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ODPixel with Shane ODPixel with Shane

Malystryx: We’re doing it Owen, we’re finally having this interview. First off how are you dealing with all the fame in the past month?

ODPixel: It's been a little bit crazy! I've been doing what I've been doing (casting) for a good year and a half now and as you can see, it's only been really in the last few weeks/month that the internet has started to take a larger notice to me! Which is awesome!



But I keep doing what I've always been doing, and that's channelling my passion for the game through the casts that I do. I am very grateful though for all the fortunate situations that I've been landed in to get me to this point, BTS to Reddit to DreamLeague, it's been amazing.

Malystryx: One of my editorial staff Dythinity was curious if it was frustrating not being noticed outside of the UK for almost the entire first year of your work. What kept you going?

ODPixel: Well, when I started there was always the dream to be able to cast on a grander scale, but it was never because I wanted people to know who I was, but more just down to the fact that I wanted to be privileged enough to get the chance to cast the top tier teams!



As someone who had been watching competitive Dota for almost a year, it was always my dream to be able to get hyped about some of the best players in the world. The determination to get to that point was what kept me going initially, and also that the support of UK organisations and members was pretty uplifting, in terms of ESL UK and Multiplay giving me regular gigs on the UK scene.

Malystryx: Six months ago I passed on some advice from TobiWan that you should not get involved exclusively with a big studio, but keep freelancing until you got hired full-time. At the time you were doing ESL and Insomnia. Now six months on you’re the talk of the town, and staying in Sweden for six weeks can you Belieb it? What do you think was your breakthrough moment or match?

ODPixel: No I cannot "Belieb" it. You cheeky little... The breakthrough moment for me would've had to been the 3hr plus Cloud 9 game that myself and Purge were lucky enough to cast. Beforehand, the Burden United final of Hitbox did get me a lot of exposure, but the Cloud 9 games that caused a lot of positive interest from many people online, it was a really fortunate situation to have found myself in.

Malystryx: Indeed, the longest competitive match in Dota 2 history. Not sure why there was no break after that game before the next one though! What was your feeling after that 3 hour cast? Shattered or high on Dota 2?

ODPixel: I was super hyped, we hit about 80,000 concurrent viewers on Twitch and that felt amazing! Literally the week before I had been excited that we were hitting 50 viewers on a weekly UK Dota tournament, so to suddenly feel like I was at the centre of the Dota 2 communities' attention, next to one of my all-time favourite personalities Purge was incredible!

Malystryx: We delayed this interview while you sorted yourself out for the "big announcement" which was that you would be going to Sweden to cast DreamLeague, talk us through it, how did it happen and what's the plan from here on out?

ODPixel with Swedish caster Drayich and the rest of the DreamLeague gang ODPixel with Swedish caster Drayich and the rest of the DreamLeague gang

ODPixel: Well the legend that is 2GD came to me online and said something along the lines of "hey come to Sweden, and cast dreamleague!" So of course, I was little bit WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED! Originally it was an invite extended to myself and my long-time buddy and partner in crime on the scene of UK dota, Wakey, but due to commitments at home he couldn't come out himself.



So as soon as James asked me, even though it was in a very typical laid back 2GD manner, I handed in my notice and prepared myself for the gig of a lifetime over in Sweden! In terms of future plans, I understand that this really is the make or break chance, and hopefully if I can show the community that I can do a pretty good job, I will perhaps be offered more exciting endeavours in the near future!

Malystryx: How about yourself, how can you manage to take off six weeks, do you not have other commitments?

ODPixel: I was in a very fortunate position where my contract at the pharmacy I used to work within was very flexible. In terms of long term prospects that's obviously not great, but in terms of balancing casting with it as I progressed through the scene, it was perfect. I was also fortunate in the way that I was in a sort of employment limbo after finishing my Uni Degree last September, where I had not settled down into any serious full-time post grad job.



That meant that the job I was working in was not too much of a loss, when I decided to drop it and come to Sweden. It also means that if I do disastrously this DreamLeague I will end up unemployed, but I'm a very positive thinking guy, and I will do my best to work my hardest with my passion so I can keep doing what I love!

ODPixel with JoeShow on his first paid casting gig (Image: ODPixel with JoeShow on his first paid casting gig (Image: Godisageek

Malystryx: Your first ever paid casting gig was in the UK for ESL when JoeShow put out a request for new casters I believe. I heard you sent a rather unique series of emails in order to get noticed, can you share with us what they contained since it obviously worked.

