Where were you when the fun stopped

This is a clip from a recent livestream on twitch where Richard talks about why he is no longer going to be doing By The Numbers and why he is stepping away from esports altogether
#RichardLewis #esports #bythenumbers
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[@florianfrancis1517]

Best of luck to you Richard, hopefully you will find happiness and fulfillment wherever the road takes you.

[@2tonNe]

As long as it's not the road to Croeserw

[@DukeDonkey]

@@2tonNe Tbh, watching Rich and Sam do a road trip to Croeserw (and other shitholes of Wales) sounds kinda entertaining

[@DukeDonkey]

I came for the By the Numbers, but I stayed for everything else. I haven't followed esports really for a few years anymore, but I've been coming back to your stuff since you are a very charismatic presenter with my kind of sense of humor. Stuff like I Hate It Here and the Football manager streams are why I love your content. Feels like I'm hanging out with my buddies shooting the shit and telling stories to entertain each other. Thanks for the esports stuff, it was great too, but I hope you realize there are a lot of us that are here for you, not a specific game.

[@launders]

i know you've been talking about this for a couple of years now but this still hurts. selfishly i hope you will still upload anything, whatever you enjoy. i literally hate soccer (yea) and i still watched all ur rise of ian amin vids

[@jeffulilweeb]

If this is the end of by the numbers, I always thought that you and Thorin should do a regular podcast talking about random shit, for me the best part of by the numbers was never the CSGO part of it. Also im glad to hear that you finally decided to stay away from a community that has a hate boner for absolutely no reason, hope your work life gets better from now on I really do.

[@supernib3349]

Get Thorin on some new episodes of I Hate it Here

[@TLO7]

Lmfaoooo him and thorin yes the two most annoying csgo commentators teaming up hahahahahahahaha

[@jeffulilweeb]

@@TLO7 bro if you dont like him hop off his channel, how mentally ill do you have to be to watch someone you find annoying?

[@the_bottomfragger]

Exactly. The chemistry between Rich and Duncan can be godlike, I hope we get to see more of it, for many of esports wasn't even the reason to listen to the two of them.

[@damonboughton5177]

@@TLO7 They aren't even commentators dude

[@DUDERINO0]

You may say you have failed, but for the 7 years that I have been watching your content you have been a source of strength and inspiration to me. Thank you for all the work you have done, and for doing it for as long as you have. I hope you find peace and something that brings you happiness.

[@bloodycanvas1531]

This. You took the words out of my mind my man. Best of luck to you Richard! Been there since the tek9 Forums and the promod days.

[@aryotaheri7421]

Holy shit man, I actually teared up. Bit of a bitch move, I know, but BTN was one of the greatest unknown little gems I ever discovered in my life out of every thing that is out there. Not because of the Esports angle (although I enjoyed that for sure) but particularly because of you and Duncan's personalities and your dynamic together. I'm very happy for you to be moving away from something that not only doesn't make you happy, but brings you stress, 'cause I want all the best for you. Just know that those podcasts about people playing a video game competitively (which in the grand scheme of things seems like the silliest thing in the world) meant a whole damn lot to me and I'm glad to have been able to experience it. And for what it's worth I learnt a lot from you and duncan, especially since I was watching BTN a lot during key formative years for me. I learnt better banter and humour and how to be funnier (some of your catch-phrases becoming my own), I gained more wisdom through you two and probably most importantly I learnt a lot about individual integrity and having AND living by one's principles. To say this is an end of an era for me is an understatement, but I couldn't be happier for you. All the best Rich.

[@deturkkdeturk8460]

Same, not afraid to admit that the BTN podcast is a part of my development as a person and who I am.. the only podcast I’ve listened to every episode for 7 years now from age 25-32

[@CadeCBC]

As much as it pains me to lose an artist I love, I’m glad you’re focusing on yourself. Thanks for so much entertaining content on By The Numbers!

[@GAM3SCORN3R]

Breaks my heart to hear this after everything you've done for the scene, but fully support and understand this choice as the scene is total dogshit, filled with liars, morons and children. Whether it means much to you or not, you have made a huge impact on many people, myself included. Your content, your attitude to what's wrong and right, they way you've fought tirelessly against injustice and the amount of times you've brought a smile to my face, are things that shouldn't and will not be forgotten. Best of luck to anything you do going forward and the biggest thankyou for everything you've done. I look forward to what comes next :)

[@PALbub]

Well written! I sign this comment, too!

