I think what I posted on the matchmaking thread still holds true. TF2 won't be a big esport if Valve doesn't want it to be. But that doesn't need to stop us from keeping it a sustainable competitive game. There are enough pubbers to keep this community alive for a longggg time, but we as members of the competitive community will have to work at translating a tiny percent of those pub players to become competitive players.
If you haven't coached newbie mixes and you complain about the game dying, go coach newbie mixes.
If you haven't ever ventured into the deep dark realm that is /r/truetf2 to answer some ugc/ sub-ugc players' questions, do it once a month or so.
If you see someone saying something blatantly false about this game, correct them. Don't let ignorance be the way this fantastic game dies.
Have you ever recommended a good pubber in your server try competitive? Do it, they'll be fucking FLATTERED.
Seriously, if 5% of this community put forth like 10 minutes of effort a month into recruiting for this community/ helping these new players, this game can last for years and years to come. Will it ever grow to be a huge esport? Nah. But it will still be a fun one that we can always find a scrim or pug for.
Also saloon.tf, please. it's been months.