I'm leaving my full time position at Team Liquid. It's for a variety of reasons, but it's mostly a life decision, as this stage in my life, it's time for a change. I want to do my own thing and I also want to live and work in the United States, near my family and friends.
My experience working at TLHQ was amazing. It's been a great and eventful 4 years, where I've made some great friends and worked with some amazing people. I've been able to travel the world and live a life many people dream about. Its shaped me as a person, and I'm so thankful I found ESPORTS and TL when for so long I had no idea what in life I was passionate about.
I'd like to thank Rich, Ivailo (disciple), and Victor (Nazgul) for a great time in the Netherlands, as well as Matt (Heyoka) for being my reliable internet partner. I'd also like to thank every single graphics, liquipedia, and TL writer I've bugged over the years to do something. Thank you all for putting up with my relentless trolling. You've done some amazing stuff.
What Next?
As for the future, I'm definitely still working in this field. Esports Express will be separating from TL and I'll be working on it full time, my first task for it probably to fund it properly through Kickstarter. You'll see some information and announcements from me about that soon.
ESEX is something I really enjoy doing and something that I am extremely good at, so we'll see where that takes me. Right now it's a side project and there's so many events and articles that we could have written but had no time to, and I think with the right focus we can really make the site even more amazing. I hope we get some support and can continue writing and providing our style of humor.
We'll probably be fundraising separately for SC2, Dota 2, and League, and focusing on those for a while before hopefully expanding to other games in the future. I'll be working with Marc (SirJolt) and Joe, our lead League writer for ESEX.
I'll still be around TL, doing work here and there as a volunteer and also occasionally doing interviews as well.
I'll always remember...
- Writing recaps for the old MSL back when Savior wasn't a pariah. I cheered for CJ and still do even these days when I see their logo and colors.
- Meeting progamers for the first time at Blizzcon and staying in a tiny room with a bunch of other TL staff that went to the event. Manifesto where are you at?
- The random unpredictable internet drama and gossiping about it with staff -- mostly Kennigit.
- Working on TSL 1, 2, and 3. Staying up late, catching hackers and abusers, refereeing, organizing the broadcasts, all of that was amazing. I still remember Dreiven's amazing series vs Mondi and that finals between Naniwa and Thorzain.
- My first interviews at events. It was amazingly bad, with Haypro and Huk at some random 2011 MLG. Who knew I'd be doing them years later and people would actually enjoy them??
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Feel free to ask any questions in this thread about TL or my path in ESPORTS or whatever. I'll probably be doing some sort of AMA on Reddit as well when the fundraiser launches for ESEX in a few weeks.
Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
Classic hotbid interviews age better than fine wine, thanks for all the awesome work, you're a big reason I went deeper into esports and meeting you at MLG Columbus a few times was awesome.
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
Can we expect you to at least fly out to domestic Dota events such as TI, D2L, and MLG?
I've always maintained that esex is good (at least for dota) was because it was few and far in between articles so it never got stale. Hopefully that doesn't change with more content being pushed out as quantity has a consistent habit of lowering quality. gl though, if the quality stays the same it'd be a pleasure to read more things from esex.
On October 20 2014 22:47 Count9 wrote: I've always maintained that esex is good (at least for dota) was because it was few and far in between articles so it never got stale. Hopefully that doesn't change with more content being pushed out as quantity has a consistent habit of lowering quality. gl though, if the quality stays the same it'd be a pleasure to read more things from esex.
The Onion is pretty regular and I think their content quality is overall quite high (tbh it's been a while since I last read their site so maybe that has changed), I have faith!
On October 20 2014 22:47 Count9 wrote: I've always maintained that esex is good (at least for dota) was because it was few and far in between articles so it never got stale. Hopefully that doesn't change with more content being pushed out as quantity has a consistent habit of lowering quality. gl though, if the quality stays the same it'd be a pleasure to read more things from esex.
It'll be fine trust me, the content for ESEX was always about the time we could put into it rather than lack of inspiration.
On October 20 2014 22:47 Count9 wrote: I've always maintained that esex is good (at least for dota) was because it was few and far in between articles so it never got stale. Hopefully that doesn't change with more content being pushed out as quantity has a consistent habit of lowering quality. gl though, if the quality stays the same it'd be a pleasure to read more things from esex.
