Forbes describes him as "Professional gamer turned broadcaster, now one of the biggest names in the world of e-sports."
The 30 Under 30
Today’s disrupters and tomorrow’s brightest stars.
Who is reinventing the world? Who should you hire today? Who will you be working for in 20 years? Who, in short, under the age of 30, matters?
Those are the questions we asked Forbes readers and 12 star-studded panels of industry experts as we compiled our first ever “30 Under 30” listing of tomorrow’s brightest stars. From those thousands of nominations our staff reporters worked overtime to cull the list to the 360 ultra impressive up-and-comers listed here.
Some, Pete Cashmore, the CEO of the tech news site Mashable and Mac Miller, the 19-year-old rapper from Pittsburgh are already well-known. Others like Danielle Fong, a Canadian-born science prodigy who entered a Princeton Ph.D. program at age 17 before founding alternative energy company LightSail at 20, are just getting their first taste of the limelight. But it is nearly certain that we will all be hearing much more from them in the decades to come.
Thanks so much to Teamliquid staff and everyone here at Teamliquid for being so supportive and nurturing me in my eSports youth :D :D :D <33333333333333333333333333.
Awesome He probably is the most influential person in the community (he probably does the most work at any rate) so it's nice to see him get a lot of recognition.
OH also, Elizabeth Swensen was my classmate at the USC Interactive Media program :D. We're going to dinner tonight for a little celebration xD. Definitely check out her game "The Witch." It's absolutely brilliant.
On December 20 2011 07:44 Day[9] wrote: :D:D:D IM JUMPING! :D :D
Thanks so much to Teamliquid staff and everyone here at Teamliquid for being so supportive and nurturing me in my eSports youth :D :D :D <33333333333333333333333333.
This really is a huge achievement in my eyes. A huge congratulations to Sean and probs to Forbes for acknowledging his achievements. Going to go and read the articles right now.
Just you wait, in a couple years Sean will be on another Forbes list ... the Forbes 400 richest... as CEO of the Day[9] E-Sports Broadcasting Corporation.
On December 20 2011 07:44 Day[9] wrote: :D:D:D IM JUMPING! :D :D
Thanks so much to Teamliquid staff and everyone here at Teamliquid for being so supportive and nurturing me in my eSports youth :D :D :D <33333333333333333333333333.
This is sick! Gratz dude you totally deserve it! :D
On December 20 2011 08:15 OminouS wrote: Is forbes something big? Sorry if I'm being ignorant, but I've never heard of it.
Forbes is a huge American financial and business media entity. They're well known for their biweekly magazine publication, and compiling lists like the 40 richest people in country X, or the 100 biggest businesses, etc. etc.
I wonder who in Forbes got him in. I didn't think that a mainstream media outlet would know much about the worlds of eSports. Possibly John Gaudiosi? He writes quite a bit about competitive gaming.
forbes has been writing articles about e-sports for a little while I think someone there must be captivated by the thought of a new industry developing.
I cannot stress enough how important it is for individuals like Sean or organisations like MLG to makes splashes in the mainstream circle if we're going to grow bigger and better as an industry. I hope ESPORTS of 2012 will trump 2011 in every single way.
Congratulations Sean! I hope this is just the start of the eSports world getting more recognition from the business sector. Day[9] is the perfect one to lead that charge.
Huge CONGRATS SEAN! On the same list with Donald Glover & Lebron James on Forbes...... that is amazing. I also hope they don't cancel Community, one of the best shows on TV.
Day[9], I have loved you since you won wcg usa, and it has been a pleasure to watch you rise. Out of everyone in the community, I think you are the most deserving of all your success. Congrats!
Wow that is a HUGE deal, people take real notice of things like this and this adds a serious amount of credibilty for e-sports in the larger corp world.
A lot of good things have been coming Mr. Plott's way, among them being some big time recognition. All of them are well deserved. Hopefully the trend continues!
little strange list. on the one hand we have a superstar like LeBron James and on the other some game developer i havent heard about a single games he made, not even talking about him as a person. after a little research those games just look like stolen ideas from casual flash games. gg ...
however, gj day9. well deserved as everyone on tl knows.
On December 20 2011 07:44 Day[9] wrote: :D:D:D IM JUMPING! :D :D
Thanks so much to Teamliquid staff and everyone here at Teamliquid for being so supportive and nurturing me in my eSports youth :D :D :D <33333333333333333333333333.
We are all proud. When youre president remember all the people here at TL.
