Backstage fight at esports tournament reignites in social media

An esports writer and a prominent professional gamer were involved in a backstage fight at a major event this weekend, and today both accused the other of being the aggressor and reigniting the conflict in social media.

This weekend, organizers at DreamHack Winter 2015, in Sweden, acknowledged that Jonathan "Loda" Berg, a Dota 2 pro, (pictured above, right) and Richard Lewis of Breitbart (pictured above, left) were involved "in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation." The statement was signed by Lewis and Berg as well.

The two had to be separated by DreamHack staff; both said they were assaulted. DreamHack says police were called to the scene and statements were taken, but it appears that no charges were filed.

The confrontation seems to have arisen from an insulting tweet Lewis sent on Saturday about Berg's girlfriend.

DreamHack's esports and Tournament director posted this statement today, accusing Lewis of grabbing Berg by the throat. He said DreamHack staff "was able to get both parties to agree to settle this and move on."

Lewis posted this lengthy account of his side at Breitbart today.

Both men indicated that this weekend they were persuaded not to discuss the incident further, particularly with their social media audiences. Both men say the other violated that agreement, necessitating these elaborate statements today.

Berg is a member of team Alliance, which placed fourth in the playoffs of the ASUS ROG DreamLeague Season 4, held at DreamHack Winter 2015. Lewis was present to cover and comment on the event, billed as the largest LAN party in the world.