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Hey guys,
So I just got back from Anaheim and I wanted to take some time to tell everyone about how incredible the whole experience was. Anybody who has never been to an MLG: Go. Right now, MLG is the e-sports Superbowl, and every single event is bigger and better than the last.
These last three days have been nothing short of amazing, and I want to just walk you through a little bit of what its like to both be there as a spectator, and as someone working behind the curtain.
Flying in, getting settled, and meeting Day[9]
So I flew in from Atlanta on Thursday. My flight landed at around 10 AM, and I was at the Hilton Anaheim by 11. I was tired and ready for a shower, but, sadly, the hotel people wouldn't let me check in until 4pm. T.T
I used the time to go poke around the convention center, meet the MLG peeps that flew me out (shoutouts to Marc Turner and MLG Lee!) and also to find some lunch. I tried checking again at 1PM, and again at 2, but both times I got the same story. "Sorry, wait til 4".
Then I hear "hey Bitter", only to see Day[9] standing a few feet away.
"C'mon, we're rooming together. Let's check in"
"I tried bro, they won't let me until 4"
"Nah dude, we're covered"
And with a wink and a smile Day[9] walks up to the hotel lady, says "Boner, Amanda", and we have our room keys.
The man has a gift...
A day in the life of an MLG caster
Casting for MLG is like a dream. It really is the Superbowl of gaming. Just getting the chance to be out there was humbling and amazing. Its a paid gig, our travel is covered, food is (more or less) provided, and we get to pretend like we're famous for a few days. Its fucking awesome....
But make no mistake about it, MLG makes you earn it all. The days can be sooooo long.
Husky and I had to be in our seats by 10 AM, which usually meant makeup and prep by 9.
Not a huge deal, but, for perspective, the super-pros Wheat and Day[9] usually don't start until 11 or 12. (although they always run later as they are the main-stage dudes)
Once our day starts, we're practically glued to our seats. Its really surprising how much sitting on your ass and talking about video games can drain you. Nerd-back is a bitch, staying hydrated is important, keeping the energy up can be hard, and finding the time for simple things like bathroom breaks and food is secondary to making sure games start on time and without incident.
We were supposed to take an hour for lunch, but we kept forgetting... The only time we actually remembered was on Sunday, and, sadly, our break came at the expense of Idra/Naniway being broadcast. It suuucked so hard to come back from break to hear that we had missed those games.  The pace of everything behind the curtain is really fast and frantic. Games never stop being played, and while there's sometimes downtime on one stream or the other, everybody is always busy either covering a match, or setting up for one.
All that being said, I can't think of anything in the world I would have rather been doing for the past three days.
Friday night's cast ended at like 1AM. I was tired, sore, starving and a little bit delirious from all the TvT, but all that paled in comparison to the incredible relief and happiness that comes with a successful day of casting. The whole MLG team really has this camaraderie thing down. High fives and hugs were shared by all, and everyone walked back to their hotels with smiles on their faces and sleep in their eyes.
Casting with Husky
I want to just take the time to say that Husky is a total pro. I really feel like he's one of the best commentators in the business. He's fluid, well spoken, intelligent, and very funny. I can't count the number of times I got tongue tied or said something stupid only to have him gracefully pick up the cast.
The fact that he has any haters at all really blows my mind, and seeing both the positive and negative feedback has convinced me of two things.
1.) The community is so freaking awesome. We do what we do for the growth of Starcraft, and to entertain the people that watch. Its inspiring to get positive feedback.
2.) No matter how well an event goes, there will always be haters, and some of them just hate for the sake of hating. This isn't to say that all negative feedback is unwarranted, but rather that some of it is just lolridiculous.
Unsung Heroes
The JPs, Wheats, and Day[9]s of the world really make the difference between a good cast and a fucking fantastic one, but the people that make the difference between having a cast and having nothing at all deserve more recognition than anyone.
The production team behind these MLG events is just incredible. Producers, directors, stagehands, executives, media people, sound guys, graphic artists, technicians, admins, referees, and so forth and so on, and on, and on, and on.
There are sooo many people that bust their asses to bring these events together, and every one of them deserves a medal, a beer, a massage, and a personal stripper.