[@alexrees7652]

I think I speak for many, many people when I say that you and Thorin with ByTheNumbers have been a refuge and comfort during hard times. I speak for myself when I say that the past 2 years in particular have been the most challenging of my life, and having the podcast to look forward too and enjoy has always been a force driving me each week. I say from the bottom of my heart, thank you and good luck rich.

[@Andy_Wells]

Took the words right out of my mouth. Perfectly said, Alex.

[@PikeBishop1]

Cheers lad. Thanks for all the great times.

[@Zetriat]

Thank you for your work

[@DazaTheKing]

It’s been an honour Richard. You will be greatly missed by the real ones. Best of luck with your future plans and on career path. Godspeed.

[@skull6740]

You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Best of everything to you, Rich!

[@MrLodziarz]

Greatest CS podcast by a long shot. Sad to hear that it's over. Good luck Rich !

[@metaphase-]

Thank you for your long-standing work in the space, Richard. I think you do phenomenal work and the eSports scene will miss your contributions, whether the community at large knows it or not. Look forward to seeing where you go from here and any future content you produce!!

[@Sacco26]

A sad day for esports and esports journalism. You’ve been an important inspiration to me and many others Richard and I hope to see you commenting on esports now and then, like you say. I sometimes think of packing it all in too, this industry is stressful and when it goes from fun to feeling like a stressful chore, it’s good to recognise that and take stock. I’ll still be following you with interest whatever you do next. Thanks for all your services to esports over the years.

[@theryanthomas]

Thanks for all your work, Rich ❤️

[@MonFrereGaming]

Best of luck Richard

[@phhh5002]

Understandable and I respect you for leaving behind the aspects of your life that is causing you grief. I look forward to seeing what you do with your life next and I hope we get to be a part of it in, even if only in some small way.

[@caroot7838]

while this makes me incredibly sad I wish you the best. I hope you find something you truly enjoy doing.

[@newportfed10]

After going through a messy breakup last week I thought my heart was broken. Now after hearing this it truly is broken. I really hope you and Duncan could still podcast together about anything other than esports one day. Thanks for everything Richard we love you!

[@nartouthere]

by the numbers was one of my favorite shows to watch, i hate to see it coming to an end

[@DooMixedUp]

Thanks for all the years of great content mate ❤️

[@Vodgepie1]

I’m a fan of Richard Lewis regardless

[@jadenjaden1151]

By The Numbers was a large part of my life and I will miss it dearly, thanks for the good times.

[@Guilherme-kx2dl]

If I could, I would hug you Richard. Thanks for all of the videos and streams, I enjoyed everysingle one of them. Best of luck to you.

[@lionheartzcs2]

It's crazy for me to realize that I've essentially grown up with Richard Lewis. From the early days in CSGO when I was child in highschool all the way to now I consider your insight and outlook on not just eSports but life, politics, etc to be legitimately transformative to how I look at myself as a person. The 1000s of hours of content are a mark on who I've become and I'll never find the right way to say thanks for all of it, free of charge and at the expense of an infamy you never deserved. Cheers Rich and I hope you find fulfillment in the next chapter and get to burn the industry one last time on the way out

[@CFMange2]

A dark day for esports. Will most certainly be a case of "you don't know what you have until it's gone" for the community. I hope to still see you around doing other things. My favorite content creator since 2013

[@mimx0]

We love you Rich and will continue to support you whichever direction you choose to go in

[@Filipko550]

I'm following you for whatever content your create, and I bet it's like that for the most of us. good luck rich

[@PALbub]

You did not fail! You were the man on the horse with the war cry, the Zweihänder and the flag pole strapped on the back. Thousands of people followed you through the time. You were the target and the leader in esports we needed and need but we dont deserve it anymore. Just boycotting ESL on mass would have lit another fire on your camp I suppose. Now we have tanks who run with saudi oil and its time to move on. When the tanks are no longer needed and rusted, people will start telling the stories about the old time and how cool it was. Then they all want horses and a guy to learn from. Btn was my favorite show. Thank you for all the time. I will miss it so much.

[@muppsich]

Thanks for it all. Will def stick around for whatever comes next

[@jordanpedeferri1969]

We'll still be following you wherever it leads! Certainly been an insightful experience thus far! S tier journalist.

[@Rubenvde]

Thanks for the countless hours of content you've put out over the years. I look forward to any new venture you decide to undertake and I wish you the best.

[@Wombola]

Will miss u fam. Thanks so much for the years of good podcasts

[@romic8427]

End of an era. Provided so many laughs over the years, even during dark times. Best of luck

[@bbgodR]

Very new to the CSGO scene, I don't really follow any other esports. Man Richard and Thorin have so much content and history of counterstrike it was a pleasure going through the lore. If it weren't for your articles and Thorin's sit-downs with players, I don't think I would have fallen in love with this scene in such a short time. Sir you are so much for this scene and how I view the game, thanks for everything, I hate seeing you stop but if you ever come back, we here.

