournaments during quarantine, and we have been practicing for those tournaments.

What is your favorite weapon to use in COD?

I really love the MP5, one of my old-time favorites since COD4. It’s my favorite since I am a sub machine player at heart.

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

For me personally, COD4 would have to be the best COD of all time. It started my COD career. It introduced me to the competitive scene, where I first I played in the Pro Circuit Ladder (PCL). In those tournaments I played the likes of Clayster, Revan, Scump, SiLLY, ACHES and many more.

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

COD can give you the sense of being a real-life soldier and going to war. The customization for the guns is amazing, the characters are awesome, and the perks are even better! What excites me about COD is the Call of Duty League, also known as the CDL. It is currently in its first season under the franchising model and I cannot wait for Activision will do next.

How did you choose your username/gamertag?

It was given to me by my older brother. He used to play Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) back when I was a kid, and he used the name LuNaTiC as his gamertag. Little by little I started playing CS:GO and pretty much took over the name because he stopped playing. Since then it’s been mine. He recently started playing CS:GO again and now wants the name again. No give backs!

When and how did you start playing video games?

My brother got me into playing video games. He had every console that came out. I started off with playing Mario on Super Nintendo, but I also really loved Duck Hunt.

How did you decide to go pro in CoD?

I decided this years ago! When I started playing competitive in COD4, that is when I realized I wanted to go pro. It was never about the money; it was about the bragging rights and wanting to become the best at the game. Now the prize pools are much bigger and there is more exposure. For me, the most important thing will always be being one of the best at the game. Same goal, same reason.

Have you been a pro player for any other games? If so, which ones?

I was close to becoming pro in COD4 and even closer in MW2. I was offered a roster spot on a pro team back in MW2, but I could not afford to buy a PS3, which competitive COD had just switched to.

What are you most proud of?

I’m very proud on not giving up my dream of becoming a pro COD Player. I have been playing competitive COD since 2008 when Modern Warfare 4 first came out. While I’ve had to stop chasing it in the past, I am now able to once again pursue it. Hopefully, my perseverance will help me achieve my dream! 

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

Yes, I do watch traditional sports. Most of my favorite teams are from Los Angeles, like the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams, but I’m also a Barcelona fan.

If you attended college, what did you study?

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Cal State University. One of the best and worst experiences of my life. Regardless, I do encourage everyone to pursue an education.

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

Traveling for the CDL Challenger events. I went to Minnesota & Atlanta to compete. Those events were so much fun, it was awesome meeting a lot of my friends in person from the COD scene.

Do you have any special talents?

I can make a hip-hop beat in less than 10 mins.

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

If I am not playing video games, I am making music. I do Music Production for fun.

What video game world would you like to live in?

That is easy! Grand Theft Auto! I can steal cars, hijack planes, rob banks, and go on heists without any repercussion. My name is LuNaTiC for a reason.

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

I can’t pick a favorite band or kind of music because I like a broad spectrum. I can go from rock to Español, or to disco, hip-hop, EDM, etc. I like them all!  

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Charlotte would be a great change of pace considering I am from Los Angeles. But LA has my heart.

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

CS:GO, FIFA, and Halo.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received was when my father said, “No eres una monedita de oro para caerle bien a todos,” which in English means, “you are not a gold coin or a bar of gold to be liked by everyone.” Not everyone is going to like you and you will have to be OK with that. If you love yourself and who you are then nobody else’s opinion matters.

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

My advice is to work smarter, not harder.