The two guys who I really want to reach out to and thank are Marc Turner - the guy who is basically in charge of the streams. He's the guy who took a chance on me and decided to fly me out, and also the guy who ran Day[9] and Wheat's stream. The other guy that I really want to thank is Will... And his last name might be forever forgotten, but Will is a fucking champion.
He was the producer in charge of Husky and mine's stream. He was basically the voice in our head telling us everything that needed to be done, and setting up plugs, commercials, etc.
He's a boss, and I owe him a beer.
My Hero Story
So for all the amazing stuff that went down this weekend, this story takes the cake, hands down bar none.
Sunday. Finals are done, the crowds are dispersing, everybody is ready to go party.
Kelly "Ariwa" Toki and I are walking out of the convention center talking about how incredible the entire weekend has been. As we're on our way out, this little dude stops us and says
"Do you know where Day[9] is?"
This guy is about 4 feet tall and can't have been a day past 9 years old. He was MiniWheat levels of cute.
But you also have to understand how much Sean gets mobbed any time he goes anywhere. Like, we would walk from our hotel room to the convention center, and he would get stopped no less than 20 times.
He handles it like a champ, but, at the end of the day, when you've got a curtain call to make, you can't stop for every fan. (sadly, mind you)
We told the little guy that Day[9] would be coming out shortly, but that he was still back stage wrapping things up, and to just wait with the crowd by the curtain.
A few minutes later, Toki gets a text from Day[9]
"I'm gonna sneak out the back so we can avoid the crowd and find some dinner"
"Oh shit" we both think...
Its one thing to send a little kid off to wait with a mob of adoring fans all waiting to glimpse the legendary Day[9], but a completely different one to send him to stand in front of a corner only to be disappointed when Sean never actually walks out.
We went back to find him.
When we got back to the convention center, the plot thickened substantially. Security had emptied the entire place. The doors were being locked, and we couldn't find the little dude anywhere.
We were standing in the hall-way-ish area between the convention center doors, and the glass doors that let you in and out of the building. After a few minutes, we finally spot the little guy.
He has his face pressed up against the glass, and his eyes are frantically scanning the crowds for some sign of Day[9]. The glass is fogging up from his breath, and he looked sad enough to melt hearts.
Toki and I walked over to the door and pulled it open.
"Come with us, little dude."
Honestly, he looked like he thought we were trying to kidnap him.
"No, seriously, we're going to take you to Day[9]"
This peaked his interest, but he still had reservations, until his dad chimed in and said
"Sounds like you're about to get hooked up, buddy"
This next part is my favorite.....
So Kelly takes him by the hand and they go to walk back into the convention center, but the security people are being total dicks.
"Sorry folks, shows over"
At which point I bust out my MLG badge and say
"I'm Mr. Bitter. Let them through"
(like a boss?)
And so they did.
We walked the little guy through the convention center, and back behind the big curtain. The whole way he was freaking out, thanking us, and telling us how Day[9] has been his hero for 2 years, and how his dad used to hate video games, but after seeing all the amazing fans at MLG he's starting to warm up to e-sports. (fistpump!)
And then he rounded the corner and say Day[9] for the first time, and just about lost it.
He started shaking and smiling and asked for an autograph.
Sean signed his shirt and his wrist band, and then politely declined the ten dollars the kid tried to give him. (lolwtf?)
Kelly and I walked the little dude back out, and about halfway through the convention center he just starts sobbing.
He said Day[9] was his hero and that we made his dream come true, at which point I nearly lost it. Kelly had to walk away for the same reason.
When we got the little guy back to the front his dad was like
"Are you crying?"
The kid sobs "Yesh"
"Are those happy tears"
"Yesh"
... "Seriously?"
And they walked off into the night.
I was elated.
Happiest kid ever, and he'll be an e-sports fan for life.
MLG is the shit, guys.
I had so much fun and I cannot wait for the next one.
<3<3
 
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That kid, LOVES Day[9].
Such a cute story, thanks for sharing it :3
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OMG. I possibly just sniffled. That little kid... so cute.
Good job with the casting btw! :D Glad to see your hard work paying off.
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Great blog about your wonderful experience!
One day, that kid is going to post his story on TL, so bookmark this page!