[@deepbelowthelights]

Best of luck Rich. And thanks for all the esports content over the years.

[@VinceTaglia]

Been watching by the numbers for many years now. Sad to see the end of an era but also glad you're looking out for yourself and your mental health/well being. You've done more than just about anyone for this industry, and you shouldn't be required to stick around as it deteriorates before our eyes. Focus on you, focus on living and loving life. Wish you all the best Rich!

[@Henrydota2]

love you rich. its been since 2015 or 2014 ive been your fan, sub, patreon supporter, everything. i really hope you continue being an online presence after esports and i hope one day i can get a beer with you!

[@sebastiankruszewski7784]

Friday got a bit somber after I watched this. Gonna keep watching for the other content

[@TheDonod]

This is one of the saddest things that i had to wake up in recent time. I was always happy to see a new video notification from you and your content were one of the few rare on youtube that i actually pulled some time on the side. What ever you decide to do, i will be always here on the background, lurking and enjoying. Thank you sir!

[@6FootVampire]

I feel the same about playing games. Fuck it, youre worth more Richard. And if you change your mind im happy to see you again.

[@wats2studio]

Thank you for so many years of great insight into this field. BTN from the outset became something I would watch and re-watch routinely since 2015. And the way you kept your integrity all the way inspires me to this day... Wish you nothing but the absolute best and hope you find other things to enjoy!

[@ChrisakaPES]

I appreciate all the work you've done for esports and for all the other content you make that I have come to enjoy even more than esports. Thanks for helping me become less naive about life in general during my young adult years. Hopefully whatever comes next treats you well, I hope you reach whatever improved state of being you're working towards.

[@Xavyer13]

in my heart you didn't fail, you're a legend to many and your best work stands for itself. best of luck 🐼

[@Verlisify]

same with me an Pokemon. Its not fun when stupidity and bad actors dictate an entire unbreakably corrupt scene. "Irredeemably despised" is a great way to explain it. I'm gonna adopt that

[@chappyhall6682]

I hope things work out well and that you find something and a community which you can enjoy working in. I can’t imagine the fortitude and resolve you have pushing through the bullshit you’ve had to put up with. Thank you for trying to do your best by us even when we didn’t do the best by you Richard.

[@beatsbydr.draven1932]

Nothing but love for you Richard, may you be fulfilled and filled with joy wherever the road takes you. You deserve it! Thanks from the bottom of my heart for your years of contribution to the otherwise bleak hellhole that is esports. You are one of the few good guys, you'll be missed

[@louisaltena828]

Thanks Rich - deeply appreciate all the hardwork you've put into your content over the years. Hoping that we still get to follow you on the next steps of your journey away from esports

[@chazw4692]

Thank you for all the content you’ve made over the years, some of which has helped teach me about life and some of which has made me cry with laughter, both are hugely appreciated. Best of luck with whatever you do next, in it I hope you find the happiness you deserve.

[@Fabsh27]

I cannot thank you enough for everything you've done for the community and the scene, providing all that content and doing all that difficult work and speaking about taboo topics that noone else had the balls to point out.

[@chippy6695]

You gotta do what makes you happy. You may feel like you failed with esports but you have helped me grow as a person and gotten me through tough times and I'm sure many others feel this way too. At this point I watch your content for you and not the topic. Thanks for everything you've done for esports and I look forward to seeing what you do next.

[@fergusbolton2804]

Positive you’ll absolutely kill it at whatever you choose to do moving forward, you’re an absolute fucking legend man, best of luck with whatever avenue you choose to go down

[@Terrorhertz]

Will always enjoy your stuff dude. Looking forward to the future 🤘🏼

[@CONM0S]

End of an era. I'm looking forward to more content that actually interests you and doesnt cause a meltdown online because of jokes.

[@batsbanaan2490]

Just here to give my appreciation for all the years of hard work and hope you find something you can put your time into o7

[@Smiddigger]

Fuck man. I listen to old BTN episodes every day as background noise while doing other shit. Often put on an old episode to fall asleep to as well. This is sad but it's best that it ends rather than Richard doing the show despite not even wanting to. Revenge really wasn't the same vibe anyway so at least that softens the blow for me.

[@jethro7190]

+1 could listen to Richard to my heart's content

[@aaronneilson9414]

Good luck mate on whatever comes next for you, if your moving to other content I’ll be sure to keep watching. I think for a lot of your viewers they started watching because of esports but now stay for the personality. Love your work mate and thanks for the content.

