Sometimes I really need to take a step back and pinch myself. Being part of the broadcast team for some of the biggest Counter-Strike tournaments in the world has easily been one of the greatest priviledges of my career. But now, two years in a row, some of the broadcasts I’ve worked on have been recognised with Sports Emmy nominations!
In 2024 I worked on the BLAST.tv Paris Major. It was the last ever CSGO Major and was historic for so many reasons. Then later in the year I got to be part of Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024. IEM Cologne has long been considered one of the most prestigious CS events. It was my second year being part of the broadcast team. Both of these events were nominated for Outstanding Esports Championship Coverage at the Sports Emmys.
Let me be very clear: the nominations don’t belong to me personally. They belong to the tournament organisers, the incredible behind-the-scenes staff, the taent and the players who make these moments so unforgettable. But when you get the email saying you were part of an Emmy-nominated broadcast, it is hard not to crack a smile.
Why It Matters (Even If You Don’t Win)
Awards are strange things. On one hand, they aren’t why we do what we do. The reason I love working in esports, and specifically on the broadcast side, is the magic of bringing fans closer to the game they love, of being part of those heart-racing storylines that only Counter-Strike can deliver. On the other hand, recognition from outside the esports bubble is a huge deal. The Sports Emmys sit alongside some of the most prestigious awards in traditional sports broadcasting. To have esports broadcasts like Paris and Cologne in that same space is massive for our industry. It validates the hours of hard work, the innovation in production, and the fact that esports deserves to be considered on the same level as more “traditional” sports coverage. For me personally, it’s a reminder of how far this journey has come. From starting out writing about games on a little blog (yup, this one) to working on the desk of a broadcast that gets recognised by the Emmys – that’s wild.
The Bigger Picture
Even though we didn’t walk away with the trophy (League of Legends got that honour and I cannot be more stoked for the incredible talent who worked on THAT broadcast), being nominated tells the world that what we’re building in esports is special. It tells young casters, hosts, producers, and players that their work is part of something that matters. That’s why this recognition is so important. It’s not just about me, or the broadcast, or the shiny plaque you can order. It’s about showing esports has earned its seat at the table. So here’s to Cologne, to Paris, and to every esports broadcast team putting in the hours behind the scenes. And here’s to the fans – because at the end of the day, we’re all here for the same reason: we love the game.
