Overwatch League — Grand Finals 2019

If you know Josh and I well, you might be aware of how we first met at a photography convention (WPPI) through mutual friends. What you may not realize is that we fell into a conversation about video games, which we share a mutual passion for.

When we aren’t immersed in our business, we spend some of our available time gaming. Overwatch was the very first game we played in competitive mode. It’s a 6v6 style of play where team members work together to capture objectives.

As the years went by, we found ourselves diving headfirst into the game’s dynamics. We made friends through “Find a Group," watched Overwatch League games on Twitch, and found ourselves exploring the realm of eSports. When we heard that the Overwatch League Grand Finals were coming to Philadelphia (and it was taking place the day after an event we were capturing in DC), we were ready. Drive-able? Let’s go! We were somehow fortunate to secure two tickets before the arena completely sold out!

[parks car]

Josh: “I wonder if we will see Jeff Kaplan here today! He’s supposed to attend the game.”

[begins walking to the pre-show events]

Us: “There he is! It’s Jeff!”

[takes incredibly awkward but treasured photo together]

Pachi and I made an official appearance in the background of the mid-game break show with Zedd (screenshots captured from Twitch). If you aren’t familiar with Overwatch, Pachimari are the adorable stuffed animals prizes in the arcade claw machines on Hanamura (one of the game maps). They also make an appearance in several capture point maps on dropships. Josh gifted me one for a special occasion last year (several others were acquired since), so I thought it was only fitting for them to be my carry around props for this event.

Oh, what a day to remember!