Sean, no one deserves it more than you. Keep up the amazing work and never stop doing what you do. For anyone who has ever been to an event that Sean has attended, I'm sure you will agree that no one puts in more face time with the "little people" than Mr. Plott.
I think it is great that Day made it onto the list. It made me laugh that he was listed as a CEO xDLOL I guess he's the CEO of the Day[9] Daily. However, the rest of the people on their list weren't so great. Jaden Smith is right underneath him. Now granted, I don't think that belittles his accomplishment and honor of being chosen to hold his spot on the list.
Again, congrats to him, and I hope to see even more exposure for eSports people c:
On December 20 2011 07:44 Day[9] wrote: :D:D:D IM JUMPING! :D :D
Thanks so much to Teamliquid staff and everyone here at Teamliquid for being so supportive and nurturing me in my eSports youth :D :D :D <33333333333333333333333333.
This IS unbelievably big news for Day[9]. If I were high up at I'd Ford/Volkswagon I'd definately see if we could get him a sponsored vehicle, someone with a passion and intellect like Sean will only keep growing. Quite surprised actually how relatively free of sponsors he is. Why is there no PT giving him free coaching for shoutouts? Why no computer/car for fr33z? Makes no sense.
Day9 is on a list representing awesome people in a booming world. I believe he should also be put on a veteren who already helped the world of esports grow.
It's pretty amazing that about 2 years ago I was watching you talk a bout a thirteen year old game with your 240p webcam and now you're being featured on Forbes! You're hugely responsible for how much passion and dedication people have for eSports because your passion and dedication is so infectious. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we're all proud of you and we couldn't ask for recognition like this to be given to a more deserving person! =)
On December 20 2011 11:46 ApBuLLet wrote: It's pretty amazing that about 2 years ago I was watching you talk a bout a thirteen year old game with your 240p webcam and now you're being featured on Forbes!
Haha, yeah, although I never followed BW, I watched some of those Day9 BW VODs before SC2 came out. I didn't know shit about SC and was like "God, what an unbelievable nerd" when he dramatically explained some BW map details... and there we go 2 years later. Gj, Day9.
Whoa too cool. Day you have helped me so much glad to see some serious recognition/accolades/
Oh and for you guys impressed about "CEO"title that's no biggie, for $79.99 You can be a CEO too of a Nevada Corp - <google it> A successful CEO like Day with cash flow a different story YMMV
On December 20 2011 07:44 Day[9] wrote: :D:D:D IM JUMPING! :D :D
Thanks so much to Teamliquid staff and everyone here at Teamliquid for being so supportive and nurturing me in my eSports youth :D :D :D <33333333333333333333333333.
ahahah! XD Am I the only one who actually imagined Day9 jumping around in his room?! lol
Congratulations Sean! You totally deserve it! <3 <3 <3 <3
On December 20 2011 08:08 Not_Computer wrote: Just you wait, in a couple years Sean will be on another Forbes list ... the Forbes 400 richest... as CEO of the Day[9] E-Sports Broadcasting Corporation.
Omg! I want to see that!!! :D Oh why the dolorean time machine is only a dream? XD
On December 20 2011 08:45 Shodanss wrote: We will all be working for Day9 in the future! Congratz
I want to work for Day[9]...for real! <3
---
I had an idea in my head since I saw the article in Forbes... and while the d9d100 was playing on my laptop (for the 10th time I guess... I don't know, I stop counting after 4!), I worked on that montage on the main computer. Tell me what you think
kind of surprised no youtube chanel celebrities are mentioned only game disigners and comedians/actors pretty much, i wonder how they make those lists exactly, though being on Forbes is a huge achievment nonetheless
On December 20 2011 07:42 Kharnage wrote: Forbes loves the Day J
I am soo happy for Day[9]. He does so much, he deserves this so much. Go DAY, and congratulations!
P.S. Sean if you read this: If you plan on founding an allmighty esportsbusiness thingy in 2012 to take over the US and later the whole world, if you have a place for a Geography and Math teacher, remember me 8)
On December 20 2011 17:58 fortheGG wrote: Funny how this list makes no sense to me. You have people like Lebron & the CEO of Riot and then some random people that really didn't achieve.
Guess that's Forbes for you.
You fool. It's the people of the future, not today or the past.
On December 20 2011 17:58 fortheGG wrote: Funny how this list makes no sense to me. You have people like Lebron & the CEO of Riot and then some random people that really didn't achieve.
Guess that's Forbes for you.
You fool. It's the people of the future, not today or the past.
