What is your name?
Hey! My name is Melissa, also known as Nampuki.
Where are you based?
I am from the Netherlands. Grew up in a small town in the north of the country but currently living and studying in Rotterdam.
What would you like to share about your family and job?
My family and I do not really have a great connection.
I currently study full time for Video Production. I started this study because I want to become an Broadcast Producer in esports. But recently I discovered how much I enjoy controlling the camera’s during live shows, getting told which camera has to be seen on broadcast etc. Before this study I worked fulltime in animal care, I am an (uncertified) dog trainer with an focus on dog aggression. I am currently looking around for esports videography / esports broadcast internships.
Any pets and info on them?
I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. The cats are called Pepper and Benji. The dog their names are Laya and Kenzo. Laya is an certified emotional support dog which I trained myself, her breed is unknown. Kenzo is an Labrador Retriever purebred. He is also an certified service dog
but he is more trained for physical help because I struggle with an disability called Cerebral Palsy and had a time where I needed him to do daily life tasks. I self-trained them both.
How you started watching/ playing League of Legends?
I cannot remember really when I started playing the game. But I do remember how I started watching. I think it was around end 2013 early 2014. My friends told me about Joey ‘Youngbuck’ Steltenpool. He grew up nearby me and went to the same high school as I did. I looked up his name and started watching some videos about League of Legends esports. I think he was playing for Copenhagen Wolves at the time. Then I went to my first LAN. I went to Dreamhack Summer in 2014 in Jönköping, Sweden. This is where I got to know Luka ‘Perkz’ Perković. I started following him until the pro player he is today because I felt connected to his personality for some strange reason.
What the League of Legends community means to you.
The league of legends community means more to me than people imagine. Especially Luka means a lot to me. Because I mentioned before, I do not have a great connection with my parents. I found an escape from them in esports. Often ‘ran away’ from home to Berlin. I remember not telling my parents a couple of times that I left to Berlin to visit LEC ( or EULCS at the time ). I struggled with a lot of things and esports and the league community was my escape. I got so much support from the people from all over the world. They became my family. I look up to Luka as a person because he is just lovely. I remember a dark time early 2020 where I remember myself saying; I’m still alive because Luka is a strong person, so I can be as well. I call myself one of the biggest Perkz supporters because I have been supporting him for almost his entire esports career. Getting the recognition from him also means so much to me. Makes me feel appreciated, he gave me his own jersey twice, I still have both of course. I think I have cried several times after (or while) meeting him. The moment that sticks with me the most was in 2020 Spring split, fan meets were cancelled due COVID-19 so there was no chance for me to meet Luka again. I had an backstage tour from Riot Games in their studio and I was allowed to leave a little note for Luka. So I wrote him that I was there in the studio for the weekend and hoped to meet him. After all the years I knew he recognizes me. He waved a couple of times when they had to go on stage, but sadly no fan meets. On the Saturday games they played last match of the day. In the lobby I overheard people talk to security about meeting Perkz. So I decided to message a staff from G2 who I had contact with that I would wait outside for a bit. Because he would try to get him outside for me. As soon as I pressed enter, I heard my name. And there was only one person who knew my real name and not just my game name, which was Luka. I was so shocked that I started crying. Because of the dark times, the trip to Berlin and meeting him again was the only light I had. He came outside for me. That was the moment I was sure I am appreciated for supporting him and that I am being recognized. Now I am writing this I started crying again. It’s an memory I cherish with me every day. When the rumours came out that he moved to NA I even received an DM on Twitter from Carlos ‘Ocelote’ Rodriquez. I was so sad but I keep supporting Luka. Wherever he goes, but sadly I am not able to visit NALCS due the costs. Hotel and flights are just too expensive. And honestly. Flying there all by myself as a female alone spending time in America, doesn’t feel safe to me.
I am all good now and recovered from all the mental problems I have suffered in the past and appreciating every moment I was able to spend with Luka at several events. Can’t wait to see him again. I am fully enjoying what I am doing with my life.
What are your other passions? What do you like doing with your time?
I don’t really do a lot with my life. I live for esports and gaming. In my free time I often livestream on Twitch, I also am an volunteer at the animal shelter nearby my parents place. I only go to my mom some now and then to help the shelter. I help them with the dogs and help train them. I also love music, I used to play drums for 9 years but sadly my legs do not appreciate this anymore. So I want to try to learn electronic guitar but I need an left handed one.
Thank you for sharing your story with me Melissa - let's hope for a C9 Luka Smurf tomorrow! Lots of Love LeicesterLadyPerkz xxx
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