[@mValerianW]

I‘m really sad to hear that. But I thank you for all the meaningful work you have provided. I hope you‘ll find something that provides that same meaning and happiness to you

[@GrayzBDF]

Found this now, but I've been thinking about your exit on and off since the first time I heard you've mention it. It's the correct move to keep your insane sanity and what's left of it intact! Respect Rock on @ whatever you chooose to do, because you will Peace out, Brother. It's been a pleasure having you and Duncan bless my life for so many years Love

[@gurhankaya]

Been a longtime patreonsupporter for btn. Loved it and will miss it. Best of luck finding what you are searching for❤️

[@sqzxy4535]

The end of an era, have always loved the content Rich. Good luck with what comes next, you'll easily smash it. Thankyou for everything you've done

[@Lolka1994b]

Wishing you all the best!

[@troytrujillo8979]

Thanks for being a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength. I watch BTN and the RLewis show to just to sit here and enjoy the videos you made and just relish in the fact that I know someone who has morals, someone who is not just out there for themselves, someone who offers help to his enemies and someone who can admit they are wrong. I am going to miss you!

[@PKgazaPK]

I very rarely stop what am doing on my game to comment but this is just far too important. I discovered your content about 11 months ago and have been hooked ever since, I even watch current by the numbers/revenge etc even though I've never played a single cs:go game in my life or watched it in any sense other than a highlight video or two. You are a highly valuable part of many peoples lives and personally one of the few sources I can go to for an honest representation/take on the news. Whilst in no way am I trying to change your mind (or silly enough to think I even could) I just want you to know how valuable you have become for me personally and I'm sure for many others. You will thrive in whatever challenge you take on next, i just hope this channel stays somewhat active so I can keep up to date.

[@devinstated09]

Thank you for all you've done Rich. Nothing but the upmost respect for you and wish you the best of luck going forward. Much love!

[@prioste]

Thanks for the memories Rich. Too many to name one in specific. We love you and best of luck in your future endeavours you absolute legend. Hope you find what makes you happy to spend your time doing

[@hundredandonenames]

Sad to see you step back richard, one of the best.

[@dzaijn]

I love you and I hope you find peace and joy in all the little things, chief. You have homes all over the world should you ever need them, we're all here supporting you at all times.

[@marius3552]

I wish you the best, Richard! Thanks for all the great esports content you've provided us with throughout the years.

[@ViGeeMan]

Gonna miss you in esports my man but I love all of your other content so you do you and I’ll support!

[@rice2314]

Thank you for making esports enjoyable. I must have been the only teenager to enjoy your content.

[@l.t.3724]

I’d watch you talk about anything Rich, thanks for all your effort. Glad you’re doing what’s best for yourself

[@NavidDragon]

I don't know who runs this channel, But I hope this can get to Richard. I followed CS for about 7-8 years until s1mple won his first major. I couldn't always play the game myself but I always closely followed the scene, Thorin and Rich. I always sort of knew that me following this esport doesn't realy have any positive impact on me or the human society. And so after the major I made the decision and cut all ties to CS and esports. This channel is the only source left, related to those past times that I still watch(mainly because it isn't related at all). It was one of the best decisions I've made as it severed an enormous leach that was consuming a huge portion of my life. And so it was very interesting to me, to see a man so deep in the game come to the same conclusion after these many years. All I can do is hope that Richard uses his vast intelligence and knowledge more profoundly this time around to benefit mankind in better ways.

[@joewhitty993]

Best of luck in all your new endeavours, always watched you in large part for your personality. Looking forward to what you'll do in the future

[@johnhansen04]

I think your reporting on the Phantomlord scandal was the first time I noticed you. You introduced me to the CSGO esports scene at the best possible moment: Thanks to you, I saw Luminosity win their first major and I saw the amazing ELEAGUE-tournaments. You also got me interested in the politics of sports. Your podcast informed me about my favourite game and made my day when I was doing tedious jobs. Thank you, I wish you the best.

[@8bitbanana]

I always will love the esport content you have produced and thanks for the great laughs and hot takes that aged like fine wine.

[@efstan]

You wouldn't know how much joy you brought to my life through the last 6 years I followed your content. Even though you probably won't read this: thank you Richard!