Yeah, Lebron James hasnt acomplished anything yet, and isnt big today. Youre totally right.
I seriously had tears in my eyes after reading day(9)'s interview with forbes. He speaks how we all have felt at one point. Even back from the brood war days. Amazing.. Congrats to you day(9). The sky is the limit!
That's really cool news for Mr 9 and his family, but also cool for e-sports in general... anyway he's probably one of the most professional caster around, greatly informative, couldn't have happened to a better guy to make e-sports look legitimate and fun... Congrats!!!!!!
Forbes lists are so awful, in fact it's just a pretty awful magazine. For some reason the magazine does have a decent impact and name though so getting in it is definately worth something so congrats to day 9. Still feels slightly silly to be in the same list as people like Lebron James etc.
The list shows one more thing: as a man you actually have to do something, as a woman.. you just have to look good. Maybe with few exceptions, like that girl that makes iPad games but thats rare.
Holy shit Day[9]. I'm from the UK and have no fucking idea who Lebron James is but it's so cool that you're on the same list as him he's on the same list as you.
Congratulations Funsmith Sean "Day[9]" Plott, CEO of himself! This is awesome for eSports and Sean, good luck to him and his future endeavours as a Funsmith. (I wish I could be a Funsmith when I grow up)
Congratulations Day[9]!!! This is so awesome, and you deserve it 100%! Your positive attitude and awesome person is one of the main reasons E-sports are growing these years!!!! I cannot emphasize (Btw, thanks for learning me that word! <3) enough just how much you deserve this! Even Denmark loves you <3
What a total baller!! Finally getting the level of recognition he deserves for his excellent work. I'm so happy for him, congrats Sean! Also, that photo is gonna get him soooo much a$$ :DD
On December 20 2011 20:21 David Dark wrote: Gratz Sean! ^^
The list shows one more thing: as a man you actually have to do something, as a woman.. you just have to look good. Maybe with few exceptions, like that girl that makes iPad games but thats rare.
How on earth does this list show that? Please point to which females you think made the list but didn't accomplish anything.
On December 20 2011 20:21 David Dark wrote: Gratz Sean! ^^
The list shows one more thing: as a man you actually have to do something, as a woman.. you just have to look good. Maybe with few exceptions, like that girl that makes iPad games but thats rare.
On December 20 2011 20:21 David Dark wrote: Gratz Sean! ^^
The list shows one more thing: as a man you actually have to do something, as a woman.. you just have to look good. Maybe with few exceptions, like that girl that makes iPad games but thats rare.
Mens have to look good too ... If your job is to be on camera is better that you look good , not bad...
Day 9 is great , but im not feeling e-sports as i did when starcraft 2 came out...
This gsl blizzard cup finals had like 200 koreans watching, the problem is that 100 were players.. =(
On December 20 2011 17:58 fortheGG wrote: Funny how this list makes no sense to me. You have people like Lebron & the CEO of Riot and then some random people that really didn't achieve.
Guess that's Forbes for you.
You fool. It's the people of the future, not today or the past.
Yeah, Lebron James hasnt acomplished anything yet, and isnt big today. Youre totally right.
I think the point of Lebron being on the list is that, chances are, he is only going to get bigger. He has done nothing to cement himself a legacy that puts him in the Birld/Russell/Wilt/Magic/Jordan list. At this point, it is safe to bet that he will win a few rings and move from a great player to one of the greatest players. Right now, Lebron's skill set is unquestioned but his legacy is anything but written. In fact, there are a ton of people who have the skills to do something amazing but not everyone is on the brink of actually doing so. All this being said, since they seem to only be putting one star from each sport up there, I would have gone with Kevin Durant since he is younger and not nearly as famous.
He's on a list with some pretty huge names. Maybe he'll be making the same kind of cash like lebron one day. Day[9], what a fantastic E sports ambassador you are.
Congratulations Day9, a great day for esports (pun intended). Use this power to establish a secure sponsor that isn't associated with video games directly and you'll be a God among nerds.
On December 21 2011 06:54 Emon_ wrote: So - is Day9 getting paid now? Doing gigs as a caster can't net him enough to compare him to Bieber. Or am I missing something here?
Sean said that they chose people who have a lot of potential in 12 different categories. I don't think they were choosing people based on net worth.
"hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
That's amazing haha.
well dreamhack had tourneys at other locations didn't they?
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
They didn't call Europe a country...
It's the way that it's mentioned in the context between two other countries (yes America is technically not the name of the US, but everyone still calls it America - everyone doesn't call Sweden Europe)
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
That's amazing haha.
well dreamhack had tourneys at other locations didn't they?
like valancia.
