Rarely does someone captivate you with so much passion and enthusiasm for life the way Dennis does. For those who were fortunate enough to have known him, you would know his palpable desire to better the world around him.

My first encounter with Dennis was when he messaged me on Discord asking to speak and help him figure out a situation with his team. This was before Overwatch publicly launched. His teammate, Taimou, was being accused of “aimbotting.” Despite the accusations and supposed proof, Dennis’ focus was on Timo’s well-being. He had asked me if I would be able to help the community realize that Taimou is innocent. In an online world where rumors run rampant and often destroy careers, Dennis’ risked his own reputation to defend his own teammate — not knowing whether or not it would lead to good or bad. He was fiercely loyal. From his NV tattoo to the EoD (Envy or Die) tweets, he made you believe that he would be EnVyUs for life. It’s this level of confidence that he inspires in you that makes you believe anything is possible. For this, it’s without question that many Overwatch players’ careers were in some way, shape, or form, shaped by Dennis.

The first time I met Dennis was at Blizzcon 2016, almost exactly a year ago. It was clear that his smile and charm was contagious to those around him. I recall his presence alone defused an otherwise awkward encounter that occurred that first night. Throughout the rest of the night, he was looking for me to wingman and help him find a girl. Of course, it wouldn’t be a night with Dennis without the girl-hollaring part.

Towards the middle of 2017, Dennis had to leave EnVyUs. He was visibly crushed, as he truly believed his teammates and his organization were going to be his family forever. Albeit devastated, he resisted the urge to give up on his dreams to be successful. He didn’t rest for a single day after he left Envyus. In a situation where most would have faded away forever, he continued his pursuit to make a name out of himself — and it is for this reason that he cemented himself in the hearts of many. He understood his weaknesses, his flaws, but he also knew his strengths: his heart and drive. He would not only exhibit this himself, but he would continue, until his last day, inspire people around him to put an equal amount of heart and drive in their actions. Despite the extremely turbulent times he faced in the past 6 months, Dennis — unbeknownst to himself — left his biggest mark.

Jumping from organization and organization and facing rejection many times, he finally stumbled on his new home, Team Liquid. One of the first things he did was establish a training environment for Team Germany, which he coached this year. I distinctly recall someone saying, “Oh Hulk is a bad coach, ugh.” Right after seeing Dennis himself provide the team more than what some organizations provide for their players, that opinion quickly turned into “Hulk is awesome.” To say he goes out of the way for anyone would be an understatement. During these past months, I’ve personally heard dozens of stories of him giving words of encouragement to an increasingly discouraged community of Overwatch players. I can safely say, without hesitation, that his advice has prevented some of today’s most successful players from giving up when times were tough.

It’s painfully obvious from his “World #1 EU Challenger” achievement that he strove for perfection from before he was successful in esports. It is this determination that convinced Team Liquid that, despite Dennis not having played professional LoL, he was fit to be the next TL LCS coach. When he told me the news, you can tangibly feel his energy. In fact, he was so excited, he said “I’m not rich, but right now I feel like a billionaire, man!” He would go on to say something that took me awhile to realize he was serious.

“I’m going to be the first Western coach to learn fluent Korean.”

At first I didn’t believe him, but when we hung out for one of the last times, he proved to me that his Rosetta Stone wasn’t just collecting dust. I cannot believe it took me this long, but it was also at this moment that I realize he truly believes his destiny was to be the best esports has ever seen. “I will make the best team, I know I can do it!”

I believe you, Dennis.

The last I saw Dennis was at Overwatch Contenders weekend in October. I remember that before I arrived, he would unabashedly ask me numerous times to help him get tickets for his new friend. I respected him much more for this, that he would risk possibly annoying someone just so that he would keep his word to a friend. In fact, his determination to get a pair of tickets for his friend inspired me so much that I actually got myself into trouble trying to get them for him … I don’t regret it though.

Later that weekend, my friends and I were downtown, doing nothing much until Dennis invited us to an OW party. The fact that he remembered to invite me, of all the people in town, breaks my heart knowing that I won’t be seeing him again. I’m glad I had the opportunity to have one last drink with him overlooking Los Angeles.

My very last correspondence with Dennis was setting plans to hang out at Blizzcon. Even in the middle of planning, his mind raced to how he could help future esports players/coaches/people.

In his almost 10 year fight to stand where he stood now, he knew the challenges all too well — all the heartbreak, pain, and feeling of defeat. On top of advancing himself, he wanted to pave the way so that it would be easier for the next guy. From his first message, as a caring teammate, to his last, as someone finally in a position to make an large impact, Dennis’ selfless motivations will continue to resonate within all the lives he’s touched. I hope that others will carry on his stories for him.

I’m happy to have known Dennis in these past 2 years, and I wish him and his family peace. ❤

Last but not least, Hulk’s room sharing requests: