Simp Talks About Call of Duty Blackout and Rookie Season

By: Zachary Lange

Saved to his Twitter profile is a single date that reads “February 6th 2019.” That is when eUnited Cadet Chris “Simp” Lehr will turn 18 years old, making him eligible to participate in Call of Duty World League sanctioned events.  

Until then, the young gun has been streaming heavily on Twitch and also participating in other titles such as Realm Royale for fun. But with Simp’s potential in competitive Call of Duty, it’s only a matter of time before he will get the call up to the major leagues.

With Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 set to release on Oct. 12, I sat down with Simp to discuss Blackout, competitive multiplayer and the year ahead.

Zachary Lange: How would you rate your excitement for Black Ops 4 on a scale of 1-10 and why?

Simp: 10. Because the last few Call of Duty’s haven’t been the greatest and this one plays out really well and is a lot of fun.

ZL: What aspects did you enjoy most about the Black Ops 4 multiplayer and Blackout betas?

S: I enjoyed how fluid the game felt movement wise and shooting wise. The guns all feel like they’re meant to be there and same with gunfights – it just feels right. As for Blackout, there isn’t much to say that was bad. Just about everything felt balanced and in place.

ZL: I noticed you streamed Blackout during the beta a lot as well, what tips would you give to players who are starting fresh with no beta experience?

S: What I’d say to beginners for playing Blackout would be to realize how fast the game is truly played out. You can move around and do everything while healing yourself. Also, I would start to pick up on the bullet travel time for certain guns.

ZL: If you had to assemble a dream team for one game of Blackout, who would you pick, and why? Anybody in the world is fair game.

S: *Laughs* Gordon Ramsey, Kanye West and Rallied (current player and streamer). I’m not sure why but I feel like this team would be the funniest game of Blackout possible.

ZL: It's no secret, at some point you will get the call to play professional Call of Duty. How are your emotions in the months waiting to turn 18 to be eligible for play? Is it agonizing, or does it allow you the time to prepare even more than others?

S: To be honest it’s a little bit of both. Some days, I feel really antsy and ready to play and compete. Other days, I feel like I should slow down and prepare myself. Overall though I feel really excited to compete after waiting for so long.

ZL: In your first season competing professionally, what are your expectations?

S: What I hope to do is at least win an event or two. Realistically speaking though, I think placing top-3 to top-6 would be a solid start for me.

ZL: Until your birthday, what are you looking forward to playing to keep yourself sharp and ready for being called upon to play professionally?

S: I’m looking forward to streaming Search and Destroy tournaments, playing Blackout and going to local LAN events.

ZL: Your birthday is currently your pinned tweet to your account. Would signing a contract to play professional Call of Duty be the ultimate gift?

S: I think a contract signing or a Twitter announcement from the organization would be something I’d remember for a very long time. So yes, basically the ultimate gift.