Top 10 FPS Gamers From Dallas

Dallas has quietly become one of the most important cities in American competitive gaming, especially when it comes to first-person shooters. Long known for its sports culture and tech growth, the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex has produced some of the most influential FPS gamers in the United States.

From professional esports champions to content creators who helped shape FPS culture online, Dallas-based players have left a lasting mark on games like Call of Duty, Valorant, Counter-Strike, Halo, and Overwatch.

The city’s strong LAN scene, access to major esports organizations, and central U.S. location have made it a natural breeding ground for elite FPS talent.

Below is a detailed look at the Top 10 FPS Gamers From Dallas, highlighting not only their competitive achievements but also their broader influence on gaming culture, streaming, and the FPS genre as a whole.

1. Shotzzy (Anthony Cuevas-Castro)

Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro stands as one of the most accomplished FPS players ever to come out of Dallas. Rising to prominence through Halo, Shotzzy made history by winning a Halo World Championship before transitioning to Call of Duty, where he continued to dominate.

His move to the Call of Duty League proved that his raw mechanical skill and game sense transcended individual titles. Known for his unpredictable movement, aggressive playstyle, and clutch decision-making, Shotzzy became a cornerstone player for OpTic Texas, one of the most iconic esports organizations in North America.

What separates Shotzzy from many other pros is his adaptability. Few players have been able to switch between FPS franchises at the highest level and still remain elite.

His Dallas roots are often cited as a key influence, as he came up through local LAN tournaments that emphasized both teamwork and individual brilliance.

2. iLLeY (Indervir Dhaliwal)

Indervir “iLLeY” Dhaliwal is another Dallas-based FPS star who made waves in the Call of Duty competitive scene at a remarkably young age. Known for his calm demeanor and cerebral approach to the game, iLLeY quickly earned a reputation as one of the smartest players in the league.

His ability to read opponents, manage in-game resources, and make high-pressure decisions has made him invaluable to every roster he’s been part of.

Growing up in the Dallas area gave iLLeY access to a strong competitive ecosystem, where he honed his skills against top-tier talent long before entering the professional scene.

His success also highlights the growing diversity within American esports, as he became a role model for young players from underrepresented backgrounds who aspire to compete at the highest level.

3. Huke (Cuyler Garland)

Cuyler “Huke” Garland is one of the most naturally gifted FPS players Dallas has ever produced. Bursting onto the Call of Duty scene with unmatched raw aim and explosive gameplay, Huke quickly became known as a player who could single-handedly change the outcome of a match.

His ability to dominate gunfights made him a nightmare for opposing teams, particularly during his peak years.

Huke’s career has had ups and downs, but his talent has never been in question. Many analysts still regard him as one of the most mechanically skilled FPS players in North America.

His Dallas upbringing, combined with early exposure to high-level competition, played a major role in shaping his aggressive, confidence-driven playstyle.

4. Crimsix (Ian Porter)

While not always associated directly with Dallas in the same way as some others on this list, Ian “Crimsix” Porter spent significant time competing and living in the Dallas esports ecosystem, especially during his tenure with OpTic Texas and Dallas Empire.

Widely regarded as the most winning player in Call of Duty history, Crimsix brought leadership, discipline, and a championship mentality to every team he joined.

Crimsix’s influence goes far beyond stats and trophies. He helped define what it means to be a professional FPS player, emphasizing preparation, teamwork, and mental resilience. His presence in Dallas helped elevate the local FPS scene and inspired a generation of players who watched him compete at the highest level.

5. Frosty (Bradley Bergstrom)

Bradley “Frosty” Bergstrom is another multi-title FPS phenom tied closely to the Dallas competitive scene. Best known for his success in Halo, Frosty also transitioned into Call of Duty, where he quickly proved he could compete with the best. His smooth aim, exceptional positioning, and calm under pressure made him a consistent top performer.

Frosty’s career exemplifies the versatility that many Dallas FPS players possess. The city’s strong grassroots tournaments allowed him to sharpen his skills across multiple games, making him one of the most well-rounded FPS competitors of his generation.

6. Clayster (James Eubanks)

James “Clayster” Eubanks may not have been born in Dallas, but his long association with Dallas-based teams and tournaments earns him a place on this list. One of the most respected veterans in FPS esports, Clayster is known for his leadership, passion, and ability to elevate younger teammates.

As a multiple-time world champion in Call of Duty, Clayster’s impact on the Dallas FPS community has been profound. He helped establish a culture of professionalism and accountability that many younger players adopted as they came up through the ranks.

 

7. Aydan (Aydan Conrad)

Aydan Conrad represents a newer era of FPS gaming, where competitive skill and content creation often go hand in hand. Best known for his dominance in Fortnite’s FPS-style gunplay and competitive modes, Aydan grew his brand while spending significant time in the Dallas area as part of major esports organizations.

His mechanical skill, combined with smart positioning and game awareness, made him one of the most feared players in high-level tournaments. Aydan’s success also underscores Dallas’s role in nurturing not just traditional esports pros, but hybrid players who thrive in both competition and streaming.

8. Karma (Damon Barlow)

Damon “Karma” Barlow is a legendary FPS figure whose influence reached Dallas through his time with OpTic and other Texas-based organizations.

Often called the “GOAT” of Call of Duty by fans, Karma was known for doing the dirty work making smart plays that didn’t always show up on the scoreboard but were crucial to winning championships.

His presence in the Dallas FPS scene helped reinforce the importance of teamwork and adaptability. Karma’s legacy continues to influence how players approach competitive FPS games today.

9. Snip3down (Eric Wrona)

Eric “Snip3down” Wrona is best known for his success in Halo and later Apex Legends, and his time competing in Dallas-based tournaments and teams helped cement his reputation as one of the most versatile FPS players in North America. Snip3down’s exceptional tracking aim and clutch factor made him a fan favorite across multiple titles.

Dallas’s competitive environment allowed him to refine his skills against elite opponents, contributing to his longevity and success across different FPS games.

10. FearItself (Matthew Payne)

Matthew “FearItself” Payne rounds out this list as one of the pioneers of professional FPS gaming with strong ties to the Texas and Dallas scene. A former Call of Duty world champion, FearItself played during a time when esports infrastructure was far less developed, making his accomplishments even more impressive.

His career helped lay the groundwork for the modern FPS scene in Dallas, inspiring future generations of players to pursue competitive gaming seriously.

 

Dallas has proven itself to be far more than just a hub for traditional sports it’s a powerhouse for FPS gaming in the United States.

The players on this list represent different eras, games, and playstyles, but they all share a common thread: a connection to a city that fosters competitive excellence. As esports continues to grow, Dallas is poised to remain a key contributor to the future of first-person shooter gaming.