[@slaterzxn]

On a Baltic-cold night, sometime early-to-mid November 2017; I'm sitting in my hostel room provided by the local YMCA that very much would resemble a cauldron, as was my life back then. I have just received food, so I'm flicking through the KZbin home screen, so I can put something on while I consume the piping hot food which sits next to me in their biodegradable boxes. I come across a video, “Return Of By The Numbers #2” uploaded by a channel called Richard Lewis. I didn't know who Richard Lewis was, I didn't know what Esports was to a degree. Not only that, but I don't even know why I clicked on the video, I saw the thumbnail and felt compelled to press X on my Dualshock 4 and watch. At a time when suicide was a very prominent topic on my mind, I feel blessed I pressed that X button. I don't think I've felt so overwhelmed by unexpected joy as much as I did when watching that video. Sometimes I think to myself where I'd be if I never clicked and watched both; episode 1 and 2. Those two video alone pulled me through that dreadful evening. I wish that high lasted a lot longer, i.e., the entire week following and till the next episode. After discovering your content, I went on a “Richard Lewis Binge” I would reference to myself in my head referring to watching a lot of your videos such as your podcast. I even started watching Thorin’s videos and never regretted a second. There were only a few times when I could show my appreciation by donating to your Twitch, or becoming a patron. Thank you for all the Esports content over the years, I know I never made myself known as a fan (always been more of a lurker). I'll be fully supporting you with whatever you choose to do next after this whole Esport chapter comes to an end.

[@littlebylittle877]

damn. by the numbers and all of your content has been a constant part of my life for more than 7 years now. Still remember listening to the richard lewis show and i hate it here on repeat while at my shitty holiday job, literally downloading like 100 episodes of it and listening to it one by one by one. Your commentary on politics and societal issues influenced me greatly when i was a teenager. hope you won't disappear entirely, your voice is very much needed.

[@stanii]

Best of luck in whatever you want to do next Richard. And thank you for brightening up my morning commutes with BTN and the Richard Lewis show all these years. Esports doesn’t deserve to have someone as great as you

[@MegaGamerscast]

Love you man, You're a legend in the scene no matter what people say. Hope you will find something that brings the fun back.

[@Harry_iwnt]

A monumental fucking occasion, its been a good run

[@Planetonian_B]

You've made a lasting impact on more people than you could imagine Rich. I'm sure that was never your intention but it's objectively true and we love you for it. Thank you.

[@PavanNanduru]

Hope you find joy in whatever you pursue. But I will always have an eye out for your CS content. Cheers!

[@nonAehT]

apology for poor english when were you when fun was stop i was sat at home drinking Gamersupps when Rich ring 'Fun is stop' 'no'

[@KratosMinistries]

This community doesnt deserve you Richard. As sad as it is for the lot of us that supported and loved your contributions, you deserved better. Let this community burn. People reap what they sow. Thank you for your years of service, best of luck with whatever you decide to pursue next!

[@gmnr1336]

Richard, you will always be to me, one of the greatest journalists I’ve ever seen. My life before and after having watched your stuff is vastly different. There is so much I’ve learnt from you and I’ll miss you greatly, it feels like an old friend walk off into the sunset.

[@pauldenino5064]

Thanks for all the content and journalism through out your years. GOAT, truly. Hope you get to do more of what you want in the years coming brother ))

[@BST89]

I will miss the show, but I respect your choices. Best of luck on what is next.

[@nhabben1]

I was seconds away from me and my wife getting our photo with you at the Atlanta Major. Event staff was pushing us out at the end of the last day. Got our photo with Duncan but looks like at an esports event I will never complete that BTN selfies. Rich you still have plenty of your best years left. You have touched tons of people in real life and through your work. More than many are able to do.

[@PuddinPopinski]

Hope you keep producing video pieces, or find another outlet to engage with your community. Your journalistic pieces on esports are obviously top of the food chain, but for many of us, your personality, charisma, storytelling, and content in general goes above and beyond that one area. Really appreciate all the work you've done. This world wouldn't be as good without you, even if it feels against you at times Richard. Thank you for all you've given the industry.

[@chaosmagician1865]

Love you for keeping it real. It was great while it lasted.

[@michatobiasz5110]

End of an era, Godspeed Richard!

[@Cr0no]

Good luck with your future endeavors mate. This sounds like the right move for you, I had thought that this was wrecking you. Love you man

[@Judasdfg]

Hopefully his best work is yet to come. Thank you for everything and best of luck Mr. Lewis!

[@ClueFPS]

End of Era, been watching all your content for years and I've enjoyed every second of it. You'll always be a legend in my book, take it easy ❤

[@NaZtRdAmUs]

Really looking forward to whatever great content you will deliver in the future I'm here for the long haul fam.

[@jimwoday1776]

all your effort put in for counter strike hasnt fully gone unnoticed im sure of it. cheers rich i hope you find your happiness