We're starting off 2018 with a number of exciting announcements. Over the next few days, we'll be announcing the return of three stars from the Team Dignitas record books. These former professional gamers are extending their esports careers by taking on new challenges such as live streaming, serving as a brand ambassadors and participating as game analysts in some of their respective game's most prominent events. We're proud to reveal the return of these stars.

Our first returning star was only away since November 13, 2017. James "Bakery" Baker, a prominent member of the Heroes of the Storm community, made his way into the Team Dignitas line-up on October 1, 2015. He helped lead his team to a 2nd place finish at the 2015 Heroes of the Storm World Championship. Just a few months later, he and his teammates were able to secure four straight gold medals -- 2016 ESL HotS Championship Katowice, 2016 ESL HotS Championship Leicester, Dreamhack All-Stars Valenica 2016 & 2016 ESL HotS Championship Gamescom. The following year saw another gold medal and three silvers, most notably taking home the 2017 HGC Western Clash #1 title.

Following a playoff exit at BlizzCon 2017, Bakery stepped down from competing with Team Dignitas as he assessed his future. He took on a few casting roles and started streaming, which fans were excited about to have an opportunity to learn from Bakery's vast knowledge of the game.

Not only does Bakery return to Team Dignitas as a streamer, he will also serve as a Brand Ambassador and Product Manager for fan engagement projects. Bakery is passionate about sharing his game knowledge with fans through DIG University while also creating an ongoing conversation between Team Dignitas and our fans.

Bakery shared his excitement about re-joining our team:

"When I stepped down from playing, I had a ton of ideas of what I wanted to do, and where I wanted my journey to take me. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity with Team Dignitas, because it allows me to start to develop my management skills, channel my passion for fan engagement and social media, maintain my public image, and do it all under the banner of the team that I love.

I am incredibly excited for 2018, and I hope my work in this next year will help many others say the same about 2019. It’s good to be home."

We're honored to have such a stand-up individual return to the Team Dignitas family!

Follow Bakery:



@BakeryHeroes on Twitter

/Bakery on Twitch

/BakeryHeroes on YouTube



Stay tuned over the coming days for two more big announcements of returning DIG family members. For more updates, follow Team Dignitas on Twitter and Facebook.