Gamers Who Give: Derek “Sol” Simmons

Derek “Sol” Simmons (he/they) is a new friend and supporter of Gamers Engaged. Sol first learned of Gamers Engaged in 2025 and joined in on the fun (and games) at the 2025 Gauntlet. He was one of the Judges, volunteering his time to ensure fair game play and scoring.

Sol is a competitive gamer, community builder, and customer service pro with nearly 15 years of experience across sports venues and Fortune 500 companies. Sol’s love for gaming runs deep. From competing in Red Bull Battlegrounds and Northwest Majors to securing multiple Top 8 finishes in Magic: The Gathering and Kaijudo tournaments, they bring both skill and heart to every match.

Guided by mentors like Chris Pirillo, Max Zaleski, and John Higdon, Sol has cultivated a passion for connection and mentorship that shines throughout Seattle’s gaming community.

We’re thrilled to have Sol in the Gamers Who Give community and can’t wait to see what they do next. Gamers Engaged is excited to feature Sol as a Gamer Who Gives.

Keep reading for our interview with Sol.

What is your role in the gaming industry? 

I'm just a fan. I've been involved with gaming adjacent industries like Gameworks, but not with a publisher or developer; maybe that will change soon.

Why did you sign up for the 2025 Gauntlet?

This was actually my first year with this event. I'd been involved with SOBA for 18 months at the time, and was looking for local gaming themed non-profits on LinkedIn; a few clicks later and here I am.

What was your favorite moment from the 2025 event?

We had a player that I was coaching with one of our more complicated games, she told me she responded well to the way I was teaching the game, it made her feel she could understand it; I felt my customer service background was what helped me bridge that gap. At the event, she won at her table by one point. We collectively celebrated her success, which was nice. I also had a few people tell me "we loved being judged by you, Sol", which was nice people were fond of my style of play.

What advice do you have for others that want to connect their passion for games with giving back to others?

This is going to sound strange, but take care of yourself first so you can authentically show up for others. Yes, the people around you make the event, but equally as important is to keep your heart open to allow others to elevate you. I've seen too often how competitive spaces can lead to resentment, so build the house out of the foundation you want to attract. Like the Field of Dreams quote: "If you build it, they will come."; build the place you want to see, your people will show up.

What’s a great nonprofit we should know about and why?

I've mentioned them previously, so I'll say it again: the Seattle Online Broadcasters Association (SOBA), who just reached their 10th Anniversary during PAX weekend. They are a Twitch affiliated non-profit connecting local content creators, providing resources for all levels of your streaming journey.

What game are you currently playing that you can't stop? Why? 

Hyper Dragonball Z recently released version 6 - Wild Ambition. It is a fanmade fighting game on the Mugen engine using 100% original assets that's been in active development since 2014, preceding Dragonball FighterZ. This build just put in Jiren and Goku Black, so it's even more chaotic and fun, like classic 90's Capcom fighters. I highly recommend it, especially if you haven't played it in a while to see the new cut scenes.

If you were an in-game character, what game and what role would you play?

That's a tough one, a lot of good worlds to be in ... but my first love was Street Fighter. I think I've always been drawn to the philosophy of self-improvement and knowing yourself through the way of the fist. I feel the Street Fighter II animated movie, and to an extent Street Fighter 2 V, demonstrated this aspect well, more than the games have expanded on. It's not glamorous, but it resonates with me.

What's your alignment?

Neutral Good, but most of my tabletop friends would say I lean more towards Chaotic Good. Who else needs a group hug at there Commander table?