Mickie of the Dallas Fuel Awarded Overwatch League Dennis Hawelka Award

This past weekend saw the Overwatch League All-Star weekend take place where the top players in the Overwatch League during its inaugural season were celebrated. From intense Lucio Ball matches to epic one versus one Widowmaker battles between some of the best players the Overwatch League has to offer, the Overwatch League All-Star weekend had plenty of highlights.

However, one of the most important moments from the weekend's festivities was the awarding of the Dennis Hawelka Award to Dallas Fuel player Pongphop “Mickie” Rattanasangchod. 

Known for his signature smile and unmatched positivity that has helped the Ovewatch community grow for the better, Mickie was chosen as the recipient of the Dennis Hawelka Award for the inaugural season of the esports league for Blizzard Entertainment's first person shooter title. 

The always positive @MickiePP was awarded the Inaugural Dennis Hawelka Award today.

Keep smiling Mickie. pic.twitter.com/hUX06UzAhr

— Overwatch League (@overwatchleague) August 26, 2018

The Overwatch League created the Dennis Hawelka Award to honor the memory and impact that INTERNETHULK had on the competitive scene after the well respected and loved member of the community passed away last November.

Known for being one of the most helpful players and dedicated mentors in professional Overwatch, the former Team EnVy teammate of Mickie and Team Liquid coach helped the professional Overwatch scene establish its roots that would then become what is now the Overwatch League. 

There is no better example of INTERNETHULK fostering positivity and mentorship than his work to bring Mickie onto the roster of Team EnVy back in 2016. This helped the organization become one of the most dominant teams the professional scene for Blizzard's first person shooter has ever seen and helped Mickie become the shining star of Thailand's, Mickie's home country, esports scene and give hope to other players in the region that they too can see their dreams come true. 

I never forget that why Im here. I wasnt rdy to be a pro player but Hulk gave me the biggest chance to proof myself. Rest in peace Dennis. pic.twitter.com/hH35nn1Vkj

— Mickie Pongphopʕ•ﻌ•ʔ (@MickiePP) November 9, 2017

While INTERNETHULK would unfortunately never see the Overwatch League take shape into the powerhouse esports league it currently is now, his impact and legacy can always be found in Mickie who always has a smile and a ray of positivity coming from him no matter if his team just lost a match 0-3 or beat a team with one of the best records in the league. 

As Mickie said in the official announcement of his winning of the Dennis Hawelka Award, INTERNETHULK and his passion for helping the world of professional Overwatch grow through pure positivity, passion and leadership has changed his life forever and shows that there was no better candidate to help continue honoring the memory of one of Overwatch's very best. 

“It’s not just an award," said Mickie. "Dennis has changed my life.”

(cover photo courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment)