Name: Nick Demarinis

Location: Tampa, FL

Favorite Athletic brew: Run Wild

Instagram: @nickdemarinis

Ambassador Nick Demarinis didn’t know that his love of arcade games would one day be showcased on a national stage -- and broadcast on TV! 

Nick will have the opportunity to showcase his unique talent for winning the classic arcade basketball game in August for the national championship! 

Read on to learn more about Nick and how to watch him on TV!

How did you hear about Athletic Brewing?

After a long weekend in Key West, I went on a business trip to Washington, DC. I travel almost every week as an executive for a real estate company. I have a very social job, and I always have to be on, but there are a lot of night activities involved. On that particular trip, I remember recognizing that I just can’t bounce back like I used to. One of my colleagues asked me if I had heard of Athletic? I said no, and he said I had to try it. I bought my first 6-pack that weekend, and it was so good! I loved it so much that I literally did not turn back. It’s been 2 years.

What made you decide to join the Ambassador community?

I’ve always enjoyed being a part of many different communities. They’ve been a big part of my personal and professional life. We have a big family, and we’ve been involved in a lot of different sports teams. I’m involved in communities professionally as well.

I’ve always loved being a part of communities that have a common mission or purpose. I love the Athletic brews, and then when I heard about the story of the co-founders, I was like, not only could I relate to them, but I love the product too. Then I thought the brews can help me be the best version of myself personally and professionally, by staying sharp the next day. I can lean into that community, be part of that story, share the awareness of not just how good the beer tastes but the story behind it, the unlimited upside to NA beer and the benefits that it comes with it. I wanted to be part of telling that story.

And then hearing all the other stories from the community -- joining happy hours, learning from fellow athletes and people who found themselves again through fitness -- that's been incredibly inspiring. I work out every day, and it’s such a bonus that I don’t have to give anything up to stay on track.

You’re competing in the arcade basketball national championships. Tell me more about that and how you got involved!

I’m turning 43 this year. I’ve got twin boys, and I’ve always been a kid at heart. I’m still super active. Me and my boys hit the arcade every Saturday. It’s kind of our thing.

About a year ago, my phone just started blowing up. I finally answered one of the calls and someone told me, “Turn on the TV right now!” I did, and there was the first-ever arcade basketball national championships. This game has been around since the ’80s, and it’s making a comeback. The reason I got this phone call is because at the arcade, I’ve broken every single record. I have always been good at the game, but that was about it.

I messaged the team, and they said they’d let me know when the qualifiers open up again.

Fast-forward about eight months, I get an email saying they’re hosting the first qualifier in San Antonio. I leaned over to my wife and said, “I’ve gotta fly to San Antonio.” She’s like, “For what? A conference?” I go, “No… to qualify for a tournament.” She just gave me this look – like, “You’re ridiculous.” But then she says, “Go do what makes you happy.”

So I fly out there. My flight’s delayed and I arrived with only 10 minutes left to qualify. I somehow hit a score that gets me into the bracket. Out of 350 players, only eight make it through -- and I swept the whole bracket. Afterward, they were like, “We met you 20 minutes ago … and now we’re paying for your travel to the championship.” Totally wild.

I’ve got this personal goal I do every year -- a Japanese ritual called misogi. It’s an annual challenge where I push myself outside my comfort zone, just to grow. I’ve done it every year for the past 20 years. I keep track of them too.

It’s been everything from flying a plane, being on a reality TV show, to running the New York Marathon. Every year, I pick something bold and meaningful to define that year. This championship? That’s my misogi for this year. And it’s not just about being in it – I want to win it.

Part of the prize was they sent me an arcade machine for home. So now I’ve got one in the house, and it’s become a whole thing. My kids are like, “Daddy’s training, let’s go play!” It’s fun, but I do take it somewhat seriously.

There’s repetition. Muscle memory. I try to push to higher and higher scores. Even though the arcade setup might look a little different, the fundamentals stay the same. There’s actually conditioning involved, believe it or not. That’s where all my other workouts come in – boxing, tennis, hockey. When I do anything, I look to do it at the highest level, so this is no different.

I’m also reading this book called Inner Excellence. It’s a great mental training book and helps with the mindset side of competition.

What’s your favorite thing about the place you live?

I’m in Tampa, and everyone’s outside all the time. We’re close to the water, close to the bay, close to the boardwalk. I’m always outside walking the dog, running, and going to the beach.

How do you live a #FitForAllTimes lifestyle?

I try to be “fit for all times” by doing something active every day. When I’m at home, I’ll run outside or take my dog for a walk or play ball outside with my kids. When I’m traveling, I rally my team to go do a workout classes. Not everyone’s into it, but usually five or six people show up. If someone wants to wake up even earlier and go for a run – over the Brooklyn Bridge, for example, I’m like – let’s do it. I always find that time to exercise. When you can do it with others, it’s always more fun.

The national championship airs in August on ESPN. Be sure to tune in to watch Nick compete! 

To join the Athletic Brewing Ambassador community, submit your application at https://ambassadors.athleticbrewing.com/