photojournalism

Bitcoin ATM Photos for Getty and WIRED

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Have a look below for a few bitcoin ATM photos that I made during a couple of days on assignment for WIRED and Getty Images in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, made by Robocoin and operated by Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is gaining mainstream popularity. You can see more of my bitcoin ATM photos and read about the bitcoin ATM in these stories from WIRED and a few other outlets featuring my work:

WIRED.com: Bitcoin ATM arrives

WIRED.com: Bitcoin ATM Photo Gallery

TIME.com: World’s First Bitcoin ATM Launched in Canada

ABC News: Bitcoin ATM

 

Mitchell Demeter, left, co-founder of Bitcoiniacs, watches Paul Baraich unload the world’s first bitcoin ATM, owned by Bitcoiniacs, on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver.

 

Paul Baraich, center, delivers the world’s first bitcoin ATM as Bitcoiniacs co-founder Mitchell Demeter, left, walks nearby on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver.

 

Paul Baraich, left, delivers the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday.

 

Bitcoiniacs co-founders Mitchell Demeter, left, and Jackson Warren unpack the world’s first bitcoin ATM on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, BC. The ATM, owned by Bitcoiniacs, was delivered and installed at Waves that day.

 

Bitcoiniacs co-founder Mitchell Demeter installs the world’s first bitcoin ATM on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, BC. The ATM, owned by Bitcoiniacs, was delivered and installed that day.

 

Jackson Warren, left, co-founder of Bitcoiniacs, installs the world’s first bitcoin ATM in Waves Coffee House while Angela Carpio enjoys her coffee on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver.

 

Co-founders of Bitcoiniacs Mitchell Demeter, left, and Jackson Warren, right, install the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM was built by Robocoin and is owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs.

 

From left, Jackson Warren, John Russell, Mitchell Demeter, and Jordan Kelley discuss operation of the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC.

 

Jackson Warren, co-founder of Bitcoiniacs, loads Canadian currency into the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM was built by Robocoin and is owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs.

 

John Russell, left, inspects the receipt printer inside the world’s first bitcoin ATM with help from Mitchell Demeter, right on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, B.C. The world’s first bitcoin ATM was built by Robocoin and is owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs.

 

From left, John Russell, Mitchell Demeter, and Jordan Kelley install the receipt printer inside the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC.

 

Jason Lamarche reacts after becoming the first member of the general public to use the bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: A user is instructed on how to scan his palm on the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ATM uses palm scanning identification to ensure that a single user cannot exchange more than $1,000 in a single day day. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

The palm scanner on the world’s first bitcoin ATM is pictured.

 

The QR code scanner is pictured on the world’s first bitcoin ATM.

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Curtis Machek, left, uses the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. “It was so easy,” he said. “I wanted to try out this new machine that hopefully will change the world.” (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Jackson Warren, left, of Bitcoiniacs, and John Russell, center, of Robocoin, monitor transactions on the world’s first bitcoin ATM, being used by Marc van der Chijs, right, on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. Built by Robocoin and owned by Bitcoiniacs, the ATM allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

Jason Lamarche, the first member of the general public to use the bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House, wore a bitcoin button while using the maching on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

 

Jason Lamarche, the first member of the general public to use the bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House, purchases a steamed milk from barista May Wong using the bitcoins he just bought using the store’s ATM on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

 

Canadian currency and receipts from the world’s first bitcoin ATM are pictured.

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Users wait in line to use the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ATM allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: A user inserts Canadian currency into the world’s first bitcoin ATM in exchange for bitcoins on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ATM allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Katrina Caudle celebrates after using the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. “I love bitcoin,” she said. “I actually moved to Vancouver to work in bitcoin.” (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Gabriel Scheare uses the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. Scheare said he “just felt like being part of history.” (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

Recent work for Getty Images

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

I finally was able to visit the new location of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) while on assignment recently for Getty Images, covering the launch of the Bezos Center for Innovation, which is now housed on the ground floor of MOHAI. Supported by MacKenzie Bezos and Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com CEO and Founder, the new center is located just a block from Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle.

