Throughout Nelson's Quake 3 history, which includes 24 first place finishes both Online and LAN, he has represented the legendary American team clan Kapitol. cK was also the launching ground for current Championship Gaming Series host and gaming superstar Jonathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel. As teammates, Nelson and Wendel won all three major TDM LAN tournaments, sweeping Battletop NYC, FRAG4 and QIL4 in 2000-2001. In 2005, Nelson had a short stint with Check-Six for that year's ESWC, where the relationship ended shortly after. Now he heads back to ESWC for the inaugural Masters event, hoping to quality for the Grand Finals in San Jose later this year.

"I told Paul just recently that in my opinion this is an absolutely crucial tournament; that we may very well be witnessing a Quake renaissance in professional gaming," Garfield says of the upcoming event. "Honestly, though, he didn't need me to tell him that. The guy knows how to prepare; he's been doing this (i.e., winning Quake competitions) for a little while, and I'm sure he'll show up ready to go."

Nelson will be busy even up until the Masters event, with school until mid-June and then workshops until the end of June. He hopes to get in 30 hours of playtime before the event starts, and is doubtful of being able to bootcamp beforehand. In the four months leading up the CPL Winter '06 event, Nelson only totaled 25 hours of playtime.

"It's pretty cool. I really like Paul and its a nice to boost to our lineup," Nelson's new teammate Chance "chance" Lacina says, eager to get some good practice in. "I've often debated on what is actually the optimal way to practice. It's better on your confidence to practice against weaker players (toxjq style), but on the other hand getting inside the head of other strong players (zero4/rapha style) is also important."

Current Team EG General Manager and former professional gamer Andy "gellehsak" Ryder welcomes more deathmatch brethren into the fold. "I'm glad to have Paul apart of the squad. He needs no introduction when it comes to the world of deathmatch, as he is considered the best player ever to touch Quake 3. Not only will we help him play at his absolute best for upcoming events, but he will definitely be a great addition in helping out the rest of our squad in preparations for tournaments."

Nelson will make sure he's ready, busy schedule or not. He's given only the highest demands for himself for his first event back.

"I've always been a contender for first, even when out of practice. I'm shooting for top 12 at Masters to make my winning run at the finals -laughs-."