Sometimes being involved in UK esports can be like this image: watching a burning building and feeling a bit helpless about it.
But there’s still a lot to be positive about. And at the end of the day we’re a grassroots, amateur scene for the most part, and every now and then you need a reminder that puts things into perspective.
CSGO player Matthew “FATAL” Timson posted such a reminder on the weekend following the delay of the UK CSGO County Championships to 2017 (and some of the angry reactions that followed), and we felt compelled to share it.
“I’m sure the admins and people helping out didn’t want to waste anyone’s time, I think it’s kind of rude to then have a go at them for trying to organise a good cup for the UK,” he said.
“The UK is awful for Counter-Strike and I think people need to start showing a tad more respect for people trying to make it more enjoyable to play CS in the UK… and yes it might be a waste of time at the end of the day, but so is playing low-end Counter-Strike.
“If you are honest with yourselves, I think it’s awesome that at this stage of the UK we still have people trying to make UKCS great again. Maybe it has not worked this time… and maybe it will work next time… but remember this is just a game at this level and NO-ONE gets paid for this… these cups and leagues are here so you can play the game.
County Championships organiser Adam Heath added: “I am pleased to announce that the 2016 UKCSGO County Championship will take place on January 7/8th and 14/15th 2017. While this delay may anger some people, it does open the door to bring a new sponsor on board who narrowly missed the original deadline, so hopefully I will be able to bring you news of that soon.”
In short, let’s help and respect each other; life’s too short and UK esports is too small to lose it over the postponement of a tournament.
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
