July 8, 2025
Production is the bread and butter of a good broadcast, especially when it comes to observers. Funny enough, they’re also the ones most often left out when esports gets its flowers. Still, David “prius” Kuntz managed to break that pattern, becoming one of the first Emmy-winning observers in esports history.
Esports wasn’t always as big as it is today. It started with small-scale productions and even smaller audiences, most of whom only tuned in for the main matches or just the final few rounds of a tight Counter-Strike game. Back then, grabbing a viewer’s attention was tough. And that’s exactly why Prius is still remembered as an icon; he managed to capture interest before the match even began.
“Syncing music to player cams while we waited for teams to join the server was such a blast. That’s how I originally set myself apart and started to build a unique brand,” he says.
It was a creative risk that most wouldn’t bother with, especially during the downtime. But for Prius, those moments were an open canvas. What started as a fun, low-stakes experiment quickly became a signature and one of the earliest signs that observing could be more than just following the action. It could have a voice, a rhythm, and a personality of its own.
But, Prius’ identity didn’t stop there. He continued to create a legacy from CS 16, then CSGO, CS2, and now Valorant. Over the years, he has built an impressive résumé as an observer, with nine S-tier events under his belt since 2016. That doesn’t even touch his ongoing work in Valorant broadcasting. Yet, his career began long before 2016, during the grassroots days of online cups and ESEA production. Watching his progression, from a behind-the-scenes technician to one of the most recognizable names in esports production, speaks volumes about the influence an observer can have on the viewer experience.
An interview with Emmy-winning observer Prius
As mentioned before, it wasn’t easy to break the invisibility barrier in an industry that focuses almost entirely on what happens on the screen, rarely acknowledging the effort it takes to bring that broadcast to life. According to Prius, building a personal brand as an observer is especially difficult because “99% of viewers won’t pick up on your observing style.” That means finding alternative ways to stand out and create a recognizable identity outside of the game feed itself. Still, Prius credits much of his visibility to the people around him who helped elevate his presence in the scene.
“I think a lot of people played a part in helping my name become more visible in the scene. From being included in talent announcements to in-game shoutouts (sometimes thanks to a bug that displayed our name or picture), and support from the community, it all added up,” he said.
But support is only helpful when paired with real talent, and Prius had plenty. His consistency, creativity, and attention to detail behind the scenes ultimately led to one of the industry’s highest honors: a Sports Emmy Award, earned as part of the observing and production team for Valorant Champions coverage.
“First off, I’m incredibly grateful Riot included us in the list for Emmy nominations. I never imagined I’d win an Emmy just for doing what I love, observing. One thing I’ve tried to do is share as much behind-the-scenes content as possible. It’s not just about observers. I want to spotlight EVS operators, directors, TDs, and all the people who make broadcasts possible. I even uploaded footage from the Boston Major to help inspire interest in these roles you don’t usually see or hear about here,”
Since Raidiant is all about production, Prius felt like the perfect person to ask: what does an Emmy-winning broadcast actually look like, especially from behind the scenes? His answer breaks it down from the observer’s perspective.
“An Emmy-worthy broadcast, from an observer’s lens, is all about precision, timing, and storytelling. It’s making sure every pivotal moment is captured in a way that enhances the viewer’s experience, anticipating action before it happens, not just reacting. It’s also about being in sync with the rest of the crew, production, replay, and talent. Everyone working together as one,”
Prius has a long list of achievements, and the Emmy is simply the latest milestone. Along the way, he’s also had a front-row seat to the evolution of the esports industry, particularly when it comes to diversity behind the scenes. It’s a change he finds both exciting and long overdue, and he credits much of that progress to people like his best friend, sapphiRe, who has led countless efforts to create space for underrepresented voices, especially within North American Valorant.
That shift isn’t just visible on stage or in front of the camera, it’s happening behind the scenes, too. As events grow and diversify, so do the production teams that bring them to life. For Prius, some of the most fulfilling experiences have come from working on shows that prioritize inclusion, where different perspectives and voices actively shape the broadcast.
“Working on Raidiant productions has been a blast because I get to collaborate with people I wouldn’t normally encounter at global events. It’s such a refreshing environment. Everyone they bring in, like Pinecone, Blue, and DazedDream, is absolutely crushing it in their respective roles. It’s proof that when you make space for people, great things happen.”
To an outsider, observing may seem like a simple task of switching perspectives, but Prius describes it as a form of storytelling. And he’s not exaggerating. Some of esports’ most iconic moments have been immortalized not just because they happened but because an observer was quick enough to catch them, frame them, and present them in a way that made viewers feel the tension in real time. Of course, the job comes with its own set of challenges, both technical and mental.
“The toughest part? Not missing clutches!” he jokes. But behind the humor lies a deeper truth: staying ahead of the game is a constant challenge. What keeps Prius motivated isn’t just the action but the people, traveling to new places, meeting local observer crews, and working with teams across the globe. Despite all he’s achieved, he still sees every event as a learning experience. “I know I’m far from perfect, so I take feedback from anyone I can—talent, the production crew, close friends. We’re lucky to do what we do and get paid for it, so I try not to take any of it for granted.”