CAUZE AND EFFECT

 

PRO GAMER RAFIK "LOST-CAUZE" BRYANT TAKES AIM

AFRICAN-AMERICANS HAVE GAME.

Proverbial needle in the haystack Rafik "LoSt-CaUzE" Bryant is carving out his space in the burgeoning pro-gaming circuit while kicking more ass than the Democrats. As the United States' top professional gamer in the shooting simulation Quake (think Doom on speed) and one of the best pro gamers in the world, the 23-year-old has more championships in his trophy case, ranking No. 1 in renowned gaming circuits such as the WSVG, CPL and WCG. "I'm just trying to stay on top of my game," says Bryant, whose fast reflexes and eagle-eye precision have helped him dominate many in the third-person shooter Quake 4—even beating notorious gamer John "Fatality" Wendel (of MTV's True Life fame) in the RAGE world championship in Africa last year.

Being in the spotlight is becoming lucrative for the Duncanville, Texas, native, earning an endorsement deal with award-winning audio technology company Able Planet, which will release Bryant's co-branded line of headsets for gamers with hearing impairments. "Rafik is going to be a strong spokesman for our headphones and our 'Turn It Down' hearing-preservation campaign," says Kevin Semcken, CEO of Able Planet.

He'll increase the visibility of our products as well as provide a respected voice to warn gamers about the long-term effects of loud audio." Bryant is also developing the first Cyber-LAN center in South Africa, bringing computer technology and education to the underprivileged and schooling them on the fun and excitement of video games.

"It feels great to be able to have fun and give back," Bryant says. "I encourage other [African-Americans] to get into the game."

-BRIAN NEAL