I never used to game much. Never really had a PC that was up to it ( old Dell Core 2 Duo ), but recently got a new PC and now I play things like RaceRoom Racing Experience, rFactor 2, Dirt Rally, Assetto Corsa, Call of Duty; Modern Warfare 2 ( although I die most of the time, and iRacing when it works. I've recently started learning Fusion 360 so a big mouse bad comes in handy.
Do you find that the textured surface wears-out your mouse-feet?
I've been using a Razer Sphex for a couple of years. It appears to have a similar-looking texture to your Steel Series (though obviously much smaller.) It provides a great surface, but my mouse keeps complaining of sore feet so I have to periodically renew them! (Mouse is Logitech G600 fwiw.)