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Aww! Thanks for the cute story! Made my eyes actually tear up a bit, was so nice 
Really interesting to read all this! Thanks for the post! You did great casting!
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
Lmao he tried to give day9 10$ thats so cute.
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That is one adorable story. :D
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------>Jelly
I wrote a TLDR for you, in case people don't want to bother with the text
+ Show Spoiler +- Day[9] misses out on a chance to make 10 bucks -
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United States2095 Posts
Nice! 5/5 Good to hear from Casters about their experience with MLG. )
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lmaooo that story is so adorable, you're an awesome guy mr. bitter. i've been watching your stream since before the original 12 weeks when you were buying coaching from incontrol, and i'm glad you've been given these opportunities because you put a lot into the community.
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United States13896 Posts
One of the best stories of MLG right there. So cool :D
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MURICA15980 Posts
LOL. Loving the stories. =D
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Great story!
Thx for your casting, it was awesome
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Aww man such a nice story :D So cute that he tried to give him some money ahah.
Well done to you and husky over the weekend - been a husky fan since I started watching sc2 (even though I don't frequent his youtube channel anymore he's a big reason I started watching Sc2).
What I'm curious about is what is the story behind this lol
And with a wink and a smile Day[9] walks up to the hotel lady, says "Boner, Amanda", and we have our room keys.
Look forward to seeing you at more MLG casts :D
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illsick
United States1770 Posts
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awsome story man! great casting too.
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Bitter you were fantastic all weekend! Great story too
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"I'm Mr. Bitter. Let them through"
Damn right like a boss.
Nice writeup. Although you and Husky seemed to get alot of haters, I still enjoyed your casting and you are improving seemingly everytime I hear you, MLG made a good choice bringing you onboard imo.
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Haven't read the whole thing and will edit it but boner amanda lol
edit:
btw: Mr. Bitter is such a boss. Great casting during MLG! Really enjoyed it!
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Mr. Bitter you did great and I enjoyed the games you commentated on with Husky on the blue stream. Hopefully they bring you back again! You added some good facts about the BO's you saw the zerg players scout and en lighted us on some builds they could do to counter them.
Bravo! 
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LIKE A BOSS.
Great stories, great read. Adorable kid. Trying to give him money. Omg.
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Thanks! Nice read. (photos would have made it better though).
Have fun at Raleigh if you are going.
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dude i was nearly choked up reading that. great read bitter. actually, you were the one person i never got to introduce myself to. perhaps next mlg!?
my favorite MLG moment: being in the elevator with white-ra and a little old lady tugs on my shirt, i lean over and said "myy all these young guys, i dont suppose you are here for the doll convention..." i just look at white ra and i reply "not quite..."
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You did an awesome job casting, been a huge fan since 12 weeks and you just keep getting better on the casting front and keep on being excellent to your fellow e-sports fans.
Good luck with your next caster gig and I hope to hear many more events from you in the future!
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The production and staff members of MLG are an unbelieveable bunch. They done far more than what their paycheck asked more all so every fan, on location or on stream, can have a enjoyable weekend.
Can someone help me identify these two staffs that helped me out a little on Sunday? I think the first is Clutch?
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/I9Kn2.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Y1qYK.jpg)
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On August 02 2011 14:53 SenorChang wrote:Aww man such a nice story :D So cute that he tried to give him some money ahah. Well done to you and husky over the weekend - been a husky fan since I started watching sc2 (even though I don't frequent his youtube channel anymore he's a big reason I started watching Sc2). What I'm curious about is what is the story behind this lol Show nested quote +And with a wink and a smile Day[9] walks up to the hotel lady, says "Boner, Amanda", and we have our room keys.
Look forward to seeing you at more MLG casts :D
http://damnyouautocorrect.com/8381/close-siblings/
Also watch the first few minutes of Day[9]'s Funday Monday from tonight tonight.
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Nice write-up. That story at the end was heart-warming
You did great with husky, bitter and although I hadn't watched you a lot before you now got +1 fan :D
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Awesome story, and such a happy hero bit. Great job this weekend.
