E3 Announces Virtual Show Hosts for 2021
By Jack O'Dwyer
E3 has officially announced its virtual host line-up for their 2021 digital event this June.
The announcement was made over the event's Twitter account in the morning of Wednesday, April 28. According to the announcement tweet, Jacki Jing, Greg Miller, and Alex Mendez will be taking over as this year's hosts for E3.
Sometimes games are more fun with friends, and #E32021 is no different. That’s why we’re extremely hyped to announce three amazing talents who will be HOSTING this year’s virtual show: @GameOverGreggy, @JackiJing & @GoldenboyFTW! They’ll be your guides this June 12-15th ???
— E3 (@E3) April 28, 2021
E3 Announces Virtual Show Hosts
After the announcement, all three hosts quoted the tweet, expressing their gratitude and excitement over the opportunity.
"I feel so blessed to be hosting E3...Honored and grateful," Jing wrote, "Before my brother died 4 years ago, he urged me to try to be an on-cam host in the gaming industry...I'll try my best to make you proud, Ian."
Fans may recognize Jing from her work as a gaming entertainment host for IGN, Ubisoft, Nerdist, and Funimation—to name a few. A self-described "former TV reporter turned on-cam host," she has been working in the news industry for the past 13 years. She entered esports and gaming journalism in 2018 and has enjoyed a successful career in the field since.
Jing received an AP Award for her sports coverage in 2010 and was recently nominated for an Emmy award for her work as a TV journalist.
Miller wrote, "It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year—#E32021...That’s right—I’m hosting E3!"
In a sort of comedic justice, Miller was actually banned from E3 for the 2020 year due to allegations of badge sharing from the organizers. Miller objected to the accusations and proclaimed his innocence via video evidence of him on stage, wearing his badge at the ending ceremonies.
Currently, he is the CEO of the entertainment outlet Kinda Funny and holds the 2016 award for "Most Entertaining Online Personality" from SXSW.
"Life long dreams: COMPLETE. Join @GTAV: [check]. Official host of E3 #E32021: [check]. Pinch me cause this ain't real." Mendez wrote.
Alex "Goldenboy" Mendez has been in the esports world since 2011 when he first had the opportunity to host a Black Ops 1 MLG National Championship event. Since then, he has worked with Activision, Ubisoft, EA, Microsoft, and has even been a frequent contributing writer to Kotaku. Fans may recognize him from his work with The Titan Games on NBC and the Overwatch League.