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos speaks with Leonard Garfield, Executive Director of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at MOHAI on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is pictured during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is pictured during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Portraits in an exhibit are reflected in a sign about exploration at a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Visitors explore an installation during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Schoolchildren explore exhibits during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Christopher Ozubko interacts with an installation during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

Recent work for The New York Times

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Last week I spent some time on assignment for The New York Times in Lakewood, Washington, a city whose economic vitality depends on its connection to Joint base Lewis-McChord, located just across the highway. The federal government shutdown has made life difficult for the thousands of civilian workers who work on base, either because they were not working or were not sure if they would receive paychecks for work already done. After I made my visit, conditions did improve when Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel elected to recall most of the civilian workers that were either furloughed or unsure if they would receive their hard earned paychecks. Even still, reactions have been muted, as life in Lakewood was already difficult and the future is still not totally secure.

Thanks for looking. Read the full story by Kirk Johnson here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos: Puget Soundkeeper Alliance on the Duwamish River

My work, Nature, photojournalism, Seattle, Still photography, Sustainability

I’ve been documenting the recovery of Seattle’s only river, the Duwamish, for years now and recently had a chance to ride along with a Puget Soundkeeper Alliance crew. The Duwamish is severely polluted and the Soundkeepers do a lot of great work including regular patrols of the Duwamish River. On these patrols the group observes, photographs, and reports anything potentially hazardous to the river’s health, while picking up trash and debris along the way. At any given time, the group usually has several pending lawsuits against polluters along the river.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent work for WWISH: Women’s prison workshop

Diversity, Education, My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Throughout the past six months or so, I have had the pleasure to work for WWISH, an organization founded by Laura Pavlou that provides support for women in crisis, adversity, and transition. A large part of their work involves running personal development workshops for incarcerated women. Yesterday I was finally able to attend my first WWISH workshop, which was part of a pilot program at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, Washington. This particular day involved sharing personal stories as well as a women’s health talk given by a visiting doctor.

Thanks for looking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent work for Wired: Game collectors pose with their greatest treasures

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

PAX Prime, or the Penny Arcade Expo, brought thousands of gamers of all kinds to Seattle over the weekend. It really is a massive festival. During the Retrogame Roadshow panel, I made portraits of game collectors who had brought some of their most precious treasures to be appraised by the panel of experts. You can see the gallery here in Wired.com. Thanks for looking.

 

Andrew Egerton of Hattiesburg, Mississippi holds a copy of Megaman 9 that is signed by Keiji Inafune, the creator of Megaman. The panel appraised it at $500.

 

Nicholas Beaudrot of Seattle, Washington holds a Nintendo Family BASIC. It was appraised by the panel at $200.

 

Nate Greene of Indianapolis, Indiana holds a Super Nintendo cleaning kit, appraised by the panel at a mere $15.

 

Adam Friedlander of Poughkeepsie, New York holds a Twin Famicom game console, made by Sharp. It was appraised by the panel at $110.

 

Marcus Lindblom of Kirkland, Washington holds a copy of Mother 2, a game he helped produce. The panel appraised it at $1,000 given the potential for his autograph or a handwritten note that explains the history of this copy of the game.

 

Cyrus Burris of Westport, Connecticut holds the game Tenchi Sōzō, known as Terranigma in the U.S., made for Nintendo’s Super Famicom console. It was appraised by the panel at $35.

 

Brian Silva of Boston, Massachusetts holds Shantae, a game for Game Boy Color. It was appraised by the panel at $750.

 

Recent work for Reuters

Diversity, My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

On Saturday about 80-100 people showed up at the Federal Building in Seattle to protest U.S. military intervention in Seattle, which happened to be just hours after President Obama declared his desire for military action, pending congressional approval. The group later made an impromptu trek to Westlake Center.

Syrian-American Wes Nakour demonstrates against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Violet Rea (C) demonstrates against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters, including Syrian-Americans Memo Nakour (L) and Wes Nakour (R), demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters, including Ben Crane (C), making a peace sign, demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Ben Crane demonstrates against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Protesters demonstrate against potential strikes on the Syrian government in Seattle, Washington August 31, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

 

 

Photos: Fast Food Workers’ Strike

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

I covered last week’s fast food workers’ strike for Reuters, which coincided with strikes nationwide in over 60 cities. The turnout was decent in Seattle, which included several protests at different restaurants throughout the day, followed by an afternoon rally and march through the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Pictures below. Thanks for looking.

