A British father who once pursued a career in accountancy has found remarkable success after making the extraordinary decision to leave his traditional job behind for a life as a professional gamer. Will Merriman, now well-known in the esports realm as ‘Mezii’, has seen his income soar well beyond what he ever earned after obtaining his accounting and finance degree, prompting questions about the viability and future of electronic sports as a legitimate career path.
Merriman, aged 26, lives in Birmingham with his partner Fiona and their daughter Amelia, who was born just nine months ago. Despite the demands of parenting a newborn, Merriman has managed to juggle his family obligations with the rigorous schedule demanded by his new profession. Speaking candidly about his experiences, he reflects on the difficulties of striking a balance between extensive international travel, competitive pressure, and being present as a father, but remains convinced that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
His most recent achievement was winning one of the most coveted prizes in professional gaming—the major title at a Counter-Strike tournament in Austin, Texas, where he celebrated victory alongside his five-man team. The top prize of £500,000 has firmly established him as the first Briton ever to claim this distinguished honour in Counter-Strike, a first-person shooter that enjoys staple status in the global esports landscape.
“With only two major tournaments each year, winning really is the ultimate goal,” Merriman explains. “To have your name in the record books is genuinely what every pro player dreams of.” However, he also admits that the journey has not been easy. Professional gaming demands incredible commitment, with training sessions often lasting 10 hours a day even when he is not travelling. Physical fitness, he continues, plays a vital role in maintaining mental stamina, revealing that daily stretching and running form part of his routine to combat stress and fatigue.
Support from family has proven indispensable during his rapid ascent. Fiona, his partner, has cared for their daughter during Merriman’s long spells away, sometimes up to 200 days per year touring the esports circuit. “It’s certainly not easy for her, but having her encouragement pushes me that bit further,” he remarks.
Merriman’s passion for gaming began at an early age when he was introduced to Counter-Strike by his father. Alongside his three brothers, he quickly developed a love for the competitive nature of the game. Even while at Birmingham City University, where he commenced his studies in 2017, esports played an integral role in his life despite the competing demands of academia. Limited time meant he could not devote himself fully to gaming initially, but the tables turned in 2020 after networking led to a professional opportunity with the team GamerLegion.
His first professional contract netted a modest £15,000 a year, but it was clear the landscape could offer far more for those able to prove themselves. Merriman’s talents did not go unnoticed: after a Premier League-style transfer, he was recruited by internationally renowned teams Cloud9 and later Fnatic, with his contract value rising to six figures. In 2023, a further transfer to Team Vitality placed Merriman in a position to secure his recent triumph in Austin.
Despite his high earnings, Merriman says his home gaming set-up is a significant investment, featuring custom hardware and furniture totalling thousands of pounds—a necessity for maintaining a competitive edge. Regularly updated technology, he believes, makes a tangible difference to performance.
Looking forward, the Birmingham native is preparing for several forthcoming tournaments, including the Blast Premier London Open at Wembley’s OVO Arena. With more than 17 years of experience behind him, he is nowhere near ready to step back from the game, motivated as ever to inspire the next generation of players.
This case highlights the immense growth of esports as an industry, now involving large teams of support staff and attracting stadium-sized crowds. Merriman is keen to be a role model for aspiring gamers, advocating for the recognition of professional esports as a serious and lucrative career choice. While his story is exceptional, it represents a growing trend as electronic sports continue to break new ground in the world of professional athletics.