A simple poll for best esports moment for the ESPYS became heated after several NBA 2K League players criticized Tyler ‘Ninja‘ Blevins for encouraging fans to simply vote, instead of encouraging fans to vote for oLARRY2K.
ESPN has been running a poll on Twitter in an effort to crown the ‘best esports moment’ and the current matchup is Ninja and Marshmello’s victory at the 2018 Fortnite Pro-Am against Timothy ‘oLARRY2K’ Anselimo and his return to the 2K League.
Both moments are very impressive, but given the context of Larry coming back from a shooting on August 28 where a gunman targeted a Madden tournament, many fans are rooting for him.
It's time for the final @ESPYS vote for best #esports moment!
Will it be No. 11 @oLARRY2K's return to the @NBA2KLeague?
Or No. 13 @Ninja and @marshmellomusic's win at E3 @FortniteGame ProAM?
Vote here on Twitter!
More info here: https://t.co/QKrnXBo5VM
:round_pushpin: @CapitalOne
— ESPN Esports (@ESPN_Esports) July 9, 2019
Larry was hurt in the shooting but he didn’t let it stop him from competing and he was able to recover from the injury and compete in the 2K League.
He was picked in the inaugural draft for the 2K League but was found in an horrific situation when he was shot four times during the Madden event. SportsCenter did a feature on him detailing his full story that is worth checking out for more insight into the situation.
In case you don’t know about @oLARRY2K, I recommend taking a few minutes to learn about his incredible comeback. @SportsCenter @JenLada @NBA2KLeague @CavsLegionGC pic.twitter.com/PqFffWwJcQ
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 24, 2019
After the shooting, he learned Bucks Gaming, his 2K League team, would not be bringing him back but he ended up being picked up by Twolves Gaming, where he was then traded to Cavs Legion.
Through physical therapy and using a new grip for his controller, he was able to return to the 2K League.
His story has been inspiring which is why so many of the players have taken offense with how Ninja has responded to the poll.
Ninja was way behind in votes but sent out a tweet on July 9 asking fans who love Ninja, Marshmello, and Fortnite to vote for him.
After realizing who he was up against, he reworded the tweet, asking fans to just simply vote.
Just realized who I am up against. Honestly I dont wanna win against him. Just at least vote
— Ninja (@Ninja) July 9, 2019
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Many 2K League players didn’t like how he handled this and called him out on it.
“I can’t believe Ninja and Marshmello are in the lead to win,” Mavs Gaming player MambaMo tweeted. “That’s actually sickening…. ‘At least vote’ .. who are we fooling?”
Article continues after adI can’t believe Ninja and Marshmello are in the lead to win. That’s actually sickening…. “At least vote”.. who are we fooling?????
— 〽️:dart: (@MambaMo_) July 9, 2019
“I’m seeing right through this….” wrote Cavs Legion player SavageDoWerk. “If you didn’t want to win you should [have] just said vote for Larry, lame.”
I'm seeing right through this…. if you didnt want to win you should of just said vote for Larry, lame.
— Savage (@SavageDoWerk) July 9, 2019
“Ehhhhhhh,” tweeted Echo Fox Madden pro Joke. “Just Vote?” How about ‘vote for oLARRY2K?'”
It didn’t end there as several others had their doubts with the sincerity of Ninja’s tweet.
Just at least Vote'?! #votelarry pic.twitter.com/MuQ4WnENyF
— Fresh Curry (@Tfreshyy) July 9, 2019
“at least vote” pic.twitter.com/6LVuic3RA2
— Dayne Downey (@OneWildWalnut2K) July 9, 2019
“Just realized who I am up against. Honestly I don’t wanna win against him . Vote for @oLARRY2K “ Would of been a Better tweet
— Albano :flag-al: (@_oFAB) July 9, 2019
The last day of voting wraps up on July 9 and it’s still close enough that either finalist could end up on top.
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