They had a 15 person half-day tournament in valencia, sure
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
On December 20 2011 17:58 fortheGG wrote: Funny how this list makes no sense to me. You have people like Lebron & the CEO of Riot and then some random people that really didn't achieve.
Guess that's Forbes for you.
You fool. It's the people of the future, not today or the past.
Yeah, Lebron James hasnt acomplished anything yet, and isnt big today. Youre totally right.
I think the point of Lebron being on the list is that, chances are, he is only going to get bigger. He has done nothing to cement himself a legacy that puts him in the Birld/Russell/Wilt/Magic/Jordan list. At this point, it is safe to bet that he will win a few rings and move from a great player to one of the greatest players. Right now, Lebron's skill set is unquestioned but his legacy is anything but written. In fact, there are a ton of people who have the skills to do something amazing but not everyone is on the brink of actually doing so. All this being said, since they seem to only be putting one star from each sport up there, I would have gone with Kevin Durant since he is younger and not nearly as famous.
I totally agree with everyting you just said. But i still disagree with the prior statement; Lebron may well have a very promosing future laying ahead of him (i don't think he will ever get into that list, that you mention, but that is just imo), but you simply can't deny that he had a sick run so far. Chances of a blazing future doesn't mean that his past and present was and isn't blazing. So to sum up, you don't just get on that list, because your future looks amazing, you've earned your spot somehow, with you past and present self.
Congrats Mr. Plott. Out of all the public SC figures out there, I think Day[9] is the most approachable for people who don't already share our passion for the game. I wonder how many people bought a copy of SC2 after watching one of his videos? Blizzard better be sending him a good Christmas gift.
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
Well look at you, you just really want something to bitch about don't you? Technically America isn't a country either, but a pair of continents. Herpderp. Even if they were referring to America as a country, it'd still be stupid to assume they were calling Europe a country as well. The America thing can be accepted since only one country on the pair of continents has the word in it's name.
Be less defensive dude. 'That's so European lol" (cwutididthar?)
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
Well look at you, you just really want something to bitch about don't you? Technically America isn't a country either, but a pair of continents. Herpderp. Even if they were referring to America as a country, it'd still be stupid to assume they were calling Europe a country as well. The America thing can be accepted since only one country on the pair of continents has the word in it's name.
Be less defensive dude. 'That's so European lol" (cwutididthar?)
So I guess you didn't see the earlier post where I anticipated this response (about America being a continent..)
On December 21 2011 07:11 Lars_Brun wrote: "hundreds of thousands of viewers from all around the world have tuned in to watch their favorite players at the top of their game at events like the GSL in Korea, Dreamhack in Europe and MLG in America.."
Yep, that other big country called "Europe". That's so American lol.
They didn't call Europe a country...
It's the way that it's mentioned in the context between two other countries (yes America is technically not the name of the US, but everyone still calls it America - everyone doesn't call Sweden Europe)
I think you are misunderstanding what i wrote. I don't think they are actually calling Europe a country. It's just a tendency I've noticed in Americans where they seem to want to talk about Europe/Europeans as one nation/one people. I'm not angry or anything, just thought it was funny when I read it. And sorry if anyone took offense I know it's always stupid to say "that is so country/ethnicity/gender", it's never 100% true.
"Be less defensive dude. 'That's so European lol" (cwutididthar?)" Yes I see that you kind of proved my point, you could have written "That's so Swedish" instead
On December 22 2011 00:39 MooseyFate wrote: Congrats Mr. Plott. Out of all the public SC figures out there, I think Day[9] is the most approachable for people who don't already share our passion for the game. I wonder how many people bought a copy of SC2 after watching one of his videos? Blizzard better be sending him a good Christmas gift.
To be honest. You may say about Husky what you want but he is by far the most approachable person for people outside of our "nerdiverse", not Day[9]. I have talked to a lot of people and when I asked them about how they heard of the game or why they decided to play it... a lot of the time the answer is "i saw a husky video".
congrats to day[9] but let's stay with our feet on the ground...
On December 22 2011 00:39 MooseyFate wrote: Congrats Mr. Plott. Out of all the public SC figures out there, I think Day[9] is the most approachable for people who don't already share our passion for the game. I wonder how many people bought a copy of SC2 after watching one of his videos? Blizzard better be sending him a good Christmas gift.
