Before he was flying the friendly skies, Dameian \"BigDame21\" Winns was making himself known as a friendly face at Big E Gaming tournaments, building up his skills in Dead or Alive and looking to lend a hand where it's needed. Starting off as a bracket runner and working the registration desk, Dame's built up to being a floor manager at events like Beast in the East and Texas Showdown. If you don't see him in the venue, you're sure to hear his trademark laugh or \"yeah yeah yeah yeah\", hyping up his fellow players, staff, and volunteers over the course of an event weekend.
An OG in the game, Dame's first foray to traveling to events started way back with EVO 2007; which is one of my personal EVO events just for the pure star power and legendary names across Capcom vs SNK 2, Marvel vs Capcom 2, Super Street Fighter II: Turbo, and Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection. In an almost wistful sense, he recalls getting the storied \"lime-green referee jersey\" that's been a cornerstone of the event's staff lore. Since replaced by a sharp, royal blue varsity jacket; the dedication to service has remained the same. Not only is he a skilled player and staffer in his own right, Dame is a champion of the hospitality industry; bringing service with a smile to every space he's stepped into. After years of rising to the occasion, Dame was honored at NEC with the first of what would become many \"Invaluable Staff\" awards, complete with a commemorative plaque, Soul Calibur arcade stick, and a custom medal.
One of Philly's finest, even though he'll always remind us he's from Chester; joins us on Cultural Combos to talk about his journey as one of the brightest beacons in the fighting game community. Through the highs and lows, challenges and successes, we dive into what makes BigDame all heart.
Keep up with Dame and be on the lookout for him at an event near you!
X: @BigDame2187
Twitch: BigDame21
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