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On August 02 2011 15:49 Destro wrote:
dude i was nearly choked up reading that. great read bitter. actually, you were the one person i never got to introduce myself to. perhaps next mlg!?
my favorite MLG moment: being in the elevator with white-ra and a little old lady tugs on my shirt, i lean over and said "myy all these young guys, i dont suppose you are here for the doll convention..." i just look at white ra and i reply "not quite..."
This really had me laughing. Picturing White-Ra with a doll now and gently combing it's hair
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awww nice the kid got to see Day9!!!! So Kind of you both to do it!!!
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I didn't get a mention T_T
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On August 02 2011 18:15 tgun wrote:
I didn't get a mention T_T
I still love you mostest!
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bitter you baws. come to germany and i'll give you (almost) infinite beer. also read/reply to my pm ~.~
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Estonia4644 Posts
yay mr bits/bitter/bitterz or whatever else you graciously let husky & everyone call you
great story, and esp. thanks for sharing it with the community ^___^
the behind the scenes stories and pics are what make the MLGs that little bit more enticing and memorable C:
also, keep casting good sir, you did a great job!
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You and husky were great, whoever had the idea to bring you two out deserves a gold star. I hope you're at every MLG going forward.
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And then he rounded the corner and say Day[9] for the first time, and just about lost it.
He started shaking and smiling and asked for an autograph.
Sean signed his shirt and his wrist band, and then politely declined the ten dollars the kid tried to give him. (lolwtf?)
Kelly and I walked the little dude back out, and about halfway through the convention center he just starts sobbing.
He said Day[9] was his hero and that we made his dream come true, at which point I nearly lost it. Kelly had to walk away for the same reason.
I..I think I have something in my eye....
You did a great job MrBitter. Only positive feedback for you, you did your best controlling Husky that talking machine.
Best of luck when you move to Germany for ESL and IEM. ^_^
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MLG should set up a blog section called MLG Moments for stories like that. Awesome story.
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<3
Making ESPORTS fans, one kid at the time! LIKE A BOSS!
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Thanks for sharing man. You are a boss for all of us. Hope to see you a lot more often.
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United States17042 Posts
Loving the story, You were mobbed too ^^ never got a chance to complement you on what a great job you were doing ^^
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so much love!!!!!!! <3 thanks for casting and sharing your stories.
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Damn, that's awesome!
I was a little bummed that I didn't get a chance to meet Day[9] again, but that's okay ^^
All I was going to have him do was "Park it" anyways 
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Day9 like a boss!
MrBitter you are a boss as well.
You didn't needed to bring the kid but you did! And thanks to that you got an amazing story to tell :D
Now all we need to know is who the kid is so Day9 can do a daily with him or something :D:D
What an amazing experience u have MrBitter I'm sad that I live in Holland. So jealous of all the people that went to MLG!
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Love the story, was pleasantly surprised by your casts too. I'm gonna have to go to an MLG one day.
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hahaha great story, gotta love the kid trying to give day 10 bucks, he probably thought; 'better not anger the toughthammer and bring gifts!'
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On August 03 2011 00:48 shannn wrote:Day9 like a boss! MrBitter you are a boss as well. You didn't needed to bring the kid but you did! And thanks to that you got an amazing story to tell :D Now all we need to know is who the kid is so Day9 can do a daily with him or something :D:D What an amazing experience u have MrBitter I'm sad that I live in Holland. So jealous of all the people that went to MLG!
MLG rocks, but Europe has IEM!
I better see you out at some of the events. :D
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Awesome story, Bitter.
On August 02 2011 14:30 Rekrul wrote:
Lmao he tried to give day9 10$ thats so cute.
I heard on Reddit that Xeris also said he'd find Day9 but instead just stole the kid's 10 bucks.
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haha that is one of the best stories ever
What a cute little kid ^^
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That kid..
I believe there's some dirt in my eye. *wipe*
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what. a. boss. Bitter great stories, that kid must be a total bawss probably nearing on your level. 5/5 ggoogogo bitter keep it up! GL with ESL and other possible things that you might be doing ( )
EDIT: mods please feature, its worthy
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5/5. great blog and i loved your casting.
Amanda Boner ... Cute.
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That kid man... I woulda just started sobbing as well when that kid started crying tears of utter happiness.