ODPixel: Haha let me see if I can find them. Joe was essentially the first person to actually get me involved in the casting scene on a semi-serious paid gig. It was the first constant casting duo that I had on the scene, with us doing scheduled weekly nights, and it was a damn lot of fun! Joe is a really laid back guy, who has a great heart and voice for casting, and one of the highlights of the UK Dota scene. He helped me prepare myself for online casting, and also for the first LANs I attended, and was genuine both online and offline!

JOE!

How you doing? Long time no speak. 10 years since emale i send an i travel (insert rest of copy pasta) I'm kidding Joe. I really am. In fact there is a reason why I am emailing you again. I wanted to show you this. (link to a dropbox overlay demo)



Seriously, your post on the sub-reddit has got me so damn excited. I spent the other day working on creating a live drafting overlay to give you an idea of the originality and enthusiasm I could bring to the team. I did it for you Joe x. Nah, I'm kidding, I did it so viewers would watch and hopefully follow any stream I cast on!



But YES JOE. Joe Show. Cool name. Is it real? Like that's some superhero shizzle straight up. And Joe, are you going to Frankfurt for the ESL One I take it? Did I mention I can speak German? Let me be your translator, and we can hook you up with some German lass in that family friendly red light district.



But seriously, there's no real reason why I'm bombarding you with my words again, apart from that I do so in the vain that you might find them amusing. Otherwise, I'm screwed and have thrown any chance of working with you down the drain!



But Joe, let's be honest, you don't need to reply to those other emails. Just talk with me. And when me make the first million I'll be sure to split it 80/20 my way. I'm a generous man.



Well, I will continue to wake at frequent hours through the night until I get a reply from you my friend, and when you do manage to respond to my messages of excitement, so full of frustration yet love, that can't be relieved through the power of my hand. (I like to play piano when I'm stressed, what on earth were you thinking), I will smile as I know that this will be it.



Well until next time Joe, have fun doing what you be doing, and joeing what you be joeing.



Catch you soon Mr Show JOE!How you doing? Long time no speak. 10 years since emale i send an i travel (insert rest of copy pasta) I'm kidding Joe. I really am. In fact there is a reason why I am emailing you again. I wanted to show you this. (link to a dropbox overlay demo)Seriously, your post on the sub-reddit has got me so damn excited. I spent the other day working on creating a live drafting overlay to give you an idea of the originality and enthusiasm I could bring to the team. I did it for you Joe x. Nah, I'm kidding, I did it so viewers would watch and hopefully follow any stream I cast on!But YES JOE. Joe Show. Cool name. Is it real? Like that's some superhero shizzle straight up. And Joe, are you going to Frankfurt for the ESL One I take it? Did I mention I can speak German? Let me be your translator, and we can hook you up with some German lass in that family friendly red light district.But seriously, there's no real reason why I'm bombarding you with my words again, apart from that I do so in the vain that you might find them amusing. Otherwise, I'm screwed and have thrown any chance of working with you down the drain!But Joe, let's be honest, you don't need to reply to those other emails. Just talk with me. And when me make the first million I'll be sure to split it 80/20 my way. I'm a generous man.Well, I will continue to wake at frequent hours through the night until I get a reply from you my friend, and when you do manage to respond to my messages of excitement, so full of frustration yet love, that can't be relieved through the power of my hand. (I like to play piano when I'm stressed, what on earth were you thinking), I will smile as I know that this will be it.Well until next time Joe, have fun doing what you be doing, and joeing what you be joeing.Catch you soon Mr Show

**** Read ODPixel's first email ****

Hey Joe!



So here's the deal. You say you're looking for a caster to work alongside, that's looking to break in to the UK dota scene, is up for initially co-casting from home, and then perhaps in Leicester.



Well, I'm currently studying my 3rd year in Music, Technology and Innovation at Demonfort University (which as I'm sure you know, means I LIVE IN LEICESTER), I'm an extremely enthusiastic caster with a lot of game knowledge (Dota 2 has borrowed over 2,000 hours from myself), and I'm an extreme audio snob when it comes to production, so my home set up is pretty damn decent!



So, what time are we heading down the pub tonight then buddy? (Assuming you are in Leicester and not just miles away which is a possibility) But hey! Oh boy oh boy I hope you consider myself to help you out.



I realize you probably have a lot of responses, but I assure you if you give me a shot, we can make something amazing happen, and probably end the experience with one of us becoming pregnant.



Gee, I'm so hyped, I hope you are possibly on the same wavelength as myself, as I could come across as a total moron.



