The face of NADotA has been changing rapidly, especially in the past few weeks. Tournaments are offering bigger prizes, teams are expanding their competition globally, and leagues and websites are gaining more and more momentum in the community.
Recently, a small team in the North American community has made a significant move: the jump to employing true professional players - people who are paid to play DotA.
One small step for 7even, one giant leap for NADotA.
Recently, I had the chance to talk with Storm-, team leader and manager of 7even Gaming. Recently, his team acquired players from the now-defunct Team Fuck Your Clan (ex-EDGE) on the conditions of a bi-weekly salary, financed by his "rich dad."
glocks: Would you like to introduce yourself?
Storm-: Storm aka 7eveN|Eleven, Team Leader and Manager of team 7eveN.
glocks: What is your competitive experience like?
Storm-: I've been in the competitive scene for about 6-8 months. I was on eSiK for about 1-2 months.
glocks: How did you become leader of 7even Gaming, and what are your duties as team leader/manager?
Storm-: Well I first came on 7eveN aka TheSlayer as a support/gank player, I stepped up and got the team a sponsor, which was 7eveN, and basically was made manager. When 7eveN|Poop aka DZH left the team, I stepped up again and took on the role of being the leader.
glocks: What are your thoughts on the recent acquisition of ex-EDGE/FyC players?
Storm-: I feel them coming into the team has made it stronger than it orginally was. They are two very solid players who we often look at to make the big calls in game.
glocks: How did these players come to join 7even, as opposed to other teams looking for strong players?
Storm-: Well I'm pretty sure everyone knows they're getting a salary from me. I went to them and offered it... it's like if you're a talent scout and you find a player that u think will do well, you go out and make an offer to them and hope they bite. That's what I did and it worked. I guess having a rich dad pays off... :)
glocks: What kind of salary are we talking? Minimum wage, or LeBron James status?
Storm-: Depends what you call minimum wage...
glocks: Do you pay them yearly/monthly/based on wins?
Storm-: Every 2 weeks.
glocks: Do you think this contract will keep the team together longer than your peer teams?
Storm-: Honestly as long as they're getting paid and no shady shit is going on, I don't really expect anyone to leave. I mean, who wouldn't want to get payed to play DotA? That's like every DotA player's dream.
glocks: Good point.
glocks: Do you think future good teams will be based more on salary and contracts than friends playing together?
Storm-: Umm, can't really say. I mean, it could happen, but then again I doubt many sponsors will pay out salaries and world wide LANs.
glocks: So you will be covering travel/lodging expenses for 7even to compete in LAN tournaments?
Storm-: Pretty much. Flying will be free since my dad owns a few private jets. The only thing I'd have to pay for is hotel fees and food costs, which isn't much.
glocks: WOW?
glocks: Do you think your actions will inspire bigger companies to sponsor (or to more fully sponsor) American teams in the future?
Storm-: Umm hopefully, but most NA sponsors only offer LAN fees and that's about it.
glocks: Lakers or Celtics?
Storm-: Lakers ofc.
glocks: Any shoutouts?
Storm-: Shoutout to Boo, Syllabear, Ezzy, DZH, Na_no, Tim, Persian, Champloo, Rsf-Gosu, and Smurf.
glocks: Thanks for your time.
Storm-: Thanks for having me.
Current 7even Gaming Roster:
Power.Net
na_no~
Zephiel (Syllabear)
Boo (Ceii)
Kenzo (Persian Prince)
CuppyCake (Champloo)
Brood_Star
NADotA wishes the best of luck to 7even Gaming in all of their future endeavors!
Comments
Quote:
..holy shit
Hi, i was the earth shaker i am looking for a team thanks for ur time Storm-.
Stfu you stupit mutha fuckaz...you silly azz wankstas got slapped up daily.
NORTH KOREA 2010 WORLD CUP :D