Caster ODPixel saves the day after $500,000 Dota 2 Major hit by power cut
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Caster ODPixel stepped up to save the day at the AniMajor as a power cut threatened a vital group stage match
ODPixel came to the rescue at AniMajor
It’s always good to expect the unexpected in esports, but nothing could have prepared the WePlay AniMajor to lose power mid-way through a live game. But that’s exactly what happened today (June 7th), as a power cut in the middle of a vital Team Spirit versus TNC Predator group stage match threatened to cause more disruption to the Dota 2 event.
After a dramatic game-crash previously in the tournament, it was hoped that no more technical issues would affect the AniMajor. But in the midst of casting Team Spirit vs TNC Predator, Jake “SirActionSlacks” Kanner let out a cry.
The last thing the audience would hear from him for almost 20 minutes was “We have absolutely lost the power... if anyone can hear me?”
A power cut had apparently swept though the WePlay AniMajor studio, leaving players unaffected, but severing the casters and analysts. WePlay!'s production was able to quickly reload but the commentators would remain silenced.
ODPixel to the Rescue
However a lucky break meant the show could continue and commentary wouldn’t be missing for too long. Owen "ODPixel" Davies, who had unfortunately missed being onsite for the Major due to health issues, was able to step up and take over. Twitch chat erupted into frantic typing of OD CHAD as the beloved caster saved the day.
Ultimately Slacks and Kurtis "Aui_2000" Ling would return. But not before a few minutes of solo-casting by ODPixel, leaving the chat to demand his return.
Ironically, something said earlier in the cast may just jinxed this game. NOOOOO! Nobody takes my commentator duo" taunted SirActionSlacks as the game started. He then threw the dakimakura body pillow of ODPixel off the desk. Minutes later, Slacks would find himself temporarily replaced by the real ODPixel.
With the group stage of the AniMajor wrapping up today, hopefully no more issues will affect this vitally important Major. The penultimate event of the 2021 Dota Pro Circuit season, The AniMajor is one of the last chance for teams to secure a qualifying place at The International 2021, a 40 million dollar event.
You can follow more of the action on esports.gg, so keep up with the latest Dota 2 news right here.
Michael Hassall
Editor | Twitter @hoffasaurusx
Michael is a UK-based content creator who caught the esports bug in 2010, but took eight years to figure out he should write about it. Throwing away a promising career in marketing and PR, he now specialises in MOBAs, covering League of Legends, Dota 2, and esports in general since 2019. When not glued to tournaments taking place on the other side of the globe, he spends time nurturing an unhealthy addiction to MMOs and gacha games.