Natalie “NatTea” Mahoney is stepping into new territory this weekend right here at BLAST Open Rotterdam. The 29-year-old Australian broadcast talent is a familiar and beloved face in the Dota 2 community, but she is currently making her Counter-Strike hosting debut. Brought in to replace James Banks, who is taking a leave of absence to welcome a new addition to his family, NatTea is already noting major differences between the two esports giants.
The black and white of Counter-Strike
When asked about the biggest difference between working a Dota 2 broadcast and a CS event, Mahoney pointed to the direct nature of Counter-Strike analysis. While Dota 2 is a game of endless variables and open-ended decisions, she finds that CS offers a much more straightforward analytical landscape.
For CS, I think things can be a lot more divisive. It’s either yes or no for a lot of aspects,” she explains. This clear-cut environment allows the broadcast talent to deliver unvarnished truths without facing immediate backlash. “You get to be more upfront and you get to just say things how it is without being taken out of context, without people being like, ‘That’s a really bad thing to say about a pro player.’ People are like, ‘Yeah, you’re kind of right actually.’
Diving into the deep end
Despite having previous behind-the-scenes experience with CS players during her time doing player management at IEM Sydney in 2019, stepping in front of the camera for a major arena event was a significant leap.
I do think that there’s like a lot of steps I potentially jumped and I thought I was like jumping into the deep end. I didn’t know if I would sink or swim,” she admits. However, the decision to take the leap required zero hesitation on her part. “It was yes immediately. I think I got the email and within the hour I was like yes, I would love to. What are the dates? You know, like I didn’t ask, I said yes and then I asked questions.
Chills in the Ahoy Arena
The transition has been made easier by a highly supportive production crew and the electric atmosphere here in Rotterdam. The raw energy of the live crowd has already left a lasting impression on the newly minted host.
I was just saying to Dupreeh when the Aurora and Vitality teams were walking out and there was like a mix of cheers and boos. I turned to him and I was like, ‘Bro, I’m kind of getting chills right now.’ And he’s like, ‘Oh, this is nothing.’
Looking ahead, fans can expect to see more of NatTea on the Counter-Strike circuit. While she notes that Dota will always be home, she has found a new passion for the tactical shooter.
I would love to do a lot more in CS,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot more about myself as a talent and as an individual than I have in the last couple of years as a broadcast talent. I would also like to keep coming back for CS events and seeing what the arenas and the crowds have to offer.
The Australian host will be back at the desk later today for the Grand Final at BLAST Open Rotterdam.