The Onion is pretty regular and I think their content quality is overall quite high (tbh it's been a while since I last read their site so maybe that has changed), I have faith!
Only downside in regards to quality of the Onion, I feel like their online videos have gotten really really bad ever since their IFC show got cancelled. What it was like before was really amazing. Now, most of the videos are like reading headlines as opposed to the produced content that I love.
Hot_Bid! Thanks for everything you did for Teamliquid! Hope you enjoyed your stay in our country, good luck with future endeavours! Loved your interviews
I hope ESEX doesn't become the kind of site that exist only for page hits, churning out shitty article in regular basis and bringing down the whole quality...(*coughCracked*cough)
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
Do you think there will be more or less of them than before?
On October 20 2014 23:00 StrayWolf wrote: I hope ESEX doesn't become the kind of site that exist only for page hits, churning out shitty article in regular basis and bringing down the whole quality...(*coughCracked*cough)
we'll be the first to satirize ourselves then, i cant wait
Among everything else I thank you for introducing some sense to my dota games cause solo queuing as a support fucking sucks 90% of the time. I have no doubt ESEX will be successful and I'm super glad you will stick around.
glhf bud, hopefully this means we'll see each other at smash tourneys in the future (though I have a long way to go if I want to actually participate in these events)
ESEX is really fucking funny, but I definitely noticed a downturn in the number of articles; I actually thought it was dying off. So, while it's bad news for TL, at least it's good news elsewhere!
And keeping up the interviews, that's awesome too, even if some of these awkward video game stars will never quite get used to it.
Good luck with running your own project, and I hope that it works out completely for you, I'm sure it will be nice moving back country wise to something familiar for once and not entirely new. Still remember the moment I started appreciating your genius, after reading this thread hahaha
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
Do you think there will be more or less of them than before?
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Give moar HotBid interviews
I'm going to let this twitch meme slide because I agree with the sentiment
wow i did not foreseen this coming... but im happy for you. Finding what you are passionate about and finding oportunities to do it is the dream. I will be following( and trolling) your work.
I only met you once at WEC in Hangzhou. You seemed like one of the guys who stuck to himself a lot.
I hope your "own thing" goes well. Your undisturbed work ethic and all the interviews I've seen you conduct with everyone in late 2013 until now have all been quality. Best of luck and let me know the next time you come to this side of the planet.
Hey Hotbid, all the best for your new endeavours. It's been great watching you grow as a person. Your interviews have steadily become better and better and the TL documentaries/behind the scenes footage made me realise you are more than just that interview guy. All the best to you and a big shout out to TL for growing and supporting this scene for so long.
TL and other sites like icantwin and battlereports were something that first got me into competitive gaming and I've been following it ever since. It's really great to see people flourish and realise their dreams. Congrats.
End of an era pretty much......all the best at ESEX, Write more legitimate articles HB! Heir Apparent is still one of the best articles I've had the pleasure of reading on TL.
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
Do you think there will be more or less of them than before?
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Give moar HotBid interviews
I'm going to let this twitch meme slide because I agree with the sentiment
Cheers Hot_Bid. IMO you've neglected to mention that you were also a masterful obs in a time when major tournaments had no dedicated obs... I fondly remember TSL.
I'll miss you, but I'm excited to see that you'll be doing more with ESEX. I loved when it launched. There was a crossword once I did instead of, you know, useful things, while at work. I don't think I've been this excited for the announcement of a Kickstarter before.
TL you lose a great man today, I don't see how you will replace him. You were awesome ! I also remember the days I could say up and loud that I though savior was the most amazing player around, he just made a bad decision in his youth, he still was an amazing player...Sad days are to come without you Hot_Bid, sad days indeed.
Eh, didn't know you were behind ESEX. It indeed has a lot of POTENTIAL (insert clg satire here) but I had guessed the staff wasn't doing it full time since the number of articles was quite low. Hopefully you can make us laugh. GL.
Hey all the best for you! You've brought so many smiles to my face at least that whatever you decide to do I sincerely hope it'll make you as happy as you've made us.
Thank you hot_bid for everything to the community, have been following you since the start of sc2 and been a fan of you ever since. Thank you for all your cute humors, contribution, interviews, awkwardness and --. Wish you all the best wherever you go!
