PCN Hearts: More Than A Club
*Written on 10/4/2020 by x CJ 12*
Not many know the story of PCN Hearts and how it started as a fun competitive league 2 team and eventually turned into a community for friends to play games with one another. PCN Hearts began with Booch, Jimboni and Zesty Wang; these 3 friends came into PCN in season 12 they each had mixed experiences but we’re all unhappy with how their first experience in the league went, they saw the potential of the league through the massive community that has been built within PCN. So they decided to run a team and created what is known today as PCN Hearts.
I asked each of the managers a few questions about Hearts:
- What was the main reason for starting Hearts and do you see this adventure as an overall success?
- What was it like to manage Hearts, and what were some of your favorite memories of playing with the Hearts lads.
- Where do you think Hearts is headed in the future?
First up, Jimboni and his responses
Main reason for starting Hearts:
“The main reason we wanted to start hearts was because we felt that there weren’t many teams out there that can be both competitive and non toxic. Our views and ways we wanted a team to be run weren’t readily available at that time to us so we decided to do our own thing. In terms of success I think that there are two sides to that question. We successfully built a community of like minded gamers as well as cultivated relationships in the process. As far as the competitiveness aspect we didn’t win a league title in either L2 or L1 so I would say that we didn’t accomplish our goals, but it was a fun ride.”
What was it like managing Hearts:
“Managing Hearts was mainly left to Booch in regards to transactions and being the serious one in the management group while Zesty and I were there to support him and weigh in on his decisions. It was also our responsibility to keep the team light hearted and up beat. In both L1 and L2 we had long periods of piss poor performance and not once did our side get toxic or turn on each other. As a management group we split responsibilities such as running practice, entering stats, posting stat clips etc.It’s just too much work for one person alone.”
How was it prepping for game days:
“Prepping for game days was a breeze. We had the starting line up hashed out prior to game day and all of our guys were on time for warm ups. Depending on the team we would talk strategy in our discord channel, but we didn’t have to do that for many teams.”
Favorite memories:
“It’s hard to pinpoint a single memory that was my favorite when playing with Hearts because there were so many good ones. Itachi falling asleep on the mic as well as his insanely long giggle sprees to Zesty barking like a dog when pressing other teams to lighten the mood. Stu, noid and bird verbally abusing each other and scholzey being scholzey always adding value to the squad. Bird’s kids screaming at WWE in the background of practice and Cupid’s kid climbing up shit like spider man. Another good one was when we had no idea why you were getting burnt to find out you were running like 6’4” 250lbs as an outside cb in a 3 back. The memories are abundant and all of them are great.
Like I said prior I view hearts as a community of like minded gamers. We play all types of games together – COD, FIFA, NBA 2k, Battlefield, GTA, PGA 2k. You name it and we are going to squad up to and fuck your bitch (Legion of Girth).”
For the future of Hearts:
“As far as Hearts in the future.? If I was a betting man (which I am) I would bet that we would be back sometime in the future. Booch won’t enjoy not being a manager for too long. The man has what he wants in his head and if it starts to go a different route he will miss Hearts.”
Next, Booch and his responses
Main reason for starting Hearts:
“Jim, Zesty, and I’s first season in PCN was S12 and we all had mixed experiences, but ultimately saw the potential of the league and overall experience of competitive 11s. We felt that we wanted to be in an environment where we not only could be competitive, but also have 11 people that all genuinely got along and called each other friends. I think we struggled to find that combination of quality and cohesion in our first season as players and had confidence that if given the opportunity, we could build our ideal environment for ourselves and others. We wanted to create an environment where people felt like getting on to play was organic, rather than a planned practice.
Do I see it as a success? I think so. We had a blast over the 2 seasons we managed, won a #Megabowl, and developed what I think is a community of players who not only enjoy playing FIFA together, but video games in general. I think in S14 we definitely aimed to be more competitive and maybe got a little bit away from why we initially started, which resulted in some tough decisions, but it was a learning experience and I’m happy with how the 2 seasons went.”
What was it like managing Hearts:
“I would call it rewardingly stressful. Obviously being in charge of getting a squad of 11 adults, who have real life responsibilities that should always take priority over a video game, together 4-5 nights a week took a toll on me over time. That being said, there is not a single player we had that was ever ungrateful and didn’t reach out at some point to thank us for the efforts we put in, which was very rewarding when we received that feedback. I always say managing is the highest of highs and lowest of lows. When you’re managing a team and not just a player, winning feels better, but losing hurts more.”
