We Are LANFEST: From Solo Player to Community Leader
In the vibrant world of gaming, where virtual battles rage and digital realms unfold, Jacob Anderson’s journey from a reserved player to a key organizer of LANFest Colorado illuminates the transformative power of community and passion. Anderson’s narrative is not just about gaming; it’s a testament to personal growth and the impact of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
“I attended my first local LANFest in 2009, which is the earliest one I have a record of,” Anderson recalls, painting a picture of his initial foray into the gaming community as a quiet gamer, seeking solace in the immersive world of video games. It was a sanctuary where he could indulge in his passion without the need for social interaction. “It was like a mini-vacation for me, a weekend getaway where I could enjoy uninterrupted gaming and complete the games I wanted to play.”
However, a casual conversation in 2018 marked the beginning of an unexpected transformation. While purchasing a hoodie, Anderson casually mentioned the potential of incorporating virtual reality (VR) at LANFest events. To his surprise, this offhand suggestion opened a new chapter in his life. “To my surprise, he thought it was a fantastic idea and invited me to join the staff,” Anderson recounts, highlighting the serendipitous moment that propelled him into the organizational side of LANFest.
This shift from attendee to organizer was not without its challenges. In 2020, when the tournament administrator was unavailable, Anderson was asked to step in. “I happily accepted the challenge, broadening my horizons in the process.” This willingness to embrace new responsibilities underscored Anderson’s evolving role within the community.
The real turning point came in 2021 when, after significant life events prompted the chapter administrator to step back, Anderson was asked to take over the reins. “Can you imagine that? Me, a random person at the event, now in charge of running it. It was a humbling and truly exciting moment for me.” This pivotal moment wasn’t just a change in leadership; it was a recognition of Anderson’s dedication and potential.
Running LANFest events has been more than just a commitment to gaming for Anderson. It has been a journey of personal and professional development. “Running events for LANFest has provided me with invaluable skills that I wouldn’t have acquired otherwise.” His story is a reflection of the broader LANFest mission: to build healthy communities through gaming. It’s about creating spaces where individuals can connect, grow, and learn from each other.
“I am immensely grateful to LANFest and all the people involved for their unwavering support and the opportunities they have provided me,” Anderson expresses. His gratitude extends beyond the personal gains, recognizing the collective effort that makes LANFest a beacon for gamers seeking community.
Jacob Anderson’s story is a vivid chapter in the “We Are LANFest” series, showcasing the journey from a solitary gamer to a community leader. It’s a narrative that resonates with anyone who has found unexpected paths to growth and fulfillment, underlining the message that within every community, there’s an opportunity to discover oneself and contribute to something greater.
DONATE AT LEAST $50 TO RECEIVE YOUR LIMITED EDITION LANFEST STAINLESS STEEL MUG!
With more than 4 million volunteer hours and 22 years of gaming, LANFest strives to build healthy communities through gaming by providing safe spaces for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and affiliations! This year we're celebrating creating safe spaces through gaming by creating Home-based LAN Events across the US where members of LANFest communities from all across the nation can have fun, build community, and share that goodness locally through LANs Across America!
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION
LANs Across America 2024!
We're bringing a LANFest event to YOU! Join LANFest in our 3rd Annual LANs Across America where you can be featured on the LANFest Twitch Channel during the event as we celebrate grassroots gaming and the communities we build by hosting Online and Home-based LAN events! LANs Across America brings friends and family together for the holidays as we encourage gamers to host a LAN event in their homes with friends and family! Community Members that register their Home-Based LAN and meet the minimum fundraising goal are eligible to receive a Sponsor Bundle and LANFest Swag to showcase at their event!
FUNDRAISE FOR A CHANCE AT SOME GREAT PRIZES!
Register your Team to host a Home-based LAN event by creating a team through the LANs Across America 2024 DonorDrive! By registering your team to host a Home-Based LAN event December 6-8, you have the opportunity to get your LAN featured on the LANFest Twitch Channel as we celebrate 21 Years of LANFest!
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- The top 5 fundraisers in Quarter 2 (April-June) will be entered to win an Intel i9 1300KF processor!
- Raise $25 and receive an exclusive 2024 LANFest Fundraiser Lanyard
- Raise $100 and receive an exclusive 2024 LANFest Fundraiser Keychain
- Raise $200 and receive an exclusive 2024 Magic The Gathering pin set (limit 25)
- Raise $500 and receive a Razer Huntsman Keyboard (limit 30)
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Register to Fundraise HERE!
- By registering as a Team to host a Home-based LAN event you have the opportunity to earn a Sponsor Bundle and LANFest Swag to showcase at your event! In order to be eligible to receive these rewards your team must;
- Register to host a Home-based LAN Event during LANs Across America
- December 6-8, 2024
- Post on Social Media about your participation in LANs Across America and share it with LANFest by tagging us, @LANFestgames!
- Register to host a Home-based LAN Event during LANs Across America
Did you know that LANFest was created all the way back in April of 2002? The first LANFest event was in collaboration with the Intel DuPont Campus in Washington! That means that LANFest is 22 years old! Join LANFest in the celebration during the LANs Across America Campaign and thank our community for another amazing year of gaming, community, and charitable giving! Learn more about how you can celebrate with LANFest below! 👇
- Donate $50 to building healthy communities, and receive a Limited Edition LANFest stainless steel mug!
Share Your Story!
With 22 Years of Gaming, Fun, and Charitable Giving, LANFest and members of the community certainly have amazing stories to tell! Now tell us them! We want to hear from YOU! Share your story of how LANFest has been part of your life! Share how you and your friends conquered a LANFest Tournament or maybe won that lucky raffle, no matter how crazy, goofy, or whacky the memory, we want to hear it!
- Share Your Story at the link HERE!
Share Your Donation on Social Media!
Want to share with your friends, family, and community how you made a difference in your community by giving back to LANFest? Share the LANs Across America Campaign page on social media and be sure to tag LANFest (@LANFestgames)! We'll be sure to share your post with our community and thank you for your generous donation to our campaign and building healthy communities through gaming!