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Marijuana Vending Machines | Recent Work for Reuters

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

Today Seattle had two marijuana vending machines come online for the first time at a medical marijuana dispensary. Prepare to see more of these soon!

 

The screen of a vending machine that contains cannabis flower, hemp-oil energy drinks, and other merchandise is pictured at Seattle Caregivers, a medical marijuana dispensary, in Seattle, Washington February 3, 2015.

 

Lynyrd Puyat displays one gram of the Girl Scout Cookies strain of marijuana that he purchased for $15 using a vending machine at Seattle Caregivers. Puyat was the first to use the machines, which came online in Seattle for the first time Tuesday.

 

Stephen Shearin demonstrates the use the machines by buying a mango flavored Canna Energy hemp-oil drink. Shearin is the President of American Green, which provides the machines

 

 Stephen Shearin is pictured near his company’s vending machines.

Photos: Starbucks shareholders meeting | Recent work for Reuters

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

Attendees are pictured inside McCaw Hall during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Howard Schultz (L), CEO of Starbucks, is pictured on stage with surprise guest Oprah Winfrey (R) during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. The two announced the new Teavana Oprah Chai Tea product. REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Attendees cheer inside McCaw Hall during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Starbucks employees hand out gift bags to attendees of the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, speaks during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Members of the Playing for Change band, including Elliott Small (C), known as “Grandpa Elliott,” perform during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Debbie Harlow takes pictures with her phone, which bears a Starbucks logo, during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, speaks during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

Howard Schultz (L), CEO of Starbucks, is pictured on stage with surprise guest Oprah Winfrey (R) during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. The two announced the new Teavana Oprah Chai Tea product. REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Sandy Roberts pours samples of Starbucks Reserve Sun Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Adam Brotman, Chief Digital Officer of Starbucks, is pictured on stage during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

 

 

Photos: Seattle helicopter crash | Recent work for Reuters

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

KOMO News photographer Peter Mongillo (L) gets a hug while covering the crash of his own news station’s helicopter, which killed KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded upon impact, setting cars on fire and killing at least two people, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Firefighters investigate the crash of a KOMO News helicopter, which killed photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing at least two people, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Wreckage is pictured where a television news helicopter crashed near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. At least two people were killed when a news helicopter crashed in downtown Seattle on Tuesday near the Space Needle, setting cars on fire, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

People embrace near the offices of KOMO News after the crash of the news station’s helicopter, which killed KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing at least two people, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Authorities remove a body from the wreckage of a KOMO News helicopter crash near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Firefighters investigate the crash of a KOMO News helicopter, which killed photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing at least two people, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

 

Wreckage of a KOMO News helicopter crash is pictured near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Authorities remove a body from the wreckage of a KOMO News helicopter crash near the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

A KOMO News reporter speaks on camera near the wreckage of a KOMO News helicopter crash by the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray speaks to the media near the offices of KOMO News after a KOMO helicopter crashed by the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray speaks to the media near the offices of KOMO News after a KOMO helicopter crashed by the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington March 18, 2014. The helicopter exploded, setting cars on fire and killing KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman and pilot Gary Fitzner, authorities and local media reported. REUTERS/David Ryder

Recent work for Reuters: Boeing machinists vote yes

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

Union member Tina Shay reacts with fellow union members after hearing that a union vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Union member Hazel Powers after hearing that a union vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Hazel Powers (R), who has worked at Boeing for 35 years, reacts with fellow union members after hearing that a union vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Union member Tina Shay reacts after hearing that a union vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Union member Gabrielle Rogano (C) reacts with fellow union members after hearing that a union vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Jim Bearden, Administrative Assistant with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751, is pictured while announcing that a vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Jim Bearden, Administrative Assistant with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751, announces that a vote narrowly passed by 51% in support of Boeing’s contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 to construct the wings for the 777X jetliner in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

A volunteer from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 counts ballots at the union’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

Ballots are pictured at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 751 headquarters in Seattle, Washington January 3, 2014.

