Technoblade (or Techno for short), a popular Minecraft YouTuber and internet personality with more than 11 million followers on the video creation platform, died on June 30 after losing his battle with cancer. He was only 23 years old. Technoblade, whose real name is Alex, created his YouTube channel in October 2013, focusing primarily on Minecraft content. He frequented the Hypixel server, one of the largest Minecraft server networks with many original minigames for players to view. This is how Techno built his brand: by making videos about Hypixel Minecraft. He would continue to be praised for his top-notch PvP skills, often participating in Minecraft Championship tournaments. He didn’t always claim first place, but he usually made the top 10. Techno would also appear in other YouTubers’ videos, even developing a little friendly rivalry with fellow Minecraft content creator Dream. Techno was a beloved, powerful figure and active member of the Minecraft community. He was also known to be battling sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the body’s connective tissues. In an August 2021 video, he talked a bit about the diagnosis, saying the cancer wouldn’t stop him and that he was starting chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Techno tragically lost this battle. His family confirmed the news in a message shared by esports commentator Jake Lucky. “We, the Technoblade family, wanted you all to know how much he loved and respected his fans and colleagues,” the family wrote in the message. “This past year has been very difficult for our son as he battles stage four cancer. But he didn’t complain and continued to use his famous strategic mind to try to defeat what he knew were almost impossible.” Since the news of his death, people have been paying tribute to Techno’s life and wit. Famed streamer Ludwig said he’ll “always look out for” Techno, while YouTuber Jacksepticeye called him “an absolute legend in the community whose influence was felt far and wide.” Pokimane also chimed in, saying Techno has “inspired millions around the world”. The sentiment has been echoed by almost everyone else in the community, along with a collective cry: “Fuck cancer.” The Hypixel Minecraft server also paid tribute to Techno, writing that if the family agrees, the main lobby will have a memorial where people can leave their condolences in a digital book until the end of July. There is a Change.org petition to make the Techno statue a permanent fixture in the main lobby. The book of digital signatures will eventually be “curated, physically printed and presented to the Techno family.” However, Techno didn’t leave our plane of existence without one last lift. Against an all-white background with a white Maltese-like dog, Techno’s dad read a quick message written by Techno himself. In it, Techno announced that he had died. He then described his experience creating content in Minecraft as the “happiest years of his life” and thanked the community for their love and support. He talked about the story of his “fake” name Dave—what he called “one of the most successful pranks” he’s ever pulled on one of his brothers—and expressed his gratitude to fans who bought his merchandise as they let him to pay for siblings college. If they want to go, that is. After finishing his short message, Techno’s dad said a few words on his son’s behalf as well. Technoblade “Alex, you don’t need to do anything else,” Techno’s dad said, holding back tears as he recounted some of the last words he spoke to Techno at his bedside. “You have done so much for so many people. Millions of people. And if you want now, you can rest. But if you want to write one last video and you’re waiting for things to pick up a bit, then I’d say don’t wait.” According to Technoblade’s father, he then grabbed a laptop, wrote those final paragraphs read by his father in the video above, and was “done.” Techno’s dad said he “lived about another eight hours after,” surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, Technoblade. And fuck cancer.
