ESL Impact Dallas 2024 took place towards the end of May 2024. It was the culmination of Season 5 of the global Counter-Strike women’s league hosted by ESL. I was invited to desk host the finals. I’d be working from the ESL Stockholm studios with the analysts and commentators, while the teams would be on site at Dreamhack Dallas to compete on LAN. Despite some of the HLTV forums and reddit thinking I’m a staple in the Impact lineup – I’ve actually only worked two ESL Impact events: the ESL Impact Season 4 finals and ESL Impact Valencia in 2022.
All photos featured are courtesy of Ola Dydak.
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I came into the Season 5 finals a little bit nervous. Season 4’s finals broadcast had not been an ideal environment and had left me with a few doubts around my ability to do my job and bring the best out of my analysts.
I was also very aware I’d be working with two current professional players, neither of whom had much experience on a broadcast and were donning their analyst hats for the first time. On meeting the team my nerves were eased. We had such an incredible broadcast team of people passionate about this project and the women’s scene. The green room was a space of fun, laughter and positivity. It really was an uplifting space where everyone was encouraged to bring ideas to the table and speak openly on how best to present this tournament to fans.
Changing up the desk segments
Photo courtesy of Ola DydakI’ve said this many times before but it still rings true. Working with a producer and production team who are willing to change things up on the fly for what works best is always the most fun I can have as desk host. ESL Impact Season 5 allowed me to do just that. We could lean into the various strengths of the analysts while also allowing room to play a little. I’ve included a TikTok of one such moment where I was allowed to meme a bit in a segment and I really enjoyed being able to showcase my personality and move outside of the role of just moving the show along.
@techgirlza Am I a Counter-Strike analyst now? 🤪😝😂 #cs2 #counterstrike #iemdallas #eslimpact ♬ original sound – Sam “Tech Girl” Wright
I think the fun tone and style lent well to Impact especially. I’m really proud of the stories we crafted and what we put out, especially considering how the analysts were really new to the broadcast space. They brought fresh opinions and perspectives, packaged in new and interesting ways. I do hope it resonated with the audience watching at home and in the arena.
Passion breeds power
Photo courtesy of Ola DydakThe ESL Impact team is considerably smaller than most productions I’ve worked. However, every individual is so extremely passionate about this project and growing women’s Counter-Strike. I was in absolute awe over the course of the three days in how much work and effort goes into ensuring the finals are delivered in a way that is exciting and gives credit to the team. This small team is mighty. They work incredibly hard and I found myself feeding off that energy and desperately wanting to improve my own craft to add to the show. While the level of competitive play may not be up to the same level as what you see in the regular circuit, I think the small but dedicated fan base really does help elevate this project and tournament. I felt very honoured to work with this team and be involved in bringing this event to life.
If you’d like to see the full photo album, it is available on Facebook by clicking here.
