In the ESL Impact League Season 4 studio, a tense argument ensued between analysts Sudhen "Bleh" Wahengbam and Hege "Hedje" Botnen. The incident escalated after Bleh expressed disappointment with the performance of the team FlyQuest RED, which provoked a sharp reaction from Hedje.
Hedje suggested Bleh leave the studio and focused on the positives in FlyQuest RED's performance, arguing that Bleh didn't understand the situation. This incident sparked a heated discussion on social media. Most social media users supported Bleh, considering Hedje's statements unprofessional and pointing out the potential damage to her career in analytics.
When I was a host I used to love and encourage heated discussion between my analysts. If this isn't a bit it's one of the single most unprofessional things I've seen happen on a broadcast. Attacking your colleagues credibility and telling them to leave like it's YOUR desk? pic.twitter.com/PtIVqKAlIG
— Richard Lewis (@RLewisReports) December 10, 2023
Richard Lewis, a former tournament host, commented on the incident, emphasizing the importance of heated discussions between analysts, but criticized Hedje's actions.
When I was a host I used to love and encourage heated discussion between my analysts. If this isn't a bit it's one of the single most unprofessional things I've seen happen on a broadcast. Attacking your colleagues credibility and telling them to leave like it's YOUR desk?This right here is a great example of what I mean when I say no matter what anyone thinks of me I never put my bullshit on a show. The show is the most important thing and it lasts forever. To make it about you and put the fans second is the only real "crime" you can commit.Richard Lewis
Duncan "Thorin" Shields also shared his opinion, advising Hedje to make a short public video in which she would explain her point of view, apologize to Bleh, and acknowledge that she went too far in the studio.
If I'm Hedje I do a short public video explaining whatever was going in my head, apologising to bleh and acknowledging I heavily whiffed on that segment.I don't need an apology. She can say whatever she wants on broadcast. The bigger issue is fans will latch onto that meltdown and it will stick in their memory.
That's who you are there to entertain and I suspect many were more horrified than entertained.Duncan "Thorin" Shields
As of now, the consequences of this incident for the analysts' careers remain unknown. ESL has not officially responded to the conflict.
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