Ask yourself, what would be the coolest way to make a living? If you answered “Be Hugh Hefner” then yes, that would be a cool way to live, but we’re thinking of an even more awesome profession than that… no, actually, we lie; there’s nothing cooler than being a playboy. Okay, different approach: what profession would allow you to live out your gaming passion, gain a small amount of fame and glory, and yes maybe even a few groupies along the way? Why, being a cyber athlete, of course. These days, electronic sports (esports) are becoming a global phenomenon, with thousands of people earning a living from their ability to…

Baseball has Barry Bonds and his Giant head (and ego) under the scrutiny of the senate. Cycling has a long list of riders banned for doping. The Olympics have stripped athletes of their medals for taking steroids. Competitive gamers have bong rips before frag fests. But so far testing positive carries no negative. Hit the jump (and the bong) for more on the smoky underbelly of competitive gaming. Alex Walker, the Australian World Cyber Games Tournament Director, admitted in an interview with Gameplayer that some cyber athletes like to get fired up by firing one up before competition, but said he doesn’t think it’s a major problem. “I’ve seen a…