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Canada9720 Posts
On August 03 2011 04:25 Flaccid wrote:Awesome story, Bitter. Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 14:30 Rekrul wrote:
Lmao he tried to give day9 10$ thats so cute. I heard on Reddit that Xeris also said he'd find Day9 but instead just stole the kid's 10 bucks.
lol
the kid trying to give day9 10 bux is hilarious. thanks for sharing
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You and Husky did a great job there. Amazing story about the kid!! MLG is the shit, yes thats right!!
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Calgary25977 Posts
I like the small stories like these from events that you'd never hear except in Blogs. Thanks!
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Amazing recap! Heartfelt story there at the end! Good on you for trying so hard to find him.
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Blazinghand
United States25550 Posts
Amanda boner... and the child story, both amazing. It brings a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing
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Great story bitter! 5/5 easy. That kid is so freaking cute. Choked me up a little bit. And what is with boner amanda? Lol. I dont understand why those words would make her let them in!
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Playing Zerg is like growing up in the ghetto. You only really know what it's like if you went through the whole experience yourself. Everyone else thinks they know, but they have no idea.
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Wow bitter your such a boss xD! Now can do me a favor and play some ladder, your rapidly decreasing rank in my division is making me upset.
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Boner Amanda.
HOW DOES HE DO IT?
Great blog, always nice to see how things go for people who aren't spectators.(:
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OMG CUTEST STORY EVER
NO pictures, I'm fucking ashamed of you ): I MUST SEE WHO THIS KID IS~
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Can you elaborate more on the boner Amanda quote? If day9 said that to me I would be confused. (though I am also not named Amanda nor am I female)
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This kid story is so adorable. It must've been so surreal for that little kid. He'll be remember it for the rest of his life. Thank you for having a heart of gold Mr. Bitter <33333
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Looking forward hearing you casting in the future Mr. Bitter. Aaaand read more blogs from you, you sound like a genuinely good guy,
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Omg amazing story (*o*)!!
I just can't help but notice something about that kid though... You said that he, and I quote (well, technically I'm not using the quote function but w/e), "...couldn't of been a DAY past 9..."
It was destined (O_O)
If this was a movie (and, duh, it's America, might as well be) we'd go flashforward 20 years when this kids ballin' in Code S with a picture of Day[9] in his booth. Day9 would be like ben kenobi, and the kid's Luke
"Luuke... Just go fuckin' kill him..."
And then he scores the one shot that blows up the Deathstar... or... uhm, his opponents head. I dunno.
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What a great read. I'm so sad that MLG doesn't come to Canada anymore T_T.
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Awesome story, great casting at MLG with husky!
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I was hoping this would get shared, but my trollsona negates anything good I post.
ty Mr. Bitter, t'was a weekend for remembering.
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yup.. sniffle.. thats ESPORTS... i have something in my eye.
So what is this kids ID on teamliquid?
I hope one day i can have a badge that makes people let me through.
That story was really amazing.
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aww thats so cute xD can't believe he cried, what a baller :D
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Wow Bitter and Day9 are total bosses
That little kid story is awesome man!!! truly u made his dream come true
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I teared up at the story with Day9 and the kid... Thanks for sharing, that was great!
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Haha, the hero story, so cute. :D
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maybe amanda is day9's girlfriend ;o?
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holy shit dude that story almost made me cry.
Nice job casting the event man
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Awwww what a cute hero story :3
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Should be spotlighted, this is the most awesome story I've heard.
Great job Mr Bitter and the entire mlg crew.
Boner Amanda !
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United States4796 Posts
<3 You're the man, Bitter.
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I've been a fan since your nasl appearance! I hope you still stream and good luck in the future!
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For the record guys, I was a MrBitter fan BEFORE NASL.
That's right, I'm a bitter hipster nerd.
I watched him yell at nubs for being bad MONTHS before you saw him cast!
I'm afraid I might lose my passion though. I don't wanna go hurting eSports
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Man i still am bitter though ( pun intended) i literally met everyone there except for the thoughthammer himself. sigh
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Actually got watery eyes from that fan story.. real epic.
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Awwwww, poor little fella :D
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Really enjoyed this writeup, and I really enjoyed your cast whenever you guys were on the main stream at the event. I think that overall, this was one of the most solid groups of commentators that MLG has put together. Really nicely done.
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EPT