 

Pictured demonstrating outside a Burger King location are Joshua Simpson (L), a Burger King employee, and Darryl Johnson, a member of the Service Employees International Union, during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  “We’re like a family fighting for what we deserve,” said Simpson. Fast-food workers staged strikes at McDonald’s and Burger Kings and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Ryan Parker, a Wendy’s employee, demonstrates in front of a Burger King location during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013. “We deserve the right to make a wage we can live off of,” said Parker. Fast-food workers staged strikes at McDonald’s and Burger Kings and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Coulson Loptmann, 21, is pictured outside of a Wendy’s restaurant during a strike aimed at the fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Loptmann, a former Starbucks barista, says that he is demonstrating because he was fired recently from a Seattle Starbucks location for eating food from the trash. “I’m trying to make ends meet right now,” he said. Fast-food workers staged strikes at McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Starbucks and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

A demonstrator holds a sign in the rain outside of a Wendy’s restaurant during a strike aimed at the fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013. Fast-food workers staged strikes at McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Starbucks and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Demonstrators block Pike Street in front of Victrola Coffee Roasters during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Demonstrators make their way up Pike Street during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Demonstrators make their way up Pike Street during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

A demonstrator is pictured through the rainy window of Domino’s Pizza during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Stephen Baldwin shouts inside Chipotle Mexican Grill during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Patrons sit as their lunch is interrupted by demonstrators in Chipotle Mexican Grill during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Ethan Dittrich-Reed encourages fellow demonstrators during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Stephen Baldwin (C) is pictured during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Stephen Baldwin holds his fist in the air outside of Subway during a strike aimed at fast food industry and the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington August 29, 2013.  Fast-food workers staged strikes at Subway and Burger King and demonstrated at other stores in sixty U.S. cities on Thursday in their latest action in a nearly year-long campaign to raise wages in the service sector. REUTERS/David Ryder    (UNITED STATES – Tags: FOOD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT CIVIL UNREST)

 

Photos: Dota 2 Championship

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Sports, Still photography

On assignment for Reuters this Sunday I covered “The International,” which is an annual Dota 2 video game competition that was held at Benaroya Hall in Seattle this year. Dota 2 is a massively popular game that I had not even heard of until last week. Benaroya was a packed house and got pretty intense at times since the winning team took home, oh, you know, just a mere $1.4 million. No big deal. Actually, second place ain’t too shabby either – they took home over $600,000.

I came in knowing nothing about the game of Dota 2 or its massive worldwide community, but everyone I met was really friendly. Also, it’s always nice being surrounded by so many different languages and accents.

See the Dota 2 pictures below. Thanks for looking.

 

A packed Benaroya Hall is pictured during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans Ian Odom, left, and Moss Pholchalernchit, right, cheer during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Schuyler Wireman cheers as “The Alliance” wins first place during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Denis Artyukhov of Ukraine cheers during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans, including Brad Jensen, in blue face paint, and Eli Parzen, in yellow face paint, cheer during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Supporters of “The Alliance,” including team manager Kelly Ong Xiao Wei, left, watch their team during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans watch a game on a screen in the lobby of Benaroya Hall during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Nick Wirth holds a poster featuring a distorted face of “Natus Vincere” team member Alexander Dashkevich while watching him during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

From left, spectators Mike Walker, Tim Wireman, and Joe Vestri watch during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Jonathan Berg of “The Alliance” reacts while playing during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Henrik Ahnberg of “The Alliance” shouts to the crowd after winning game two in a best of five series during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Kuro Salehi Takhasomi of “Natus Vincere” shouts while battling “The Alliance” during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Kelly Ong Xiao Wei, center, manager of “The Alliance,” and Alex Garfield, left, a sponsor of “The Alliance,” cry tears of joy after their team won first place during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Jonathan Berg of “The Alliance” holds the champion’s shield backstage after his team won first place during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans wait in line for giveaways near art from the Dota 2 game during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans Brad Jensen, left, and Eli Parzen, center, came together dressed as Dota 2 character Ogre Magi, while Luke Alger, right, came dressed as Dota 2 character Zharvakko the Witch Doctor during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Andrew Obertas gets an autograph from popular Dota 2 personality “Pyrion Flax” during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans sit covered in confetti at the end of “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans leave the confetti-filled aisles of Benaroya Hall at the end of “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)