The Phenom Speaks Out

In the second installment of our ongoing interviews, we sat down with Luke “The Phenom” Gaul to pick his brain and find out what it is that makes him such a threat to an established pool of veterans.

WTI: Thanks for stopping by Luke. Let’s get right to it. You’re obviously the least experienced bowler entering the tournament. How does that affect you mentally?

LG: “As far as me being least experienced, I don’t know about that. I mean, I’ve worked my way up in short week to pro circuit. I’m not being cocky, I just know what I am capable of.”

WTI: Go on.

LG: "Well even though I have just started wiiing (that's what its called in the circles I run in), I'm already a pro. That says something. I'm consistent in my game. The first time I picked up that controller there was a strange bond that was formed. Almost symbiotic. Anyway I just feel like this is my calling and a chapter in my life is going to close this weekend."

WTI: Mmm-hmm. So what are you doing these next few days going in to the tournament? How does Luke Gaul stay focused?

LG: "Lots of time with my son. It’s so awesome to see someone so carefree. He's never had to worry or stress about a tournament. It must be nice to have that peace. I'm also working on a new throw. I don't really want to go into any details. I have a great throw right now; this new one will be more of a backup if anything. Something to get me out of a bind. Like I said, I probably won't be using it. You never know though, there are rumors that this whole tourney is rigged anyway."

WTI: You are not the first person to come forward and allege this. So why compete in something that seems so unfair?

LG: Its really the love of the game. I don't know if you yourself love the Wii like most of us, I know myself and most of the contestants have made it part of our life, our very being, our mantra if you will. If we can't play the Wii why even live? I guess you hope that in the end good will triumph over evil. But best of 3 frames? Seriously. If its a timing issue why not start the tournament earlier? I don't know, don't get me on that soapbox. I'm just going to do my level best.

WTI: A lot of people who get involved in tournament or bracket style game play have told us that it’s easy to succumb to the pressures of an ever increasing level of gameplay. Do you think you are ready to step in and play with the likes of a Jamie Hunter or Scott Webster?

LG: “With Jamie, I don't know if you've seen the tapes, he, I think, has succumbed to that pressure. The man is a mad man, destroying him self and frankly the game as a whole. I don't like to see it. Scott Webster, however, that's a story all its own. He's a great player. The kind you want your son or daughter to grow up and aspire to be. He'll be a tough opponent, but win or lose it'll will be an honor to be on the same field as him”

WTI: I’ve noticed that you participate in a lot of charity events. This will be the first time you officially play for monetary incentive. The stakes are pretty high and have a rather large buy-in. At last check, the first prize winner gets $45 and the second takes home $15 as well. Why play for money this time?

LG: Well to tell you the truth the money is just a bonus. I honestly don't think about it. I'm a purist when it comes to gaming. I think it is part of my calling to show people what this game is all about. It’s not about the Jamie Hunters, the Trevor Paisleys, or even the John Westons. I think you'll see on Saturday that Scott Webster and I understand this game and that its the love of the game.

WTI: Critics of yours would say that your answer is a way of lowering expectations. Speaking of your critics, what can you lend to the debate that you don’t take the game seriously enough and that your presence alone Saturday night will affect the gameplay of others?

LG: “As I have said before, I am a purist, I live this game. If that makes others uncomfortable that's up to them. I hope they act different around me, I hope they realize what true gaming means.”

WTI: Switching gears a bit. Tell me how you plan to play Shannon in the first round. Knowing that she’s Jamie Hunter’s wife, do you try to knock her out right away and send a message or do you take it easier and try not to make enemies or draw the ire of Jamie?

LG: “I don't know if you're married or not but I expect that the fact that Shannon is Jamie's wife means she herself is a formidable opponent. I don't want to go into detail about my strategy. I will play the game I know how to play and the rest will follow. Will I take her out in the first 2 games? Maybe. Will we be forced into a tie breaker? Who can tell? I'll leave it up to Jamie to react how he will. I hold no ill will for either of them.”

WTI: Tell us what you know about the other participants involved. Being so green, have you had a chance to see video of everyone else? Aside from the footage of Jamie training, have you seen anything from anyone else that would cause concern?

LG: “I've been training pretty regularly with Brice Payne. He's a good opponent. I think in a couple years he could take the circuit by storm. His wife, Kim, means well but I think she might just be cannon fodder. Brice could be a shining star though. I don't know much about Chad, but seeing that he's against Jamie I don't know how much hope there is for him.”

WTI: It’s been documented that more than a few of the contestants are upset with the scheduling and switching around of dates? Are you at all worried about your performance having only one week to prepare?

LG: “Not at all. I'm a little worried about not having the brackets until now but like I said, I live this game.”

WTI: Let’s assume the worst and you are eliminated by Shannon after two games. What then?

LG: “I'll hang around to see who is crowned the victor. Its not about winning, its the love of the game.”

WTI: Any endorsement deals coming up?

LG: "At this point I'm not at liberty to discuss anything but keep in mind that I am the fastest person to become pro ever so with that carries lots of opportunities."

WTI: Two more questions, Luke and we'll let be on your way. First, what does your typical diet consist of with less than a week to such a high profile event?

LG: “Mostly snacks. Not too big of meals. An occasional beer. I don't like too over do it.”

WTI: And finally, do you have any special plans for the games? Any particular outfit or accessory you’ll be using that night?

LG: “Not quite sure yet. I have some ideas. You'll have to show up and see.

WTI: We will definitely be there. I want to thank you for your time today and wish you luck. Any last comments that you'd like to add, this is your forum.

LG: “I guess it would be, think back to you first experience with video games and all the emotions that came with it. That's what this game is all about. Thanks for your time.”