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
I'm really glad we'll have more ESEX content, and still your itviews. Also dig the decision to go back to home country & family. See you around H_B!
I think ESEX is a great catalyst for the ESPORTS community to reflect on their sometimes irrational and stupid behaviour. I'm happy to hear that the site is doing well and you see a real business opportunity in it. Good luck!
Hey HotBid I've always found your story unique. Going through law school and then deciding to do esports. It's an inspiring thing to see, someone going on a different path to follow what they really love.
Thanks for your work with TL, can't wait to see what comes next from you!
You are truly funny, and I don't say that lightly. Most people try hard to be funny or to come up with funny content but I can't recall an article or a video from you that I did not truly enjoy.
Because of that I wish you much fun rather than good luck - because you don't need luck.
I wish you the best HotBid. ESEX is brilliant, I just hope you keep the quality up above all else, remain totally independent and don't ever sell your soul! (see 2GD for advice on this!)
On October 20 2014 23:00 StrayWolf wrote: I hope ESEX doesn't become the kind of site that exist only for page hits, churning out shitty article in regular basis and bringing down the whole quality...(*coughCracked*cough)
On October 20 2014 22:27 Stafngrimr wrote: Oh damn.. a hard decision no doubt. Good luck with ESEX. It IS pretty awesome and always look forward to seeing those articles. Does this mean we're not going to get any more infamous Hotbid interviews though? ESEX interviews maybe?
I'll still be doing interviews so don't worry about that.
Do you think there will be more or less of them than before?
༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Give moar HotBid interviews
less than 2011-12, probably about the same as 2013-14
On October 21 2014 00:02 BLinD-RawR wrote: what about smash?
I mean both for ESEX and your own well "career".
i play smash for fun still but not really competitively -- i still watch everything, stayed up really late for big house 4 top 8
On October 21 2014 00:19 Slardar wrote: End of an era pretty much......all the best at ESEX, Write more legitimate articles HB! Heir Apparent is still one of the best articles I've had the pleasure of reading on TL.
whoa whoa whoa
since when is ESEX not legitimate
On October 21 2014 00:44 ZigguratOfUr wrote: Best of luck Hot_Bid. Love your really awkward interviews.
thanks but i dont know what you're talking about because none of them are awkward
Bye Hotbid!!! I only really know you for your interviews so I am glad to hear you'll do those still, hopefully with SCII players mostly since it's always really disappointing when I see the teamliquidnet channel upload new videos but it's DotA/HS players
Goodbye and good luck. Hotbid + TL has always been one in the same for me, will be hard to separate the two. Glad to see you staying in esports still though.
Hot_Bid your interviews are awesome, easily the most entertaining in the business, I greatly enjoy them each and every time. Its sad to see you leave TL but life goes on and with your passion you can surely make some great things in the future. Good luck and have fun!
i met you at (very briefly) anaheim a few years back, and i've been a fan since i got into sc2 and TL was getting very big, so I just want to say i appreciate all your work for TL&ESPORTS. good luck with ESEX, you have my support, but please keep interviewing :D
When I started reading, I thought it was a bad news but by the time I read it entirely it seems a good news. Thank you for all the amazing work. Can't wait to see more of you.
You probably don't remember me, but I've met you twice now - I'm phiwha's Aussie friend! Met you once in New York when he took us for dinner with a few TLers, then again at Blizzcon 2011, where I was wearing a Day9 shirt during Mafia
kinda crazy to even think of this possibility. you'll be the most irreplaceable interviewer, that's for damn sure. hope to god we see you around sooner than later.
On October 21 2014 08:29 Chill wrote: Didn't see that coming!
Wow, definitely a shock to the system. It's been a pleasure to be enjoying the fruits of your labor for the last 4+ years. Thanks so much for your work. Good luck with your next endeavor with ESEX. I have no doubts that it'll be great.
I can't help feeling sad. I hope to be against you in another TL Mafia at some MLG or DH or something. One where you don't get killed off first round. Cuz damn town nearly won that one time with diggity and orb and pals.
Can't wait for more regular ESEX articles :D Glad to hear there'll still be Hot_Bid Interviews. Esports wouldn't be the same without them ^^ Good luck with everything!! I wish you all the best.
t_B Hey man. I never cared about star2, but back when I was still checking TL regularly, I always checked out your content and interviews anyway. You're good at what you do.
