Casters should be calling player names by their full IGN. I was watching the FNATIC game earlier and heard a caster continuously call "Alfajer" as "Alfa". I do not care if it is his shortened name, but it is straight disrespectful to the player, the team, the organization, and the sport.
In professional esports, especially in a global scene like VCT, names matter more than people realize. When casters shorten or modify player names without necessity, like calling “Alfajer” just “Alfa,” it might seem harmless or even convenient, but it can actually come across as disrespectful and diminish the identity of the player. Casters should make the effort to use players’ full competitive names because it shows professionalism, cultural respect, and recognition of the player as an individual brand. Imagine traditional sports commentators randomly shortening athletes’ names because it is easier to say. It would feel unprofessional and overly casual. Esports deserves the same level of respect as traditional sports broadcasting.
Second, many VCT players come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Their names often carry meaning, history, or personal significance. Casters choosing to shorten or “simplify” these names can unintentionally send the message that the original name is too hard, too foreign, or not worth the effort. That is a bad look for an international esport built on global talent. Taking the time to learn correct pronunciations and using full names shows cultural awareness and respect. It tells players and fans from those regions that they belong on the same stage and deserve to be represented properly.
Third, consistency matters for viewers. New fans rely on casters to help them learn who players are. If one caster says “Alfajer” and another keeps saying “Alfa,” it can be confusing, especially for people who are just getting into the scene. Clear, consistent use of full names helps build stronger player recognition. It makes storylines easier to follow and helps players grow their personal brands. In a scene where marketability and recognition are huge, casters play a big role in shaping how memorable a player becomes.
This is also a reason why I like Fortnite Broadcasts better. They purposely made a rule where casters HAD TO CALL PLAYERS by their real name. This is much better in every way and form.
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