When this whole thing about lessons started, I had mixed feelings. Actually, I was a bit sceptic. The prices. The very concept of paying in a context where almost everything – knowledge especially – is usually there for free. I was tempted to think that these lessons were only for kids worshiping him on his site, willing to pay for a match with Stermy just for the sake of it.

On the other hand I was curious. Curious to see what he could teach me and how he would do that. Even if this had to be a joke, I wanted to experience it. My curiosity grew up to the point that, on Friday, I finally took my decision and booked a 2 hours of lesson. I silenced my conscience thinking that, after all, that was not big money compared to many other things I pay for. So I made my reservation for Sunday afternoon and send the money.

I remember Stermy from the old days in the italian community. He was the kid with the pro mentality. He was eager to get better in a way nobody could match. And even now, after many years, and after seeing him competing in the pro scene, I cannot remove this image I have of him. He giving lessons now feels like the natural consequence of the perseverance he always had. He truly is giving his best to promote his gaming career.

The lesson was as good as I hoped. On Saturday we had exchanged a couple of mails where I gave him the info he needed, and he came prepared. We discussed tactics in a map I chose, he coached me while playing other players there, and did a debriefing afterwards, discussing various aspects of my game that could improve such as weapon choices, routes, the way I aimed and dodged. He was professional, knowledgeable, and keen to make sure I was an happy learner.

Was the lesson helpful? Will I be a better player after this? Well this is not really the point here. These are the same questions anybody asks himself after a guitar or piano lesson. Everything will boil down to my daily practice and the way I will use what was thought to me. Was this a good lesson? It was indeed.

Overall, I’m positive about the experience and completely satisfied in my curiosity. I actually plan to book other lessons for the other maps when the time is right. I think the guy knows what he is doing, and I would like to see the other pros following the example. Is the current state of the scene too premature for a service like this? That’s a question I cannot really answer, but time will tell. So far I’m just pleased with what I got.