Betway hosted an event earlier in the year at the BLAST Premier studios in London in which they were able to welcome West Ham United stars Andriy Yarmolenko, Robert Snodgrass and Ryan Fredericks.
However, it was no normal event that footballers might be expected to attend when carrying out certain duties. Indeed, these three men were tasked with trying something completely different to what they would normally be expected to do.
The Hammers’ stars were given the opportunity to hone their commentary skills, but in the world of esports gaming with the popular title, CS:GO, being used.
Being guided and taught by Auguste ‘Semmler’ Massonnat, who is a master of his craft and has plenty of experience in commentating on the action in the game, Yarmolenko, Snodgrass and Fredericks were all handed a lesson in all things Counter-Strike.
They would then be provided with two classic clips from the game whereby they would need to give their own spin on what was happening. These clips featured the Coldzera ‘Jumping Double AWP’ play and the iconic Happy Deagle ace on Inferno.
West Ham stars take to commentary
And, it would seem the West Ham men would take to it like a duck to water in the accompanying video that was released on Betway’s YouTube channel.
Snodgrass has experience of commentating, having famously provided his dulcet Scottish accent to a number of clips involving moments within amateur football, and did not appear fazed when given the task to provide his own thoughts on the gameplay shown.
The Scotland international midfielder provided listeners with an immense amount of passion and energy with his words, which certainly helped bring the action to life and certainly got watchers gripped with what was happening.
Fredericks stepped up next and with his experience of online gaming, as he admitted he had an online argument with a 14-year-old once before, he took on the task without too many issues and provided a commentary that gave listeners a unique insight. Using footballing terms, such as ‘hat-trick’ was a nice touch, as well.
Yarmolenko, though, was not seen sharing his ability as a commentator, although ‘Semmler’ did mention that the Ukrainian gave a solid effort when stepping up to the task.
West Ham will need their stars to be at their very best
Nonetheless, the West Ham United men still have plenty to give on the football field at the London Stadium and will need to be in as good form as they were commentating when they take to the pitch next season.
The Hammers managed to retain their Premier League status but it was a nervy affair at one point towards the end of the campaign. David Moyes will be keen to avoid a repeat of that next year and if he is to do so, then Yarmolenko, Snodgrass and Fredericks will be vital components to their cause.
