Overwatch, a multiplayer video game, held a six-hour live stream tournament last week. Point Park student Ahri Riso commentated every moment of it, making her official Overwatch debut.
Riso, a junior broadcast reporting major, took part in an Overwatch Calling All Heroes tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 3, as the official play-by-play caster. She called three full series to kick off the Summer Stage Playoffs, which lasted up to six hours.
Overwatch Calling All Heroes is a tournament series aimed at supporting gender inclusivity and promoting individuals from marginalized gender identities. The first day of the playoffs had an average of 7,500 viewers, while Riso casted alongside Overwatch freelancer Raine.
“It was a really fun stream, and by far the biggest event I’ve ever done,” Riso said.
Riso has been working as a freelance esports caster for over two years. She primarily works events remotely, as she casted the Overwatch tournament from her dorm room.
“It’s a massive accomplishment for her, and it’s a massive accomplishment in general,” Point Park Director of Esports Chris Gaul said. “Getting into just esports in general, but particularly esports casting and broadcasting, is really difficult.”
Riso participates in Point Park esports, serving as a veteran and role model in the program. She came to Point Park in 2023 as a member of the production team, but her role expanded over time.
“I took a break from casting for Point Park to go play for the actual team,” Riso said. “Apparently, my casting skills helped me in-game as well.”
Riso plays on one of two Valorant teams at Point Park. On top of calling Rocket League, Valorant and League of Legends matches for the esports program.
“I would say Ahri is one of the few sort of multifaceted individuals that we have,” Gaul said. “They’ve done a lot of actual broadcasting for us, but they’ve also provided a lot of insight to some of our newer casters.”
Point Park esports welcomed a large class of incoming participants, expanding the program to over 50 students. This includes those playing on the teams and those working on the broadcasts.
“Point Park esports definitely gives you the reps and the experience,” Riso said. “They’re allowing you to use this facility, to use the facilities that we have on campus, and then kind of run with it.”
Riso used the skills she gained from Point Park’s esports program to hustle freelance opportunities around the world. Her ability to call multiple different esports titles, such as Valorant and Overwatch, gives her a diversified list of experiences.
“Ahri is really pushing to make sure that her network is strong,” Gaul said. “And she’s really a good example. She’s really starting to be successful in building that network and having a good repertoire of things she’s done.”
Both Gaul and Riso said that esports is a complicated industry, so it can be difficult to land freelance jobs. Nonetheless, they both have faith in Riso’s abilities.
“It’s always tough to get consistent work in esports casting,” Riso said. “So [I’m] kind of just trying to fill up that schedule as much as possible, putting [myself] out there.”
Moving forward, Riso said that she will continue freelancing while still participating in Point Park esports.
“It’s been three years and counting since I’ve been working towards this dream,” Riso said. “And I finally get a first taste of what it’s like to truly be in the tier one of my ideal industry.”
