In 2012, Insomnia played host to the first TF2 world championship. Now, a decade later, the event stands as a testament to the game's longevity and the community's resilience. After a two year absence due to the pandemic, Insomnia's summer festival is returning this August and, like always, will feature Team Fortress 2.

Since i46 (2012), Insomnia has served as a trial by fire for every legendary team - from the Epsilons and Se7ens of Europe to the Classic Mixups and froyotechs of North America. Now, once again, TF2's top competitors are given the chance to write themselves into history.

The Insomnia69 TF2 tournament will run from the 26th-29th of August and will be held at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in Birmingham, UK. It will feature a £5000 prize-pool and can be spectated live from the event or on the EssentialsTF Twitch channel. For more info on the event, see DrHappiness' thread.

Like previous years, the TF2 tournament will be ran by EssentialsTF, with the following individuals at the helm:

• kirsty (soda) - Project Lead
• eepily - Project Lead
• DrHappiness - Tournament Lead
• ArchRhythm - Broadcast Lead

We reached out to kirsty, long-time lead member of EssentialsTF, to give us some insight into what went into planning the tournament:

Our goal is to implement a lot of the feedback we've gotten from previous events this year, bringing eepily onto the project is a big part of that so we have someone that better represents the active comp community on our leadership team

It wouldn't be i69 without some oral talent, so long-time caster eepily joins the group. He also shared some thoughts:

Been involved in TF2 coverage for quite a few years now and part of the last 3 I Series from the side of on-screen talent, so the idea of being involved to a greater degree in the creative vision of the event is dope.

It's been 3 years since the last one so i69 is a huge thing for European TF2, as well as the global stage, and I intend to do everything within my power to make it the most enjoyable and distinctive LAN that I can, for both the LAN veterans and new players that have joined us more recently. I Series is something special and come August, hopefully people will understand exactly what I mean by that.

EssentialsTF are also looking for volunteers for the event. If you think you have what it takes and would like to help out, you can apply here.

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