Image: Technoblade / Minecraft
Technoblade (or Techno for short), a popular Minecraft YouTuber and internet personality with over 11 million followers on the video creation platform, died on June 30 after losing his battle with cancer. He was only 23 years old.
Technoblade, whose real name is Alex, created his YouTube channel in October 2013, focusing primarily on Minecraft content. He frequented the Hypixel server, one of the largest Minecraft server networks with tons of original minigames for players to check out. This is how Techno built his brand: making videos around Hypixel Minecraft stuff. He will also be praised for his top-notch PvP skills, often participating in Minecraft Championship tournaments. He didn’t always claim the top spot, but he usually landed in the top 10. Techno would also appear in other YouTubers’ videos, even developing a little friendly rivalry with fellow Minecraft Dream content creator. Techno was a beloved, influential figure and active member of the Minecraft community.
He was also known to be battling sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that grows in the body’s connective tissue. In an August 2021 video, he talked a bit about the diagnosis, saying that the cancer won’t stop him and that he’s starting chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Techno tragically lost that battle. His family confirmed the news in a message shared by esports commentator Jake Luckey.
“We, the Technoblade family, wanted you all to know how much he adored and respected his fans and colleagues,” the family wrote in the message. “Our son has had a lot of trouble this past year as he battled stage four cancer. But he didn’t complain and continued to use his famous strategic mind to try to beat what he knew were almost impossible odds.
Following the news of his death, people are paying tribute to Techno’s life and wit. Prominent streamer Ludwig said he’ll “always look up to” Techno, while YouTuber Jacksepticeye called him “an absolute legend in the community whose influence is felt far and wide.” Pokimane also chimed in, saying that Techno “has inspired millions around the world.” The sentiment was echoed by almost everyone else in the community, along with a collective cry: “Fuck cancer.”
The Hypixel Minecraft server also paid tribute to Techno, writing that as long as the family agreed, the main lobby would have a memorial statue where people could leave their condolences in a digital book until the end of July. There is a Change.org petition to make the Techno statue a permanent fixture in the main lobby. The digitally signed book will eventually be “moderated, physically printed and presented to the Techno family.”
However, techno did not leave our plane of existence without one last upload. Against an all-white background with a white dog resembling a Maltese, Techno’s father read a short message written by Techno himself. In it, Techno announced that he had died. He then described his experience creating content for Minecraft as “the happiest years of my life” and thanked the community for their love and support. He spoke about the history of his ‘fake’ name Dave – what he called ‘one of the most successful pranks’ he ever pulled on one of his siblings – and thanked fans for buying his merchandise, as allowing him to pay for college for his siblings. If they want to go, that is. After finishing his short message, Techno’s father said a few words on his son’s behalf as well.
Technoblade
“Alex, you don’t have to do anything else,” Techno’s father said, holding back tears as he recounted some of the last words he said to Techno at his bedside. “You did so much for so many people. Millions of people. And if you want now, you can rest. But if you want to write one last video and you’re waiting for things to pick up a bit, then I’d say don’t wait.”
According to Technoblade’s father, he then grabbed a laptop, wrote those last few paragraphs that were read by his father in the video above, and he was “done.” Techno’s father said he “lived for about eight hours afterwards” surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, Technoblade. And fuck cancer.
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