I'm inevitably forgetting people here sleeping a handful of hours since finals, but wanted to get something posted before i go to bed since I got home a few hours ago.
BlackoutJon - Since Wolf's departure, you have done nothing but go onwards and upwards with EssentialsTF, and it's shown here at this event. Between investing money in improved equipment, doing what you can to help staff attend the event, and running a tight ship with DrHappiness, Arch, Kirsty, and Eepily this weekend, there's not a thing more I could have asked from you and your team. God bless and thank you for involving me again.
DrHappiness & Kirstysoda - Literally no matter who it happens to or what bullshit you are dealing with, the two of you go out of your way to make sure any and every concern about the physical and mental wellbeing of the crew and attendees is addressed. I don't know how either of you do it, genuinely. You're 2 people but you humbly do the work of 20. Honestly if it weren't for you 2 I would not trust myself to safely return after i65, but knowing you two are at an event makes me know that everything is gonna be alright in the end.
ArchRhythm - You are one of the most talented producers in TF2's history, and I hope you realize that with directing this event. Constantly scrambling to fix this little hiccup or that, while also being able to actively direct, vision mix, and audio mix and actually *pulling it off* has my jaw dropped in shock. 99% of people (myself included) would have crumbled doing half of what you did. You have a hell of a talent and it only makes me look forward to Atlanta that much more.
Beater - I have been daydreaming about getting to observe with you for as long as I have been thinking of attending iSeries, and I'm glad I finally got the opportunity this event. You are truly in a league of your own in that regard, and I don't think we could have pulled off some of the camerawork we did without you. To not only do that, but to then also be holding down the casting booth when you're not doing observing, and a banger job at that as well? For real you are insane at what you do and hope to see you continue on!
JMaxchill- Honestly had such an amazing time this weekend working with you on the in-game cameras. Bouncing ideas back and forth constantly, and navigating the new-ness of having cinematic cameras with HLAE at a LAN event was definitely no easy task, and it would have been much shakier without you. You're also just a joy to be around and really helped lift my spirits when I was getting down myself at times. Genuinely you are a homie now and forever, and I hope god willing we get to do it again next year.
JWB - I know you were a bit apprehensive about coming back to the community and meeting people, but fuck am I glad you decided to turn up. Was wonderful hanging out with you and your da- sorry, MidnightMick and I hope you know that as long as you are friendly and willing, there will always be a place for you in the community and at LAN <3<3<3
yanyul - Honestly you are too kind, was such a pleasure spending my free-time hanging out with you, and chilling post-finals with you, mak & pitts/marten/froyo/etc was very laid back. Absolutely have matching vibes, if I end up at the German LAN we'll definitely have to catch up.
EssentialsTF Leads - I know I pretty much thanked all of you individually, but I really do need to take a second and appreciate your collective efforts. The last 2 Insomnia events have truly been life changing for me, and I've done a lot of growing up and learning in the time I've gotten to know and work with you. Honestly before you reached back out about DreamHack I was at a loss as to if I'd ever really want to work in esports broadcast again, but now I am as fiery as ever, simply because you all believe in me. This organization and this event change lives in ways I can't articulate and i don't think can even be fully comprehended in the next decade for me, but I want you to know that I love you all and I am glad to call your organization a second home for me. Genuinely in awe of what we've put together and what's in store for the future. Honestly just hoping for the continued success of the organization, excelsior!
im not crying you're crying