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Fortnite: Team 33 called out for poor choice of words after signing 8-year-old; Twitter users, pros allege entire thing is fake

By Matthew Wilkins
Modified Aug 01, 2023 03:11 GMT
Team 33 has landed in hot soup after signing a kid to its Fortnite roster (Image via Sportskeeda)
Team 33 has landed in hot soup after signing a kid to its Fortnite roster (Image via Sportskeeda)

Many children who love video games like Fortnite dream of becoming professional esports gamers. While only a handful see that dream come true, an eight-year-old from the United States has just become the youngest paid Fortnite player in the world by signing with Team 33.

Joseph Deen, dubbed ’33 Gosu,’ received a top-notch setup that costs $5000, along with a $33,000 signing bonus.

Joseph Deen has been playing Fortnite since he was four years old, and according to reports, was recognized by Team 33 approximately 18 months ago. However, despite his success, netizens raised concerns after the company put out an official statement after the signing.

In a quote, the company stated:

“We can groom him to be a top-level player at a young age and enter him in major cups immediately when he turns the appropriate age.”

The announcement immediately sparked outrage as Twitter users spoke out against the poor choice of words used. This comes as no surprise, given the recent allegations against James Charles, involving the grooming of a 16-year-old.

Many users pointed out that using the word ‘grooming,’ while correct, was not an acceptable term for children. A better choice of words could have been used to convey the message.

Here are a few reactions from Twitter users:

Despite the company clearly stating that they would groom Joseph Deen by helping him develop professional gaming skills, it seems the statement came out as something else entirely.

Irrespective of the truth, one Twitter user wrote:

"I feel bad for him. They want to train him into becoming a pro instead of him making that decision himself. He is forced to do something for a fake organization that is only using him for clout."

Did Team 33 actually sign an eight-year-old to its Fortnite roster?

Following the fiasco of the organization's poor choice of words, users pointed out that the website might actually be a scam.

The Fortnite community is one of the most well-knit in the gaming industry. Having said that, a lot of individuals pointed out that no professional Fortnite player has heard about Joseph Deen or even Team 33.

Here's what a few Twitter users have to say:

People are still visibly confused about how an unknown 8-year-old Fortnite player signed with Team 33, an esports team that barely anyone has heard about. Only time will reveal the truth.

Also read: Mr. Potato Head goes gender-neutral and back to Mister again; leaves Twitter confused