How was it prepping for game days:
“Along the lines of prepping for game days it was pretty standard. Roll call in the morning. Get on an hour early for some warm up friendlies. Only unique thing we consciously did was try and match our warm up friendlies with the opponents we had that night. So if we had games against lower half teams, we’d try and snag friendlies with lower half L1 teams or L2 teams. There’s no point in warming up against a really good pressing team if you have two games where the result is likely going to come down to how well you can break down a low-block and protect the counter. So when Fuji and Coups tag me 75 times to friendly their 6th place SL team and we’re playing 18th and 19th places L1 teams, they can kick rocks. Did this strategy have an actual impact? I honestly have no idea.”
Favorite memories:
“I think just being able to play with 11 people I enjoyed being in a party with every weeknight was an overall great memory. We probably played more than any other team and that’s cause we organically wanted to. It never really felt like a chore, and if it did, we were all on the same page to take a break. Individual memories, winning the #Megabowl is up there. We all knew that it was Hearts last season at that point, so getting some silverware and having something to show for our efforts was extremely rewarding. Also, the L1 playoff final. Even though it was probably the worst 90 minutes of FIFA we played all season and ended up losing in the last second, coming back from 5-1 down in the 60th minute only happens in a good environment. It only takes 1 toxic ego to quiet a party of 11. When down 5-1, not a single person turned on each other, so being able to just laugh at how bad we were playing actually allowed us to get back in that game. That game actually embodied the Hearts culture now that I think about it. Where is hearts now: For those who don’t know, we decided not to manage next season so as far as I am aware, the Hearts name will not continue into FIFA 21. Our community, whether it be past Hearts players or Friends of Hearts, still all play together and are active in our discord. I definitely feel like the only aspect of what we built that we are losing is the actual competition side of being a team in PCN, which I know was a bummer to most, but ultimately the right decision. I’m glad that the community of the culture we created doesn’t appear to be going anywhere even though Hearts is no more.”
For the future of Hearts:
“At this moment, I don’t have any plans to manage a league team. I won’t rule it out completely, but I’d be surprised if I ever get the urge to commit to that responsibility for a 3-4 month period again. You never know though. I’m pretty excited to be able to sit back and just enjoy being a player for now, rather than getting my hands dirty with the organizational side of things. If I do ever manage in the league again, there is only one badge and kit I will wear which is Maroon and White.”
And last but not least, Zesty Wangs responses
Main reason for starting Hearts:
“S12 was the first year Jimmy, Booch and I came into the PCN scene. We started on a L2 team and it went to shit very very quickly. We went our separate ways, them to PSG, me to Wolfsburg and we finished out the year. as the offseason between S12 and S13 kicked off, the 3 of us would talk about how we would run a team. Jimmy one night said, “Booch you should just manage a team.” And it’s history after that haha. Quick side note is that we were set on being PCN Real Betis but then Booch had a change of HEART…. get it? We had a group of about 5-6 people who we thought would come with us and that’s how it started for us in S13.”
What was it like managing Hearts:
“Being co-manager was a lot of just splitting stats and keeping spirits high. Booch handled the big ticket items and recruiting.”
Favorite memories:
“Favorite memory was winning the MEGABOWL. Hard to pick just one though…Itachi falling asleep on the mic, Bird’s wife going nuts with WWE in the background, The NHL 19 Hearts games haha.”
For the future of Hearts:
“I have no clue who is taking over Hearts or if they are going to continue in PCN tbh. We came into this trying to create a team, and after 2 awesome seasons, we left with a community.”
PCN Hearts may never play another game in PCN history but the adventure Booch, Jiimboni and Zesty Wang endured has created a community of gamers that have all become good friends whether were going to war together and fighting on the western front, or lacing up the skates for a lil bit of puck, or backstabbing each other in secrecy in among us. Hearts has become a toxic free place for gamers of all ages and types to make friendships that carry over year by year and some that have even become personal irl. PCN Hearts will be here forever and will be remembered by the ones who were apart of the team that rivaled Ajax in L2, then last season the craziest game i think ive ever seen in PCN trying to get promoted into Super League.
Last but not least in honor of booch can we change to the Coppa Victoria to the #MegaBowl.
Editor: CM9 PT