To be honest. You may say about Husky what you want but he is by far the most approachable person for people outside of our "nerdiverse", not Day[9]. I have talked to a lot of people and when I asked them about how they heard of the game or why they decided to play it... a lot of the time the answer is "i saw a husky video".
congrats to day[9] but let's stay with our feet on the ground...
thats true. Husky makes noobs play the game, Day[9] makes players live the game
This is great for promoting eSports and obiously Mr. Sean Plott himself. Also I think Husky is more known outside SC2 scene because he has a lot of Youtube content. Also he appeared in a RWJ video some time ago, which definitely helps.
I think it is interesting that they put him on the list with the likes of Donald Glover and Andrew Luck. Some of the people on the list are really well known but others I didn't know who they were at all.
On December 24 2011 08:27 Chakragod wrote: So weird, I went to school with that Chris Deleon guy...he was an uptight prick that thought he was always right.
And of course, congrats Sean!
And look where he is now... on forbes top 30 upcoming , I guess he was right about most things after all :D....
Not to belittle Day9, but I think he's quite lucky to be on that list. And by lucky, I mean that there is generally only a few biased people running such a mainstream site. It's incredible to see that someone with an open mind and ACTUALLY knows whats going on can give input to such a mainstream site. Anyways, congrats Day9 -- I'm just shocked that anyone working for forbes even knows what the internet is, much less pro-gaming, and its awesomeness, etc....
On December 24 2011 14:56 MrHills wrote: Not to belittle Day9, but I think he's quite lucky to be on that list. And by lucky, I mean that there is generally only a few biased people running such a mainstream site. It's incredible to see that someone with an open mind and ACTUALLY knows whats going on can give input to such a mainstream site. Anyways, congrats Day9 -- I'm just shocked that anyone working for forbes even knows what the internet is, much less pro-gaming, and its awesomeness, etc....
i feel like you give a giant multimillion dollar company too little credit.
On December 24 2011 14:56 MrHills wrote: Not to belittle Day9, but I think he's quite lucky to be on that list. And by lucky, I mean that there is generally only a few biased people running such a mainstream site. It's incredible to see that someone with an open mind and ACTUALLY knows whats going on can give input to such a mainstream site. Anyways, congrats Day9 -- I'm just shocked that anyone working for forbes even knows what the internet is, much less pro-gaming, and its awesomeness, etc....
i feel like you give a giant multimillion dollar company too little credit.
^^ Forbes's job is to monitor all the parts of our culture that are running our economy and such. Ofc they are paying attention to rapidly growing industries.
Thanks Sean for making my wife think playing games is a reputable "sport" - I'm now a little bit less of a nerd. Congrats on the accomplishment. I'm 29 and, at first, thought you were a little too goofy for me until I heard your monologue the other night about "ignoring negative people." I can see you put time and thought into your shows and explore a level of the human psyche and not always "game game game." It's refreshing so see casters mix it up and offer concepts of internal catharsis to everyday problems. After all, emotions can impact gaming, right?
Anyway, I see e-sports is merely a stepping stone in your future success.
Day9 has always given me that vibe that he'd be one of the first ones to "hit it big" in terms of corporate success. Whether that's a good or a bad thing is another story.
On December 25 2011 09:31 Altercate wrote: Great to see e-sports getting some recognition, and well-deserved kudos to Day9! He really is a great ambassador for StarCraft.
Everyone loves Day[9], and he has become one of the greatest men (if not the greatest man) in Esports. Day[9] was one of the first casters i started watching as i got into SC2, and a year later I still watch him for many hours every week, laughing at his laughs, gasping at his gasps. If I were to pick one person in this world that i would want to be like it would be Day[9].
On December 24 2011 14:56 MrHills wrote: Not to belittle Day9, but I think he's quite lucky to be on that list. And by lucky, I mean that there is generally only a few biased people running such a mainstream site. It's incredible to see that someone with an open mind and ACTUALLY knows whats going on can give input to such a mainstream site. Anyways, congrats Day9 -- I'm just shocked that anyone working for forbes even knows what the internet is, much less pro-gaming, and its awesomeness, etc....
The Starcraft community would not be what it is without Day9. You're an admirable human being. Keeping doing what you love. As you say, nothing's cooler than that.
This is without doubt amazing. Day[9] seriously deserves it - his success is mainly due to him becoming a face to eSports. While the players are the "stars", the caster is ultimately the person who interacts with the audience. Day[9] does so in a way that allows both enjoyment and education - something that is needed to keep people without in-depth knowledge of SC2 interested in the matches while they learn. Combined with a good ethos towards gaming and his passion for eSports he is one cool guy!