By: Stuart Brooks

I had a chance to sit down and talk to Gary “Siege” Sanchez, formerly Team NoA’s manager. He has recently stepped down from managing to focus on being WEG’s American Director.

Could you give us a brief description of yourself and your former duties as NoA manager?

Not much to say about myself, just a regular guy with a passion for developing competitive eSports! My role with Team NoA as ‘General Manager’ involved a variety of daily tasks which included: directing the development of Team NoA. On top of the day to day with the players, my role also includes generally managing all accounting, finance, legal, marketing, sponsorships, public relations, staff, travel, website and business administration issues with Team NoA.


After winning Winter CPL in 2004, has anything changed within NoA?

Winning CPL Winter 2004 was one of the greatest moments for the team, the realization of a dream that started the year before. The goals were high, we knew we wanted that #1 spot, and it was only possible through the collaborative efforts of everyone involved with the team. After that point we knew that it was no longer a pipedream, and the next goal was to be able to repeat our success at the first WEG event hosted in South Korea.



Tell us something that the community does not know about you.

Well, I am the current ‘rock, paper, scissors’ champion of the universe, I just like to keep it on the low but you forced it out of me!

Some days ago we read on www.teamnoa.net that ElemeNt had been sold to Brazilian clan MIBR and directly after that transaction Fisker from NiP signed with NoA. We have to go for the direct big question. What happened?

There’s not much more that needs to be disclosed, except for the fact that Fisker from NiP wasn’t due to sign until we arrived in Seoul, Korea – which now we can see, didn’t end up happening. It’s not expected for such a motivated committed individual that just joined NoA to suddenly change his mind and act without warning just hours before we were scheduled for our departures. Unfortunately because of such an occurrence – legally binding contracts are mandatory for the protection and greater good of an organization such as Team NoA.

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Element / Fisker In and Out

What was the reason for the transfer? Was it purely financial or was it just a good business move for all parties involved?

It was a good business move for all parties involved, at the time. New factors came into play that changed the circumstances involved at a later time (e.g. fisker flake) – but sometimes things happens that cannot be controlled or prepared for.

MIBR did not work out for Ola ‘elemeNt’ Moum, as he has now joined up with 4Kings for the second WEG Season. Do you think things will work out for him?

I hope so; I’ve always wished the best for Ola, as well as anyone that has been under my management.

To what degree will this affect the team?

It’s difficult to say whether or not this alone was an initial factor, the team didn’t develop overnight and I don’t expect it to again either. It’s going to be a question of how committed everyone is towards collaborating efforts once again and from what we’ve already put in – it is a lot to ask.

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WEG - World e-Sports Games

You recently won WEG Season 1, which took place mostly in Seoul, Korea. Was it a big culture shock?

It definitely was not what I was expecting – it was much better. However after visiting both countries there is a distinct difference from China and the people of South Korea – I think it’s safe to say that South Korea is the place to be for professional competitive gaming where they are nearly a decade into the development of eSports.

What was the most amazing part of competing at WEG?

The people are definitely what makes this positive environment and bring the atmosphere of passionate competitive gaming across the board from Starcraft to Lineage, Warcraft and the heart of team competitions – Counter-Strike.

Was it tough to be away from home for such a long time?

It was at first, this isn’t an overnight experience or a twice a year event – this is taking eSports to the level that many have desired, it is a lifestyle choice broadcasted to a global audience.

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Siege Stepping Down / Next Step, WEG Director - American Division

You recently announced that you are stepping down from managing Team NoA. What were the primary factors in leading you to this decision?

Many have asked about the timing in this matter – it was announced to a closer circle of those who are involved with my work in eSports immediately after we were dubbed the WEG Season 1 Champions. Throughout the season I noticed there was still a strong need to continue to push the progression of globally broadcasted competitive eSports to a new level. Taking into account my experiences over the past few years I strongly believe that in order to ensure success in the years to come that I would be able to help eSports in general through my non-biased involvement in the league structure of WEG. In order to take this step I felt that it was necessary to transition the management of Team NoA in order for it to be able to continue to succeed as well as avoid any possible conflicts of interest as smoothly as possible.

Who will be taking over management of Team NoA?

The new management has been handed over to a company that will be disclosed in an interview on Gotfrag in the immediate future– they are a team of 5 individuals dedicated to marketing and branding gamers by further developing relations with the business world.

Do you think the new management will make any serious changes to the team in the short term, and if so, what sorts of changes do you anticipate?

Definitely, unfortunately after my announcement in stepping down it wasn’t long before Ola ‘elemeNt’ Moum announced that he also wanted to now seek other options – so throughout this transition I have tried to help in matters only to avoid further complications in Team NoA’s obligations and in the public view as the new management has taken over the helm of Team NoA.

What will you be doing now that you are stepping down as manager of arguably the most successful eSports team in history?

I have taken a Director position with the World e-Sports Games (WEG) leading up the American division. My involvement will be emphasized with WEG relations in North and South America particularly with establishing new partnerships as we continue to expand our efforts globally.

Do you have any shout outs or words for your fans?

I’d just like to say thanks to everyone who has been supportive throughout the years in my involvement with team management. From the fans to the sponsors and everyone who has played under my direction – you’ve all been a part of making this one of my most memorable experiences. The most important relations are those that you can carry on even outside the game, you all know who you are. There are many that I did not have directly involved with my work but still developed good relations, I’m sure we’ll continue to be in touch. Let it be clear, although I have made the decision to step down from team management and out of any sort of limelight – I am not exiting the e-Sports scene, I feel that this sacrifice was necessary for the greater good and will continue to put forward my efforts in helping WEG bring the best possible to the eSports world.

It’s been hella chill, polarbears always keep it real.

Thank you.