Technical Innovation & Identity: In Conversation with Ori Perl
Editor’s Note: Originally published in 2015 as part of a feature series, this Q&A is republished as a portfolio piece highlighting technical innovation, cultural identity, and creative problem-solving. It demonstrates end-to-end editorial execution, structured Q&A profiling, and narrative storytelling.
In this interview, I connected with Ori Perl from Season 3 of TBS’s King of the Nerds. A mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Maryland, Ori brought a unique blend of robotics expertise, LARPing passion, and lighthearted humor to Nerdvana...
When did you first embrace being a nerd?
I've always loved math and science, but I truly accepted being a nerd when I joined my high school's FIRST Robotics team and realized how much fun engineering could be.
What drew you to King of the Nerds, and what was your favorite moment in Nerdvana?
I had barely heard of the show before applying, but the challenges looked incredible and Nerdvana seemed like an awesome environment. My favorite moment on set was playing the "Space Constable" in our team's theatrical challenge. I love making people laugh, and bringing that character to life while cracking up the judges was a blast. Yelling "Leroy Jenkins!" on national television was also a personal bucket-list goal from day one!
How did age and game strategy affect your experience, and what would you change if you competed again?
At 22, I was one of the younger contestants, so I affectionately called older cast members my "senpai." Early on, I was nervous and made the mistake of trying a bit too hard to be funny, which alienated me slightly. I was focused more on having fun than on hardcore strategy. If I were to compete again, I would focus much more on early networking and building strategic alliances right from the start.
Who were your favorite contestants to work with, both during and after the show?
While filming, I bonded most with Jacob—he was hilarious and great to hang out with in Nerdvana. After the show wrapped, I became very close with Raychelle. Since we were on opposing teams, we didn't get to interact as much on camera, but we talk frequently now.
Your profile mentions being a "LARPing Battle Rabbi." How does that intersect with your background and heritage?
I'm a first-generation American on my mom's side, as she was born in Israel ("Ori" means "My light" in Hebrew). In Live Action Role Playing (LARP), my character is essentially a battle cleric who wears a battle yarmulke and heals allies with prayers. In real life, I'm a secular Jew—meaning I can still appreciate bacon and Maryland crab cakes!
You studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland. How did you get into robotics, and what project are you most proud of?
Joining my high school's FIRST Robotics team freshman year completely solidified my love for engineering. I spent four years competing, four years mentoring, and helped launch a new team. For my bio-inspired robotics course at Maryland, I designed, 3D printed, wired, and programmed a quadrupedal robot that mimics the walking gait of a crocodile.
What are your go-to anime, favorite puns, and memorable LARP war stories?
My favorite anime is Trigun—Vash the Stampede is a goofball, pacifist gunslinger who I’ve always looked up to. I also love bad puns; my go-to line when someone asks for the time is to look at my phone and say, "Not on my watch!" As for LARPing, one of my favorite early memories was sneaking behind an entire enemy unit during a battle. I thought I'd get taken down after one or two hits, but I managed to single-handedly eliminate ten opponents from behind before reuniting with my unit for the win.
Connect with Ori Perl:
- X / Twitter: @pickleking
- Facebook: Ori KOTN / The Pickle King
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