One of the most well-known esports photographers @Yicun_liu shares a heartfelt story about photographing Boaster behind the scenes:
“From a photojournalism perspective, every moment, whether a win or a loss, has a reason to be documented. Documenting the lows makes the climb back to the top even more meaningful.
But often, when photographing the players who’ve just lost, standing in front of them with a camera feels ‘cruel’. After all, the biggest stages often bring the greatest pain. Though the rational part of me says: Don’t hesitate. Press the shutter. This is your job.
Yesterday, Boaster broke down in tears in front of me, and pressing the shutter at that moment was really difficult.
At Masters Shanghai 2024, after FNATIC’s loss, Boaster cried backstage, his back facing me, full of sadness. I couldn’t bring myself to go near him.
Later that same year in Berlin, Boaster and Yinsu heard I was doing Worlds and invited me to dinner. During the meal, Boaster asked,
‘Did you take any photos of me crying?’
I said, ‘Sorry, you were too heartbroken that time. I couldn’t bring myself to take the shot.’
He replied, ‘It’s okay. Next time if I cry, just take the photo. I think moments like that make for beautiful memories in my career. Photos like that can be beautiful too.’
Thank you, Jake, for giving me the courage.
Paris, 2025.”
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#VALORANTChampions Story translated from Mandarin
Boba tea (gnarly), Tesla (gnarly)
Fried chicken (gnarly), partyin' in the Hollywood Hills (uh-huh)
This song (gnarly), oh my God, that new beat (fucking gnarly)
Oh, God, is this real? (Gnarly)
(Everything's gnarly)
ohnePixel on Boaster: “I love it if you live life like that because you shouldn’t take life too seriously. We only have so much time on this earth, like you gotta do what you want, bro, you know what I mean. Whatever other people say, do whatever you want, bro. W Boaster.”
I am also extremely passionate about trans/enby representation in the arts, especially video games and esports!! Whether it be devs, characters, performances, whatever — we need more representation!!!
my trans/enby babes -- there is so much hateful rhetoric happening, especially with recent events, regarding trans/enby folk. you always have an ally in me and i will fight every single day for not only your right to exist freely but to live happily.
BREAKING: Several gay dating apps are reportedly threatening that, if the Supreme Court bans gay marriage, they'll reveal all the closeted Republican officials and members of Congress who have accounts on their platforms.