Oh, to be 16 and totally naive again. Well, that’s what we’re saying about North Carolina’s Blake Peebles, who has decided, after a long discussion with his parents, 5th period girlfriend of three weeks and collection of Transformers, to drop out of high school and enter the world of competitive gaming. His game of choice? Guitar Hero, which at least isn’t as nerdy as dropping out to play MechWarrior for a living… but not by much. However, just because he left school doesn’t mean he’s going to be a delinquent. Nope, between guitar practice he has to be home schooled, just like other child… ahem… prodigies.

Blake could leave school but would have to be tutored at home. In one respect, the arrangement is similar to what parents of gifted child athletes and actors have done for years.

Among the prizes he’s won playing “Guitar Hero” tournaments: gift certificates, gaming equipment and chicken sandwiches… Blake has done well in local tournaments, including one held at a Chick-fil-A that earned him 52 combo meals.

Chicken sandwiches? His momma must be so proud. Oh, but there is money to be made.

Top players can earn more than $80,000 a year, plus outside sponsorship money, says an MLG spokeswoman. The average pay is in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.

We guess that’s an okay deal. On one hand, you’re making Editorial Assistant money to play video games… on the other, you have to repeatedly play “Carry On My Wayward Son” and “Jessica” over and over again and sticking the plastic guitar in your head isn’t an option.

‘Guitar Hero’ whiz aiming higher [News and Observer]
Image [News and Observer]