So besides playing, could you describe the extent of your involvement in other aspects of DotA?

Well, I had come up with the idea for Fire & Ice with Matt Marcou, and we had run it together up until recent events. Aside from that, I've written a few things for Gotfrag, I try to promote DotA where I can. And I spam things in Competitive DotA section. That makes Naz angry at me.

Fire & Ice, then, was basically your brainchild? I'm curious how it all came about.

Well, America needed to have a major DotA event. When we joined up with eMg, they expressed interest in hosting DotA events, which was really nice because we had wanted to do the same thing. So then Matt Marcou and I started thinking of tournament things, and together we came up with the tournament format, concept, location, etc... went around and got backing from the community, secured a venue, and got business done. Or so we thought...

What is the deal with that Fire & Ice disaster?

I'm not going to get into it because it's been a subject of disappointment for both myself and the community. Additionally, I've been threatened with lawsuits for slander. P.S.: Still haven't gotten 2007 Fire & Ice prize money.

Ok switching gears, in your opinion where is DotA headed now?

DotA is headed in the right direction. Icefrog is doing a great job with constant development. Also, ESWC's support of the game is very exciting. Hopefully they bring DotA back next year, I'm sure it'll be even better than it has been this year. In addition, I'm hoping that WCG gives international DotA a good thinking over. And who knows, maybe Matt and I will find an alternative way to bring back Fire & Ice in the future.

How do you think Starcraft II will affect DotA? Too early to speculate?

Too early to speculate. As a community project, DotA could well move to Starcraft II, if that is indeed what the community wants... and if Icefrog feels like porting an entire game over. :-P But I have a feeling it'll stay on Warcraft III.

Whisper keeps a watchful eye over all of DotA from his secluded fortress. (Photo courtesy of Brian Dunn)