Hot_Bid, you mentioned you're good at and enjoy ESEX. Now that you're doing it full time, would it be accurate to think of you as an ESEX professional?
I'm pay my respects by posting one of my all time favorite Hot_Bid videos.
Good luck on your next steps! You contributed so much to this site and played a big part in why I love TL so much. It'll be a big loss to see you go, but I'm sure you'll do great with ESEX and everything else you pursue!
Good luck on your next steps! You contributed so much to this site and played a big part in why I love TL so much. It'll be a big loss to see you go, but I'm sure you'll do great with ESEX and everything else you pursue!
So many MIA mods and old school posters suddenly popping up from the woodwork to say goodbye.
GL HF Hot Bid! You, as much as Rich and Naz (and all the active admins/mods in BW's heydey like Plexa, Mani, etc) made TL what it was for me. Hope you still stay in some kind of special mod capacity.
came in just to say that although I don't know the full extent of your responsibilities and day-to-days working at TL, I have always known you are an important piece of TL's heart both to the community and behind the scenes.
You will be missed, Hot_Bid, even by this random lurker. Good luck in your endeavors!
I think my earliest Hot Bid memory is of everyone yelling at you to fix the colors in TSL 1. Easily the height of your achievements right there. Keep doing great things bro
Five years ago, there was a team named GO with a coach named Cho. Coach Cho knew how to find and raise young players. GO had Xellos, Midas, Nal_rA, and GoRush. Coach Cho taught them to play without fear. So, when Xellos played, he'd make the GO face. Always. It looked like this: (–_–). Win or lose, (–_–). GO face meant "no fear."
Shinhan Bank Proleague 08-09 Playoffs Week 2 2009-07-25 13:00 KST
CJ Entus vs Samsung KHAN - Day 1 (T)(–_–) <Andromeda> (Z)(O_O) (T)(–_–) <Destination> (Z)(^_^) (Z)(–_–) <Neo Harmony> (T)(T_T) (Z)(–_–) <Neo Medusa> (T)(O_O) (P)(–_–) <Heartbreak Ridge> (P)(T_T) (P)(–_–) <Shades of Twilight> (P)(T_T) (Z)(–_–) <Outsider> (P)(T_T)
CJ Entus vs Samsung KHAN - Day 2 (T)(–_–) <Shades of Twilight> (P)(T_T) (Z)(–_–) <Neo Medusa> (T)(O_O) (Z)(–_–) <Heartbreak Ridge> (Z)(^_^) (P)(–_–) <Destination> (P)(T_T) (T)(–_–) <Neo Harmony> (T)(T_T) (P)(–_–) <Andromeda> (Z)(O_O) (Z)(–_–) <Outsider> (P)(T_T)
CJ Entus vs Samsung KHAN - Super Ace (Z)(–_–) <Outsider> (P)(T_T)
My personal hero. Never met you in RL but I've always enjoyed your contributions and your general presence on TL. I think you were one of the best and most "true" persons who could have had that executive role for TL. I haven't checked out ESEX yet, since I haven't followed the scene that closely the last 2-3 years, but the first peak showed me it's really something that fits you. Anyways... hope you have the greatest time and success and something of that will always shine back on TL.
Hot_BId, I regret never searching you out and saying hello after I saw you disappear into the player's section at the International 4. You're fucking awesome dude!
ESEX is something I really enjoy doing and something that I am extremely good at
...riiight...!
Sad to see you go, thanks for everything you've done for TL! At the same time it does sound like you have a cool job in front of you, so good luck with that!
oh no. but then thank you for everything it has been truly wonderful and good luck in the future I know you will do great because you are awesome at everything.
Damn I just saw this. Big loss for TL for sure. You've influenced esports and TL so much in the past half decade and I know you'll continue to do so. Got that talent. Rock on and good luck.
I haven't been around for ages nor have I been enormously active, but I've been around enough to know you were an asset to the site and the community. Passion and all that good jazz. Good luck with your new projects!
I remember the first ESEX article I read, my first thought was "is this hotbid? It has to be hotbid." I haven't been on TL in ages but your contributions were always one of the best things about this community. Thanks for all you've done over the years. Too much to list. Maybe someday someone will write a final edit for you.
EPT
gl!
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