DJDS E-Sports Star Sustains a Possibly Career-Ending Injury

SATIRE- During a “heated” battle of Mario Cart last Friday, Joey Tesler, a member of the DJDS E-sports team, heard a sudden pop. The pain that Tesler felt was agonizing and he immediately knew his career would be put on hold. 

“At first I thought it was another can of pickles we were opening to enjoy, and then I look over and see Joey on the floor, sucking his fingers, which isn’t unusual but he was on the floor,” said another teammate. 

Tesler has been playing Esports since fourth grade and was striving to succeed as a professional Esports player. He has always dreamed of becoming a professional gamer- sitting in a chair and hitting a lot of buttons for nine hours straight. However, this injury was so devastating, he didn’t know what to make of this. Tesler is an essential component of the team and has carried them on his back in countless victories over the years. 

When he went to see the E-sports team doctor, Dr. Emily Rosenhour later that day, she told him playing again would be a labor-intensive task. Tesler got the news that he had dislocated the upper knuckle of his middle finger. Tesler had seen this coming. He was devoting all of his free time, and he wasn’t letting his body and his fingers rest. 

He knew the risks of “flipping off” his monitor and continuous gaming usage, but the thought of the controller in his hands drew him in too much. People told him to slow down and take a break, but he wouldn’t listen, and when he finally understood what they were talking about, it was too late.

Dr. Rosenhour told him there was a way he could combat this injury. She told Tesler that there are people who game with only one hand, and if he was really committed, he could be as good, if not better than he was before he got hurt. “I don’t want to just use one hand,” Tesler said. “My right hand is so much better than the left.” 

The powerful, almighty DJDS student body plays a big role in helping him throughout his recovery. From being there for his struggles to watching him on the day he picks up the controller again, we all can contribute to this magnificent E-Athlete’s progress and the road to success.