posted by joinDOTA Staff,
Paul 'ReDeYe' Chaloner doesn't need an introduction. This man is an esports legend and has done much to make the scene what it is today. Dan talks with Redeye about his new book and the challenges he faced writing it. Redeye is one of very few personalities who is not just recognized across all realms of esports, but also loved. The Englishman has commentated and hosted events for nearly two decades – an almost unmachted feat. He's done gigs for all the big esports there are: from Counter-Strike, to StarCraft II and of course Dota 2. Most of you will remember his hosting from the last two TIs.

Redeye is one of the busiest people in esports and has worked at dozens of events over the past years. He explains to Dan that esports is more than just a job, to Redeye it is a lifestyle.

It doesn't always feel like work and that's why it's difficult sometimes to switch off. Because, as you well know, esports is 24/7, 365. And you switch off for even a day and be like: 'What the hell is going on?'


Although this high level of commitment took its toll on him, as he felt a little tired by the end of last year, his passion for esports is unbroken.



It's important to remember the people who built esports



Redeye decided to compile all his esports knowledge into a book, which was just recently published as This is esports (and How to Spell it): An Insider’s Guide to the World of Pro Gaming. Dan talks with his guest about this book and its creation process. Redeye worked for almost 18 months on the piece and wanted to give an exhaustive overview of esports history.

The esports icon tried to come up with something which is for people who don't know much about the industry but also for hardcore fans. Redeye comments that he has learned very much about esports history, as he did a lot of research, especially in regards to the earliest times of virtual competition in the arcades.

I do feel a very keen sense of protectiveness towards the industry and to those that have built it. Because it's important to remember those people. and remeber why we exist and the fact that we are very lucky to exist as an industry. And on top of that, I want try help people understand why we are so passionate about it.


"All I knew was the Dota crowd was really vicious"



Redeye has covered countless games over the years, and of course Dan wants to know how he found his way into Dota. As an ESL caster, Redeye's job was to be familiar with any game he was casting. His natural interest in different video and computer games made it easy for him to get acquainted with any esports.

While Redeye was quite confident in his abilities – after all he had been in business for more than 12 years – he was a little concerned due to the reputation of the Dota community.

The basic [casting] skills are already there, they've been there for a long time. Once that's done, it's then about capturing the mood and the essence of what's important to the fans, and that only comes with time. I wasn't particularly worried about it, I was more worried about that fact that up to that point, all I knew was the Dota crowd was really vicious to people.


In the end, everything turned out fine. Redeye has gained much knowledge from his co-workers and has been warmly welcomed by the Dota community at every event ever since.

If you want to know more about Redeye and his fascinating career, you should definitely listen to the entire episode:



Listen to the full episode on Soundcloud!

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Photo credit: Redeye

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