They describe him as 'job hunting'. Apparently he wasn't hunting too hard. Perhaps it was that extra 13 weeks of unemployment that allowed him to master his craft.

The AP notes that "first prize was $1,200, a video game system and a gold medal." That should keep him unemployed for a few more weeks.

(I saw this story earlier but neglected to comment on it. When I saw Simon's neat Online Rock-Paper-Scissors game, I felt inspired, so credit him for the link.)