ESA Summer 2023

ESA has completely changed meaning for me after attending for 10 years. Back then I was just some kid who wanted to go cause speedrunning was cool and I wanted to meet my idols. I was only 16 years old and was overwhelmed with how incredible it all was. Taking it in, it was just the best week of my life thus far. Frankly, I was changed, and was even more hooked on speedrunning than ever.

This has been my life for the greater part of a decade. There was almost no time in the last 12 years where speedrunning wasn't a huge part of my life. I've attended ESA 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, Winter 22, Summer 22, Winter 23, and now arguably my favourite.. Summer 23.

It's hard to imagine after going to 12 events you keep finding a new favourite, but the event and the people really starts to become important to me as I grow older. Going to ESA I not only look to have a good time but I try to make sure others have a great event. This includes organizing things, making sure I can get us places by public transport, and yelling.. lots of yelling. Not something I usually do, but it's gotta be done to lead the group every now and then. It warms my heart to see all the first time goers say they had a phenomenal week. Seeing the seeds being planted right in front of my eyes and watching them grow genuinely put me to tears this year. I've taken on a very fatherly role for this event and watching it all unfold.. I'm just insanely proud.

Let's get to the shoutouts. I'm very sorry in advance, I am going to forget someone. A million people attended this year.

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Chloe - You were my light this event. After knowing you in twitch chat for 8 years it was so nice to finally meet you. You quickly turned into my favourite new person I've met at this event. Your smile instantly turned a sour morning with little sleep into a good day. I hope you can make it to Summer 2024 somehow, I already miss you!

Cippy - My life long buddy man. Was awesome to see you again, your silent hill run was killer and congrats on taking it in the Tekken tournament man, well deserved win. I'm sure it won't be the last time I see you

WarDrums - Every event I feel like I click more and more with you. We have so much in common. Awesome street Boyz run too, it was so much fun to be on the couch for that

laura - One of the most genuine people I know. So sweet, honest and down to earth. You made this week really special for me. That photo we took together at the playground will be in my memory. Also I really appreciate how much love and care you give me for pushing into the high tier in X4.

Rebel - Backbone of ESA for me man. You make everything so fun with your infectious laughter. Expecting some Yakuza Fury soon!

JP - I'm so glad you made a return man, the event was just that bit more special with you there. I connect with your train of thought, humor and love for random video games. Hope to see you again man

Marvin - We didn't talk a whole lot but I'm glad I could show you the beach in Denmark, throw some discs and just have a ton of fun. You were a great vibe to the group

Bensa - I aspire to be as much of a Chad as you honestly man. Nobody has the drip and flair quite like you. Was awesome to play football with you and thanks for hosting the bash tournament and letting me stream it!

Stu - First off, killer crash 2 run. You're insane at that game my man. Secondly I know it's been a while since you've been at ESA but I hope you can appreciate how much it has grown since the days in Växjö. Happy you showed up again and I hope the sunburn won't be too bad hahaha

Inferno - Nice to finally meet you for the first time! God damn you're tall lol. I really wanted to do some kind of YuGiOh FM 15 card, swap controller per duel but I only started thinking about it at the end of the event. Maybe at a future ESA we can make it happen.

Hypno - Hope you enjoyed your first event! Great Nitro Kart run as well man you killed it. Was fun playing disc golf, football and eating good food throughout the week. Fifa street 2 was legit so fun to play with you as well. What a good game, we could legit get a route for that game going

Dexz & Rac - My two roomies, of course I'm gonna have a great time with you guys :D. Would rather slowly reminisce with you guys in person in the coming time, but just a few words. Loved rooming with you two, loved the car trip forward. sharing music with you guys is always great and makes the trip completely fly by. I'm currently writing this in the backseat and I cannot wait for what kinda adventures 2023 will take us on.

Ibs - Great to see you again and have you back. Always bringing good vibes. I always learn something valuable from talking to you. Hope to see you again next time

Tombo - Yet another person that just brings immaculate energy to the group. Never change man, you got a golden smile that'll bring the morale up in any group.

Stellar - Wish I could have spent a bit more time with you but we got some good hours in together at Winter this year so not too bad. But you know I love your presence, I relate to you a lot and it's nice to meet someone who's like minded

Javeliin - I'm glad I finally got to hang around you a little more this time around. Once again I feel like we're very like minded in a lot of ways, so I always have very valuable conversation with you. Your help with the tournament organization.. I just can't thank you enough for all of that as well.

Nohmyy - We barely hung out this time but that's ok! We spent some time talking at FinnRuns and there will always be a time again in Finland for a little catch up. Always appreciate your whiteboard drawings. They do a lot for the event space

Muckemannen - I personally thought the deadlocked run blew the run from 2018 out the water. We just had great chemistry going, and the run was a good first "get together" kinda thing for the nation. Always fun having you around man, you bring such good energy

Isak - I'm glad you've become an ESA staple man. Your presence is felt at all the ones you've attended in a good way. Your skills with computers and consoles are extremely useful to have for setting things up, and your humor and randomness is always appreciated by everyone around you. Also love the long hair! It suits you

Jish - Top 5 people who were in due for an ESA, FINALLY you made it man and I'm glad you had a good ass time. We spent some good time outdoors just talking randomly, but honestly that's enough for me to feel like I spent some good time with someone. Great job on the race too man, you killed it.

Marathonman - I could tell that Europe was a brand new experience for you and you took some time to just take it all in. I had similar feelings when I first went to the US, and I understand how life altering seeing the other side of the world can be. I hope you had a wonderful time here, and doing the commentary for your race was awesome too.

Bordplate - Barely saw you this event, but you're another person who I got some good time in with at winter. Hope to see you at a future event man, love how chill and smiley you are

DevilSnake - Nice to meet you for the first time, we didn't spent too much time together but I will fondly remember hearing viper out of the corner of my ear at Christiania lmao

Foas - I'm honestly kinda sad I missed your DJ set, hopefully you can get another slot at a future event. You just had an absolutely blast at Christiania haha, I could tell. I can also just tell you're a lot more comfortable at the event which is great to see. Hope