EPTI've been wanting to make a difference in a player's life. Guide his career, help him from experience, tutor a younger, promising person. Someone who is talented, hard-working, friendly and deserving. Perhaps, in the end, I will not make a difference, yet maybe I willy contribute in some small way to the success in their career. Whether this would be through advice in the game itself, or by the eSports management around it. No matter what, the player will have his own fate in his own hands; should be free to make his own decisions; and will always be the main proponent of his own success. The player needs to be motivated, self-sufficient, and to be serious. I just want to help him along a little.
It's important to realize why I am sharing this news with you guys, because some people might think, "what of it?". I do not fault those people for their reactions. I'm ready to devote some time to mentor someone, and I've chosen Feast from Team Millenium. He's pretty young, and could benefit from my experience. From my part, I expect I'll feel satisfaction when I see him do well, though I have no goal or benefit in mind. Incidentally, Feast had helped me when I was new to the SC2 scene when I was not even a decent player yet. He took time to teach me new build orders, walk me through them, analyzed my replays and basically coached me some in the game.
Jeremy "Feast" Vansnick is 18 years old, is finishing up his school in Belgium and is planning to get more time off for his pro-gaming career. He has shown some promise on the international scene, is a well mannered and pretty mature player, and is just a really nice guy.
A small fact sheet.
1. I am not taking Feast away from his team. I have spoken to Millenium and they are happy with the arrangement.
2. There is no financial payment from me to Feast, or from Feast to me.
3. Feast is not in my team. I would like to act as his mentor.
4. Whatever role I will have, it should prove a negligible effect compared to his own performances in all regards. As you can see at some IEM's, he has already displayed a high level of play, for example by Top 8 @ Sao Paolo IEM and beating HerO in IEM Kiev.
5. The reason I'm telling you is to avoid rumors of poaching Feast. I just want to help.
6. You might think of me as Feast's mentor or adviser. Feast is to be my apprentice or 'padawan'.
Hope that like me, you'll all be looking forward to Feast's improvement as a player. Let's wish him the best of luck! If you wish to find out more about Feast, visit his pages:
Feast's Twitter
Feast's Facebook
Feast's Player Profile on Millenium.org
Also, Follow his Twitch stream to find out when he'll be streaming (he doesn't do this very frequently yet, but may increase the frequency):
Feast on Twitch.tv
About me, and about being a solo player:
As you may know, I am Manuel "Grubby" Schenkhuizen from the Netherlands. In April 2011, my wife and I have gone independent. Since that time, we have been wondering how we can make a difference in eSports. Throughout my career, countless people have contributed to me reaching the point where I am today. Think about fans, who are at the core of our eSports industry. Think of my opponents, who have unwittingly sharpened my steel by grinding me on the whetstone of defeat. Think of all the people who have helped me, for no other reason than their passion for the game, or their fandom of me. Helping me with opportunities, coaching, game advice, and anything under the sun - often without having a clear benefit from it. I am and have been incredibly grateful for such people. I want to do my part in helping someone in his career, someone who deserves it.
We have hinted at the possibility of hiring players in a traditional team - player sense. It is true that we have considered the acquisition of players, but it was never meant to be in the traditional sense. I've been thinking about the exact how and why, but by now that's besides the point, because we do not have the means, nor the wish, really. Hiring players requires time, money (sponsorships) and experience. Whatever the reasons, I will not be hiring any players in 2012, possibly never. I realize this may come as a bit of a disappointment to some. It may be of no particular significance to others. There might also be a % of people who are surprised, because they thought that was the direction we were headed to. To make it clear, it is challenging enough to engage in an independent career without having the responsibility over other players. A responsibility which I take incredibly seriously. After all, the players I'd want to hire would deserve proper and honest treatment, and good conditions. While I will not be hiring any players into our team, I hope that in this way, I can help Feast in his career as a professional gamer.
Yours sincerely,
Manuel "Grubby" Schenkhuizen
I hope such an arrangement works out well!
