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The True Unsung Heroes of eSports
 

Lately theres all this talk about the unsung heros of eSports, and yes there are many of them we don't get to see. But i want to share some of My experiences.

*Disclaimer* I know i've probably missed people, YOU WILL BE EDITED IN I SWEAR. Also it's kinda directed at the people i have worked with directly, there are a lot of indirect people who still do so much, and i don't know your names! I'm really sorry, im too shy! *.*
Also they probably have done so much more from what i haven't seen too, so yeah!

First up - Ever since i jumped in as Maynarde's Personal assistant to his awesome casting as his observer at ACL i've had the opportunity to see what kinda goes on backstage in making events like ACL and WCS possible.

First of all, i know it's not perfect, and here's a message to those of you who just complain about things wrong with it. **** you. But In a nice constructive way, because these guys are so good, they'll do their best to fix or improve things.

Secondly - These guys use all their knowledge and gear and go out of their way to go and buy stuff (cables, adaptors etc) to make sure it is run as smoothly as possible.

In no Particular order - (probably in the order of who i've worked with the most) Here they are.

Blair - AKA Stream Master/Button Presser @Scythah
I've worked with Blair the most because i sit right next to him and he helps me remind myself of the unit tabs and production tabs, name plates, you name it he's pointing at it if im doing something wrong! He's ontop of switching cameras, transitions and everything fancy you see on stream! Also great guy and funny! Ryan Stiles Much?

JB - Mr Technical Wiki. @Jbhewitt
Simply put, this guy knows everything. Seriously, i'm amazed when theres a problem and i think we're completely bogged, but nope, he has a solution! He gets your internet sorted, stream link sorted, make sure everything is running smoothly.

Simon - JB's Twin. @?????
Pretty much a twin of Jb from what i've seen, Always helping out as much as he can to keep everything running super smooth! He helps make everything possible and without a person like him things like ACL and WCS wouldn't be as smooth and awesome as they are.

Doble - Audio Director man @thedoble
Haven't seen him at ACL for a bit, but he was back with a vengeance at WCS to make sure the stream was looking as professional as possible, with Sounds so Tastosis, HDuser were all happy with their setups, All the cameras in position for the best possible shots, and running the music and the audio for the stream and live viewers.

Graphics Department - Here's where i fail with the names T_T
I'm really sorry to everyone here because i'm not gonna do you guys justice! Please let me know if you were part of the Graphics for ACL or WCS and I'll add you here! You guys made the stream look so professional, stepping up and making it look so sexy and HD. Even the Nameplate overlay, had to be done on the spot.
EVEN THE ******* TYCHUS VIDEO WAS EDITIED AT WCS BACKSTAGE. I THOUGHT IT WAS PREPARED FOR A WEEK EARLIER. WTF!?! SKILLS MUCH?
Let us know who you guys are!

Vanzr - Mr Organised! @ACLVanzr
Vanz always stresses heaps before, and during events, and i can see why! There is SO much stuff and organisation that needs to be done, and Vanz is the guy who keeps everything together. Even tho he doesnt know much about Starcraft, he put a lot of effort into making sure the players were punctual, everyone was happy and all running on time and as smooth as it possibly could. Giving Blizzard an ultimate product that was just outstanding. I couldn't ask for me, just an observer, to be treated so well and accommodated for in transport and at the venue.

Also huge shout out to his 'henchmen' I don't really know many of you guys but you help vanz and the events by keeping his rules enforced. (which i broke a little... heh whoops sorry! :P) Let us know who you are! Again, im too shy to really introduce myself... T_T. @ACLBeware @ACLInmaniac (I'm sure there are more, plz tweet me so i can add you!)

PJ - Blizzard Extraordinaire @Blizzard_Anz
I only met PJ This weekend, but damn i was so lucky to meet PJ! He's one of the nicest and friendliest guys out there, and he works for blizzard! He's not just doing his job, he's full LEGIT. He loves eSports and made sure that Australia was represented to the world the way it should. It was an honour to shake his hand. Also invited me to watch the Battle report at the blizzard HQ!

Dox - Dragon Soul @ACLDox
Obviously a man who needs no introduction. As always he's working away behind the scenes accommodating to the players, getting me ingame and letting us know whats going on stream in an organised fashion and i have no idea how he does it but damn, everything run so smooth! He hardly even gets to watch the game he's always at his computer doing his job. Did i mention he updates on twitter, sends out publicity to fans watching from home and updates live report threads. YEP HE ACTUALLY DOES THAT. Clearly a dragon. Hope you enjoyed your cast with Artosis and watching the finals You deserve it!

Shout out to Noxman @Nawxman too - I don't know exactly what you do (lol), but i know dox is always so grateful to have you around. Also so kind in getting me, stream team and players food when they want it. We need more people with your generosity.

And finally - The sponsors.
Obviously the big names who always deliver event after event, but also If you have put in even $1 Towards eSports in Australia, Then you have made this list. Even if it was the beer you bought at barcraft. Good enough! Any kind of interest in the scene like this is great!

Tweet at them, post here, show your appreciation!
I hope i haven't missed anyone, and im sure i have. Please let me know! I have a terrible memory! T_T

i cbf proof reading, way too tired. will do tomorrow if i get time :P