Off the ice with… Nicola Bruna

The 2018 NHL Gaming World Championship™ Final takes place on Tuesday in Las Vegas. Nicola "
Foolx90
" Bruna will be at the Esports Arena Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino to take on the top EA SPORTS NHL® 18 players from Canada, the United States, and Europe for NHL Gaming glory, and we caught up with him before he headed off to Nevada for the tournament.

First things first, what should we call you: Fool? Mr. X90? Nicola?NB: (laughs) Nick. Simple.
You're one of the favorites heading into the championships in Vegas. Have you been taking any notes over the last few weeks on how to celebrate if you win?NB: I definitely would like to party like [Alex] Ovechkin if ever I do win. I've been watching and seeing how other people react, and I just want to be myself. If I win, I'm just going to let my emotions go and enjoy the moment.
How did you get into the Esports world? Have you been a gamer your whole life?NB: When I was younger, I used to play Mario with my parents. I was always intrigued by video games and would play as much as I could. I started playing hockey when I was two years old, so it was always a passion for me. When I saw it was also a video game, it linked together perfectly. I started playing online and realized I was getting pretty good. I'd have records of 200 [wins] and only two losses and it kept on going. I was like, "I'm actually really good at this game," but it was only recently I thought I could actually make it in Esports. The NHL is slowly pushing towards it, and I've always been considered one of the best in North America. The timing is perfect now. I'm ready for it.
What's one thing from NHL the video game you think would be cool to see in real-life NHL action?NB: That's a good question. I think goaltender interference is judged better in the video game than in real life.

What are your thoughts on Twitch as a go-to platform?NB: Twitch is the go-to. It's expanding very fast and it's growing. It's part of the reason the Esports scene is becoming bigger. They have so many viewers. To perform in front of an audience and put on a show - it doesn't matter how many viewers you have - you become entertaining and people are interested in watching stuff that's live. It's a cool platform, and I think that's where Esports is going to be.
Twitch offers the opportunity to showcase your personality while you play. How much does personality play a part in making a name for oneself in Esports?NB: Personality is very important. You want to be able to be social. There's the aspect of meeting people, moving around, introducing yourself. You have to be able to build your own personal brand. I don't believe in chirping, though. I'm a humble person, so I don't trash talk; I just play. And I always have a smile on my face, because I enjoy it.
Is there anything you've ever said on there you regret?NB: No. Maybe messages, but that's when I was younger and I was more of a loose cannon. Now, I'm very calm. If I lose, I just accept the loss and it doesn't bother me.
Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you'd be doing this on such a large scale? Do your nerves get to you before big events?NB: I never imagined that I could actually make a living playing video games. Finally, video games are repaying me in some way! (laughs)
I know I'm already lucky to be one of the six people that get to go to Vegas, expenses paid, just to go and compete. I'm actually more calm when I'm playing than when I'm thinking about playing. Right now, I'm more nervous about taking my first flight than actually playing in Vegas.
Your first-ever flight?NB: First flight ever. I'm pretty nervous for that.
What do you see in the future of Esports, how much of an opportunity is there for growth? And what role do you think the NHL could play in that?NB: I see potential for the NHL. I feel like Esports might hit a different market, and you can hit other countries that aren't currently that interested in hockey. Hockey is the best sport in the world, and I feel like everybody should watch it. It's so intense compared to the other sports.
We know you listen to Bon Jovi's "Bed of Roses" to remind you of your uncle, but do you have any other pregame routines?NB: Pregame, I just like to talk to myself, assess the situation I'm in. Don't be nervous that there are people watching; just focus on the opponent and get through him first and then there will be a next step. I like music, it helps to calm me down. Thinking about my uncle [Norman Jasmin] gives me motivation, because he battled through cancer and passed away [in 2010]. His battle was stronger than mine, so it gives me motivation to know that I can get over these mountains.

Habs players spend a lot of time in the gym when they're not on the ice. Is there any kind of training involved for you?NB: I practice at home. I try to get one or two hours, at least two to three games, just to keep myself warmed up.
In pro sports, players don't often get to pick their own nicknames. What were some of yours from childhood, or what were some of the ones you ended up discarding in your gaming career?NB: When I was younger, my brother's friend nicknamed me Nature Boy. It's a funny story...but I'm not sure I want to share it.
What's your favorite retro video game?NB: Zelda Ocarina of Time.
If you could play one Canadiens player in EA SPORTS NHL® 18, who would it be and why?NB: Jonathan Drouin. I see a lot on Twitter people mentioning they've matched up with him in a game, because every real-life player can contact EA SPORTS and give them their own special Hockey Ultimate Team card. I've seen that Drouin played against someone else who made it to the Top-8, his name is jerdubzz, he's from Sainte Eustache, and he said Drouin starting at 4:00 p.m. ET
Related: NHL Gaming World Championship Final to be streamed live on Twitch.tv/NHL*