Game to take up challenge as EBlack
RIPPING a gamer away from their controls can be like getting a shark to part with its lunch.
But every so often, something makes top gamers like Jordan Baker let go.
In this case, it was watching the announcement of the first E Black team for the Commonwealth Esports Championships, to see if he was selected.
Much to his delight, the Dunedin 22yearold was one of the 15 gamers across the country, chosen to represent New Zealand in one of three esport games.
‘‘I turned away to watch, and to be able to hear my name on there was kind of surreal.
‘‘But after that, I was straight back into my game, getting some more practice in.’’
The championships are being held alongside the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August, to see if it can be introduced as an official sport at the next Commonwealth Games.
The University of Otago geography student said gaming had always been a ‘‘massive’’ part of his life.
‘‘By the time I hit the age of 7 or 8, I was well into clicking the mouse, starting out with games like Team Fortress 2 and farming gold for my dad in World of Warcraft. My dad was also a massive gamer, so he is the main reason for my initial love.’’
Baker said he had been selected to compete in the Dota events — a series of strategy video games — for which he was a high ranking player at Australian Esports Federation, Lets Play Live, and Oceanic Esports Dota League tournaments.
He has reached the top 200 players on the Southeast Asia leaderboard.
Being an E Black was a ‘‘once in a lifetime opportunity’’.
‘‘To say that I represented my country in not only esports, but to be one of the first to hopefully build the future of esports for our country, is truly amazing.’’