Forged in Fire – Chapter 10: Grand Opening – A Day of Triumph

“The day had finally come—the RAF Odiham Blades were ready to step out of plans and papers and into the real world, and opening day would be the proof.”

Grand Opening – A Day of Triumph

The opening day finally arrived. To ensure attendance, we had to send out formal admin orders to get the guys and gals out of work to essentially come down and play games for the morning. They all arrived at the room by 0730HRS, buzzing with excitement, and we quickly got them plugged into their machines, enjoying the games.

Just before 0800HRS, a representative for the association arrived, bringing a wonderful touch: he presented everyone in attendance with their official Esports colours – a light blue polo shirt with “RAF Esports” emblazoned proudly on the breast. I still have mine today; perhaps I’ll get it framed and put it up in my very own esports arena one day.

Around 0900HRS, members of the Station Support Flight started to arrive. The SWO suggested we get a boiler of tea, coffee, and some biscuits for the VIPs, which quickly appeared and was set up. TV cameras from BFBS also arrived, ready to film this landmark moment – the opening of the very first Station Esports Club in the RAF.

Look, after this point, it all gets a little blurry. The day went so incredibly quickly. I remember Claire from the RAF Central Fund being there, offering her congratulations, and the Station Commander himself coming in. The call of “room sit up!” as the players were mid-game did make me chuckle a little bit, but then they simply carried on. I vaguely remember showing them all around the room. The Central Fund had sent some awesome graphics for the walls; they were a work of art, clearly proclaiming that RAF Odiham had been declared the OFFICIAL home of Esports. How I forgot to mention these earlier, I don’t know, but it was a deeply proud moment. No other Station could say that. I was truly proud.

So, yes, I showed them all around the room, got as many VIPs into the gaming rigs as I could, and off they went, playing games and enjoying themselves. It was one of the most rewarding things I’d ever seen – people having LAN party levels of fun, just like I remembered doing back at college, hacking the LAN to play Quake 2. Life felt so simple and joyous in that moment. I even remember feeling a pang of jealousy because I desperately wanted to play too! However, I was busy storytelling and showing people around, a task I had no problem doing because I was so incredibly proud to tell our story.

Then came the interview with BFBS (the interview can even be found on YouTube!). I remember feeling so wooden, nervous, overwhelmed, even giddy. As a huge introvert, I could feel myself going through a sensory overload. And just like that, the next two hours flew by.

The RAF Odiham Blades were officially born, the very first Station Esports team in the RAF. We did a thing. I achieved a RAF life goal.

In Summary: The Odiham Blades Take Flight

And so, the story of the RAF Odiham Blades reaches its triumphant conclusion. From a nascent idea born in the quiet hours of an Iraqi deployment, fuelled by camaraderie and a shared love for gaming, a pioneering vision took root.

Through relentless dedication, a determined pursuit of funding, the unexpected support of key individuals, and the tireless efforts of a dedicated committee, the RAF’s very first station esports club was not just imagined, but brought to vibrant life. The grand opening of the Henderson Room, now the official home of esports at RAF Odiham, marked the culmination of months of planning, building, and overcoming logistical hurdles.

It was a day filled with pride, joy, and the tangible reward of seeing the community embrace this new venture with enthusiasm. The RAF Odiham Blades had arrived, forging a new path for gaming and community within the Royal Air Force.

END.