 

An airplane is reflected in the IAM 751 headquarters building in Seattle on the day of the machinists’ historic contract vote, January 3, 2014.

Recent work for Reuters: Fast Food Strike

photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

Fast food workers and union activists made a long march from SeaTac to Seattle, Washington in conjunction with demonstrators in hundreds of cities across the U.S. Thursday, December 5, 2013 in the latest coordinated action in the fight for a $15 hourly federal minimum wage. SeaTac recently enacted a $15 hourly minimum wage and Seattle looks likely to follow suit.

 

Demonstrators make their way down International Boulevard in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

Manuel Brito demonstrates in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

Seattle City Council member-elect Kshama Sawant, a socialist, addresses the crowd during a rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

 

Demonstrators rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators make their way down International Boulevard in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

 

Demonstrators make their way down International Boulevard in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators make their way down International Boulevard in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators make their way down International Boulevard in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators make their way down International Boulevard in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

 

Aaron T. Sherman yells slogans in SeaTac, Washington during a march from SeaTac to Seattle aimed at the fast food industry and raising the federal minimum wage and Seattle’s minimum wage to $15/hour December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

 

 

Demonstrators rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

 

 

Seattle City Council member-elect Kshama Sawant, a socialist, addresses the crowd during a rally in support of a $15/hour minimum wage at City Hall in Seattle, Washington December 5, 2013.

Recent work for Reuters: Boeing Machinists Reject Contract by 67 Percent

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

After a long, intense wait at the union headquarters in Seattle, the results of the day’s vote at around 9 p.m. showed a clear rejection by the union voters – 67% of them had chosen to say no to the Boeing contract that would secure 777X jetliner production in the Seattle area. The members of the International Association of Machinists did not want to see cuts to their benefits. Union leadership approached the stage to the sound of boos and heckling, but once they announced the results, the room turned into a party.

 

From left, Terry Mynett, Princie Stewart, and Gabrielle Rogano celebrate at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members celebrate at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

From left, Gabrielle Rogano, Hazel Powers, and Rachel Sarzynski embrace at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

 

A union member celebrates at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

 

A union member celebrates at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

From left, union leaders Mark Johnson, Tom Wroblewski, Susan Palmer, and Rich Michalski announce that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner while speaking at the Seattle area at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Gabrielle Rogano, right, celebrates with Rachel Sarzynski at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members celebrate at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Rachel Sarzynski, left, kisses her daughter, aptly named Patience, at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members embrace at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington November 13, 2013 shortly after union leadership announced that members of the International Association of Machinists voted to reject by 67 percent a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner in the Seattle area. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Recent work for Reuters

photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

Today Boeing union members face a tough vote on a new contract. Polls are open until 6 p.m. and the International Association of Machinists will have results by about 9 p.m. on whether or not they will approve some contract cuts in order to secure the new Boeing 777X production in the Seattle area. Boeing got huge tax cuts recently from the state of Washington in order to keep production local, but the union still has to approve the new contract. If it doesn’t, Boeing 777X production could move out of state or even to Japan.

This was a tough, quick <5 minute shoot while a PR rep was babysitting me, but it was still quite fascinating to be there documenting a historic vote and I was grateful to have access. Pics below; thanks for looking.

 

A union member displays his vote against the proposed contract during a union vote at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Jim Rose casts his ballot at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

A union member casts his ballot at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members cast their ballots at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members fill out their ballots at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

A sign directs union members at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

 

Union members check in at the International Association of Machinists District 751 Headquarters during a union vote in Seattle, Washington by members of the International Association of Machinists on a proposed contract by the Boeing Corporation to build the 777X jetliner November 13, 2013. The Washington state Legislature will convene Thursday to take up legislation intended to entice Boeing Co to build key parts of its newest jet in the Seattle area in a move that would settle one of the most keenly anticipated decisions in global aerospace.  REUTERS/David Ryder  (UNITED STATES)

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)