Yes, I am stealing this idea from that article of Monte on Reddit.

Interestingly enough, if I had to create a top 9 MVPs for Overwatch, I don’t think Monte actually makes it. This isn’t a statement on him, but I think (looking specifically at the year of 2016) there are many high impact figures who don’t get the attention they deserve.

This is for them.

CaptainPlanet and Icarus

So Captain Planet is probably really well known by now. His meta reports have been a staple in the competitive scene by providing fun and creative ways to display data. As one of the biggest statistics guys in the game currently, his ability to write compelling and funny addenda to his graphs is a rare skill. I got the unique opportunity to meet him at Blizzcon, and he is a great person to hang out with. Hopefully, I’ll have more opportunities to work with him in the future.

The second name is a little less known, although I’m pretty sure he’s still an icon in the scene. IcarusGamers was part of the original “Meta Report” team. His videos on the meta from week to week utilized Captain Planet’s graphs, but presented them in more of a video setting. He’s channel has been growing, and I think he’s around 13k right now. His impact in the early days of Overwatch helped grow the competitive scene by helping provide a basis for the education of the average player. Especially during a time with little content creation, he was a standout in his own right. Also met this guy at Blizzcon. Very genuine and I lent him my charger.

ZP and Hex

No matter who people claim to be the best casters right now, ZP and Hex will forever be the most impactful pair of casters of 2016. Their dedication with literally running the early days of the beta’s competitive scene is something the majority of us were not a part of. Yet, it would not be an exaggeration to call these two Weeklies casters the literal forefathers of Competitive Overwatch. Their persistence to their craft has paved the way for so many new additions to the casting community, but we cannot forget the influence they put forth.

However, their achievement go beyond just being a pair. ZP’s growth into the “Overwatch Historian” (I personally think this term downplays his actual knowledge of the game) has been an exciting journey. His ventures into casting large scale events has rewarded his efforts by making him a permanent fixture on any Major broadcasting team. His ability to hype up matches, as well as being a serious contributor to the analyst desk, make him a star in a growing scene. ZP has oddly been the “father figure” in my growth into the esports scene. His numerous “Why did you respond to that?” messages on Skype actually helped me grow into my personality. Meeting him at Blizzcon was a dream, and he’s probably one of my favorite personalities so far.

Hex will get his own article later. But Robert Kirkbride is my closest friend in Overwatch and will probably always be. His guidance and genuine concern for people makes him a likable character, who Blizzard wants to “level up” in the future. More later ;)

Seltzer

Are hosts really worthy of being called MVPs?

Yes, they are.

Seltzer got her start at Cyber Sports Network, which covered numerous events ranging from IPL to the Starcraft World Championship. Her transition to this brand new esport has been flawless. Her first gig at Agents Rising was a joy to watch. Was it a little awkward at times? Of course. However, her potential to facilitate interviews and make her guests feel comfortable was unquestionable. Analyst desk management is always one of the toughest jobs no one really sees. Her constantly friendly demeanor makes after-game discussions seem like friends having a talk over beers, lightening the stoic mood analysis normally takes. Plus, she went to Rutgers. That’s a plus in my book. (Disclaimer: did not go to Rutgers, but I literally live 15 minutes from their New Brunswick campus).

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And there you have it. The first 5 members of my top 10 MVPs of Overwatch for 2016. Be sure to check back soon for part 2!

Sincerely,

Wilson ‘scr1be’ Xu