The Overwatch League kicked off today, January 11. In this eSports event, players from around the world compete against each other. In memory of Dennis “INTERNETHULK” Hawelka, who passed away last year, Blizzard has now released an official tribute video.
The news of the death of arguably the best German Overwatch player Dennis “INTERNETHULK” Hawelka had far-reaching effects. The charismatic pro-gamer and coach passed away on November 8, 2017, at the age of 30.
In memory of his contributions as a player and supporter of eSports, Blizzard has now released a short video as part of the Overwatch League. This is a tribute to INTERNETHULK and showcases how significant his influence was.
Who was INTERNETHULK?
Dennis Hawelka, known in the gaming community by his tag INTERNETHULK, was a pro-gamer and coach in Overwatch. He spent most of his active time as a flex player with Team EnVyUs.
Before his career in Overwatch, INTERNETHULK primarily played League of Legends, to which he transitioned after some success in World of Warcraft and StarCraft. Here he also served as a coach for Team Liquid, which he returned to after his career in Overwatch.
His achievements include:
- Grandmaster in StarCraft 2
- Rank 1 in World of Warcraft in Season 2
- First player to reach the Challenger tier in League of Legends in 2014
Additionally, INTERNETHULK established the Overwatch team IDDQD, which was considered the best team during the Overwatch Beta. All players were later contracted by EnVyUs. The team had a winning streak of 16 first places in community tournaments in a row, including GosuGamer Weeklies and ESL Community Cups.
Memorial and Legacy
Shortly after his death, Blizzard established the “Dennis Hawelka Award”. The trophy is awarded at the end of the Overwatch League to the player who had the greatest positive impact on the community.
In a video recently released by Blizzard, it shows how much influence INTERNETHULK really had. Well-known players and casters speak of him as a leader. He enriched every team he played for. Hawelka died just a year after he really began his professional career.
His influence continues to reach the Overwatch League even after his death. INTERNETHULK is largely responsible for the discovery of Jonathan Tejedor “HarryHook” Rua, Timo “Taimou” Kettunen, Sebastian “Chipshajen” Wildlund, Christian “cocco” Jonsson, and Pongphop “Mickie” Rattanasangchod.
All of these talents currently play in the Overwatch League for Team Dallas Fuel, which is now considered one of the most promising teams in the tournament.
If INTERNETHULK were still alive, he would likely be the only German player in the Overwatch League – and very likely found in the roster of Dallas Fuel.
In a German interview with caster and streamer Cirouss, INTERNETHULK gave a little insight into his life as a pro-gamer.
Overwatch League has no German teams – Who are you rooting for?
