Alexander (June 1, 1999 – June 2022),[a] known online as Technoblade, was an American YouTuber and internet personality known for his Minecraft videos and livestreams on his YouTube channel, as well as his involvement in the Dream SMP. As of July 2022[update], Technoblade's YouTube channel has more than 14 million subscribers. He died in June 2022 of metastasized cancer.[b]
The Technoblade channel was first registered on October 28, 2013,[21] and its content primarily revolved around the video game Minecraft.[19][22][23] Most of his earliest videos featured gameplay on the minigame server Hypixel.[24]
Technoblade rose in popularity in 2019, following multiple wins in Keemstar's "Minecraft Monday" tournaments.[15][3] Technoblade also regularly participated in Minecraft Championship tournaments with other Minecraft YouTube personalities, and was cited by Cale Michael of Dot Esports as "one of the best Minecraft players in the content creation space, especially when it comes to [player versus player] events."[22]
Technoblade became a member of the Dream SMPMinecraft server in 2020, which he began frequently creating content on.[27][28] In association with the server, Technoblade had a friendly rivalry with fellow Minecraft YouTuber Dream. They contested recognition for the title of "the best Minecraft player" across their fanbases via a series of player versus player duels organized by fellow YouTuber MrBeast, which Technoblade won. Around the time of his death in June 2022, Technoblade had reached 10.8 million subscribers.[5]
In September 2021, Technoblade raised over $300,000 for the Sarcoma Foundation of America through a charity livestream, passing the $250,000 goal within 2 hours.[29]
The rest of Alexander's personal life remains unknown. By his own admission, he "pranked" his viewers by deceiving his audience into believing his name was "Dave".[34] This was generally accepted as his real name until his death was announced.[12][13][16]
Cancer diagnosis and death
External video
so long nerds The announcement of Technoblade's death, which was uploaded to his YouTube channel on June 30, 2022.
Technoblade's struggle with cancer had been previously publicized with his fanbase; he disclosed his diagnosis in August 2021 after noticing pain in his right arm and a bump on his shoulder.[3][12][4][35] In response, Dream donated US$21,409 to cancer research later that month.[36] Technoblade also encouraged his fans to wear face masks and get vaccinated against COVID-19, since it was relevant to his current immunodeficiency.[37]Chemotherapy and radiation therapy proved unsuccessful, as his therapist stated that his arm would potentially need to be amputated.[38] In December 2021, Technoblade successfully underwent a limb salvage operation with his arm intact.[12][38]
On June 30, 2022, a video was uploaded to Technoblade's YouTube channel where his father announced that Technoblade had died from his metastasized cancer.[23][13][9][b] He read a message written by Technoblade during his final hours and said that future proceeds from merchandising and videos would go to the Sarcoma Foundation of America[39][40] and his siblings' college education.[3][5][41][42] The video ended with a written message from Technoblade's mother.[17][43] Technoblade originally planned on writing and recording the video himself prior to his death, but could not due to his medical conditions.[39][18]
Reactions and tributes
The video tribute became the top trending video on YouTube later that day, surpassing 30 million views in the first 24 hours.[28][18] It has since been viewed over 60 million times and liked over seven million times, becoming the most viewed and most liked video on Technoblade's channel.[44] His channel also gained more than 3 million subscribers posthumously.[18]
Multiple YouTubers, including Dream and other members of the Dream SMP,[13][8] expressed their condolences, support, and admiration for him online,[12] as well as the co-founder of Hypixel[24][8][45] and Elon Musk.[46] YouTube tweeted its condolences to his family, friends, and fans following the release of the video.[12] The official Minecraft Twitter account also tweeted its condolences,[3][6][47][48] and the Sarcoma Foundation of America sent its support to the family, also creating a special tribute to Alexander on their website.[14] In a statement, the foundation's CEO Brandi Feiser said that Technoblade had raised over $500,000 to support sarcoma research during his lifetime.[4] According to Polygon, Technoblade was "one of Minecraft's most celebrated personalities."[8]
In an interview with The New York Times, Don Pireso, Hypixel's lead administrator, stated that Technoblade's family would not be providing any further comments regarding his death as "the video they shared contains all information they are comfortable sharing at this time." The Hypixel team also established a digital space in its Minecraft server where fans can use the in-game book and quill item to write one-page messages which will ultimately be sent out to Technoblade's family.[7]
On July 2, 2022, Mojang Studios added a tribute to Technoblade in the launcher image of Minecraft: Java Edition. The modified image added a crown to a pig, in reference to Technoblade's in-game Minecraft skin and channel branding.[47][48][49][10] According to Polygon, fans have petitioned for a splash text to be added to the main menu of Minecraft in tribute to Technoblade, with the text reading "Technoblade never dies!".[50]
Explanatory notes
^ abAlexander's death was announced on June 30, 2022. While some sources[2][3] reported that he died on that day, several others[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] reported only that his death was announced on that date.