Background Eraser

[Redshift]

Having real issues trying to erase the background for this picture:
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/items/armorsets/images/tier4raid/warlock/gnome-male.jpg
I'm at the point that I don't care about the little white stuff around the character, my biggest issues are the darker parts, for example the hands.

Anyone got any tips or can help, I've been at it for an hour and just keep getting frustated, should i just keep playing with the tolerance? Or is this nearly impossible to get rid of all the background?

 

[docilebob]

Might try outlining it with the pen tool and making a selection from the path. Then invert the selection and mask or delete it. The similarity of colors between the bg and the gnome will give the auto select tools a hard time.

 

[chillman]

When all else fails, the pen tool and a lot of patience always prevails.