But, yes to summarize: AWESOME.



(...)



Let's do something beautiful! Hey Joe!So here's the deal. You say you're looking for a caster to work alongside, that's looking to break in to the UK dota scene, is up for initially co-casting from home, and then perhaps in Leicester.Well, I'm currently studying my 3rd year in Music, Technology and Innovation at Demonfort University (which as I'm sure you know, means I LIVE IN LEICESTER), I'm an extremely enthusiastic caster with a lot of game knowledge (Dota 2 has borrowed over 2,000 hours from myself), and I'm an extreme audio snob when it comes to production, so my home set up is pretty damn decent!So, what time are we heading down the pub tonight then buddy? (Assuming you are in Leicester and not just miles away which is a possibility) But hey! Oh boy oh boy I hope you consider myself to help you out.I realize you probably have a lot of responses, but I assure you if you give me a shot, we can make something amazing happen, and probably end the experience with one of us becoming pregnant.Gee, I'm so hyped, I hope you are possibly on the same wavelength as myself, as I could come across as a total moron.But, yes to summarize: AWESOME.(...)Let's do something beautiful! The first email entitled: Joe Show, are you a God, because you're answering my prayers

**** Read ODPixel's third email **** Joe it's been at least 10 minutes since I added you on Skype, and I'm starting to believe you are simply leading me on. My heart is broken, and I'm a vitality booster and a recipe short of purchasing a second.



As I sit here crying, I begin to cry.



But yeah I assume you perhaps have called it in for the night, which is AWESOME because I will be online like forever tomorrow so just get in touch whenever you want man! Really looking forward to having a chat!

Draskyl with EGM and ODPixel on the set of DreamLeague Season 3 Draskyl with EGM and ODPixel on the set of DreamLeague Season 3

Malystryx: Wow I'm speechless. That is genius! Going back to DreamLeague, you're obviously one of the new faces alongside Chessie. You've got a full head of hair, you're young, people compare you to Justin Bieber, you've got it good. But what was the first day like when you arrived, who was the most intimidating, who wears the trousers, give us a fly on the wall tale of OD Pixel's first day.

ODPixel: Everyone was super nice! When I turned up to the studio with Shane and Sheever, who I had already met at the hotel, and who were both exactly how you'd imagine them to be from what you see online. I also met Draskyl, who was really good to talk to and a really decent chap. We got ourselves set up, but the make-up artist wasn't about, so Mr. Shaneomad ended up doing his best makeupping for myself and Draskyl, whilst Sheever coached him and did his herself.



It was all incredibly relaxed, and other than my initial nerves when going live for the first time, I found myself feeling very comfortable amongst the rest of the team very quickly. I still feel it has happened very quickly, and am regularly thinking whilst the shows on, HOLY HELL I AM CASTING WITH DRASKYLL, and WOWOW IM ON A SHOW HOSTED BY SHEEVER AND SHANE WITH PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS (Chessie is a complete babe btw, and really nice to talk to and work with). It still doesn't quite feel real enough, but I am loving every second of it.

Malystryx: Where is Bruno and 2GD in all this, and why are you doing the make-up yourselves?

ODPixel: We are eventually getting a make up artist (I think ;D). As for the those very sexy people, I'm afraid I do not know personally. BUT I DO KNOW, that the line up we have, and some of the names being thrown around for future guest appearances are pretty exciting!

Malystryx: Fair enough! You said in your AMA on /r/circlejerk that you consider yourself good at hype but poor at analysis. I recently read the New York Times Bestseller The 4-hour workweek, and it suggested simply emphasise strengths not fix weaknesses in order to achieve success. Do you think focusing on hype has helped you specialise and stand out from the crowd?

ODPixel: That's an interesting point! And I think a pretty valid one. I'd like to think my game knowledge, as unimpressive as it can be, is at a point where it can overlooked when I am paired up with someone who is strong in that department, like in my case with DreamLeague, Draskyl, and indeed I do pay more attention to how to improve in terms of keeping the hype up in comparison.



I feel that that is what most people enjoy listening to my casting for, and therefore I should focus on keeping as strong as I can in that area. And I believe doing this has helped me stand out from the crowd, as there seems to be a wide-spread opinion that in some streams and casts, the hype is definitely not as exciting as it has been in the past.

Malystryx: You've used music to hype up battles, you've had Eminem's lose yourself edited over your casts, you're the talk of Reddit. Why do you think people have taken to you so well? You're untouchable at the moment.

