That’s not a joke, a player recently headed to the Esports World Cup bearing the name ‘Hitler’. What’s worse is that Hitler played for Team Aryan. As you can imagine, this naming convention sent ripples throughout the community, with many esports fans questioning the tone-deaf line of thinking that you must need to waltz onto a global stage with the name Hitler.
Following the uproar, Hitler changed his name to Henry, a much safer choice overall. He apologised with a lengthy message posted on social media.
Beyond Strange
Call it a cultural difference or a slip of the mind, Hitler was never going to pass muster with esports fans. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he tried to compete on the most visible stage in all of esports with the name, Hitler also represented Team Aryan.
If you don’t understand the significance of that, then history classes have failed you.
After being lambasted for the unfortunate gamertag, Hitler (now Henry) took to social media to write:
I want to sincerely apologize for my previous esports ID, and apologize to anyone who’s hurt by it.
It was highly insensitive and hurtful, and I used it without fully considering the weight and historical pain associated with it. It was never my intention to offend anyone or glorify anything negative.
I have changed my esports ID to Henry. Thank you to those who helped me realize this. I’m committed to making sure I represent myself and the esports community with more awareness and respect moving forward.
‘Henry’ first surfaced in a promotional image for Team Aryan, which was uploaded on social media on July 14. He was flanked by his normally-named teammates, Syrax, Devotee, VishU777, and… Aryan. Ah, so that’s why he…
Team Aryan will attempt to win the lion’s share of a massive $3 million prize pool in the PUBG Mobile category of the Esports World Cup between July 25 and August 3. They’re one of 24 clubs trying to score big at the $70 million event that’s unfolding now in Riyadh.
Do you think people were too sensitive about Hitler being called Hitler? Let me know your thoughts on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming esports, check out the news that a $500,000 Delta Force tournament is coming
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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