ODPixel: CAN I JUST NOTE, just to avoid confusion, I did the lose yourself backing music live during cast, and it was NOT added by NoobFromUA post cast. Even so, NoobfromUA is a legend, I get a little excited anytime I'm on one of is uploads!



I feel it's because I don't necessarily try too hard. At least I try not to try too hard. I just focus on the casting, and keeping my work entertaining and enjoyable. The communities opinion does matter to me though, and I am always reading through whatever is being said, in order to improve myself. As with anyone on the internet I do get a share of negative comments, but my skin is pretty thick so I never let them get to me, but I do let them guide me in directions that I can follow to improve! And also on the subject of why, I really do not know the answer fully, and just feel god damn lucky!

Malystryx: /r/dota2 is for some the centrepiece of our community, but for others it's a haven for troglodytes. You're obviously safe at the moment, but it seems like a dangerous place for a caster. What are your thoughts on the Dota 2 Reddit, what do you like and dislike as a reader as well as a caster?

ODPixel: Hmm indeed, the sub-reddit could be considered a dangerous place. We all know that if a personality/caster/player does the slightest thing wrong, if it gains traction, it can be blown totally out of proportion by the community.



At the same time though this kind of momentum can be seen on positive topics as well, and fortunately for myself I have been involved in a few of those! I really appreciate the sub-reddit, and as someone who's lurked there for many years, I'm not going to lie, it's kind of awesome to feel appreciated by those on it.



A lot of people warn me that the "reddit Love" is not going to remain, and that they will one day turn against you, but in my opinion that would only happen if I screw up or do something stupid. So in that matter, the pressure to not cock up kind of helps me keep my head straight, and in the game, helps to ensure that I don't mess up.



As for other topics and reddit as a general, I understand how many people disagree with the voting system, and complain that it has its flaws, which in some cases is indeed true. To me it's like the tabloid of the Dota 2 community, a place where there maybe a load of rubbish, but something about it makes you want to come back everyday. Hey, sometimes you might even learn something!



Other online communities are certainly very different in terms of atmosphere and hive mind, and for that reason I do dwell in many different realms of the online Dota 2 community online.

Malystryx: In the last few months we're seeing tournaments become a lot shorter in order to cater for the teams and secure the higher profile players. However, we don't often see a wide variety of content. We had the Twitch Double Trouble, DotaCinema's captain draft and all-star games, but what kind of non-standard tournament would you really like to see this year and why?

ODPixel: I really liked the idea that was actually discussed on reddit the other day. Apologies, as I cannot recall the user that suggested it, but it was the idea of having a tournament that revolved around Bo3 CM series, but in which heroes could only be picked/banned once throughout. This could obviously be done artificially, with just rules being enforced to ensure that players can't repick/reban from previous games in the series, but it would be awesome if Valve ever introduced this mechanic to work inside lobby games! Call it Diminishing Captains Mode perhaps.

Malystryx: I have a few friends who are 3K-4K players and aspire to be commentators. John Motson the British football commentator never played competitive football but yet is still regarded as one of the greatest commentators in the UK. Do you think it is possible to be a "legit" caster simply by having watched a lot of matches? Does MMR factor in at any point?

ODPixel: For a hype-caster, it's definitely essential to have knowledge of the game up to a certain level. MMR I believe only to an extent can indicate hype-casting skill. On an analytical level though, of course MMR would represent more accurately how much that caster could bring to the table. That's why I feel in a strong duo of casters, one should indeed be able to bring the hype, and one should have a lot of knowledge to add to the table.



I feel that the community understands and respects this, and yeah sometimes people do point out that my MMR at 3.6k is not in their opinion high enough. Myself alongside fortunately a lot of other people in the community, realise that this does not matter as I am the hype-caster, and always paired with a pro, i.e. Draskyl at DreamLeague, so I kind of feel when someone says that "Well if the worst thing about my casting in your eyes is my MMR, then I can't be doing too bad".

Malystryx: Thanks Owen for your time and best of luck going forward. Any final words?

ODPixel: Final words, just a shout-out to everyone who's been involved in me achieving my dreams as a professional caster so far. They all know who they are, and they should all know how goddamn awesome they are.

ODPixel before he was famous, a humble beginningAfter having a look through the three emails, I deemed the second one the best but I've put the other two below as well for those readers who are interested in more ODPixel magic.ODPixel's second email to JoeShow hoping to secure his first casting gigODPixel hypes a battle to the sound of "Lose Yourself"