Jude is the most underrated part of the OpTic lore. If she did what most women do when men have a crazy idea and shoot it down, there likely isn't the OpTic we have today. She also did so much behind the scenes back in the OpTic house days prior to going to more of a corporate style of business.
Everything faze had built went to downhill after they moved to LA (Newport and clouthouse) and clout/ content creator era took over to what we have now
H3CZ needs to write a book or come out with a documentary using his production team about his story and the journey into what competitive COD and making money off of gaming has become
Papa Hecz. He doesn’t even know it, but he raised me. I was there watching OpTic in 2008-9, right before Hutch joined. This is literally bringing me goosebumps. I remember everyone he mentioned to a t.
Zerkaa would be a sick guest, going from one of the OG OG’s in cod sniping and one of the biggest cod sniping channels at the time to now being in the sidemen. That would be such an interesting podcast
Thank you for this episode Apex! ❤❤ it was such an honour to hear H3CZ talk about the origins of the whole industry. 1:00:35 negotiating with activision to get exclusive skins for his players is CRAZY🔥 yall are the goats, the ones that inspired me to build up my own gaming channel and show me it was possible as a kid 🙏
Hecz is great. Him and optic were pioneers for esports, and he specifically tried to encourage scump, nadeshot, and the whole optic crew to make content instead of just competing. Which very few orgs were trying to push on their players back then. Love hector. Also sidenote, you are very good at getting the whole picture from people apex. this is your calling for sure.
There is no FaZe without OpTic, There is no Nadeshot without OpTic. There is no Scumpii without OpTic. There is not OpTic without H3CZ. Absolute Legend....
@@toxicgracie3772yea. But there really isn’t any of them with hecz. His vision and love for cod took them above they ever thought they could be . Hecz is what messi was to Barcelona. To what curry is to the warriors. To what pele was to Brazil. Hecz took them to the next level. The man.
I am 30 now and remember creating a sniping team with my online friends in high school and grinding for hours and hours together creating the best memories. I was a massive Optic fan growing up and still watch COD competitive to support the scene because of how influential it was growing up. My first MLG event MLG Dallas 2013 Black Ops 2 we playing Optic Gaming in open bracket wr3 and the crowd watching us get dominated while playing split screen will always stick with me. I never thought I'd be playing against a team I followed for so long, was completely surreal and everyone from Optic at the event was exactly how I imagined them being. You are told never meet your heros or whatever but they were so friendly and everyone jumped in to take a group photo after our 0-2 map even Hecz. That made me a lifelong fan of Optic and Nadeshot. Now that I'm older with more life experience I understand the stress Hecz must have been feeling every day on this gamble of making a living gaming. Great podcast episode and this is exactly what I have been wanting to listen to after all these years and living through the boom of e sports. Thanks for attending my Ted Talk. #Greenwall
hearing hutch's name mentioned is soooo nostalgic for me. if anyone remember's pinktage days you're beyond og and I can't believe how old we are now. hutch, grizz, predator, dtreats, toysoldier, ireapzzz etc so many og legends that don't get the respect they deserve
DTreats had a crazy shot, esp on CoD2. I remember watching him and Smoky DRFT around the same time and knowing clip standards wouldn't be the same. Then Reapzz just fucked it up for everyone lol
This was an amazing ep. We def needs banks and tommy on together for a similar break down of FaZe and the behind the scenes of how everything started and went down hill. I know we've heard things here and there but never really heard the complete story as Hecz broke it down with OpTic!
What an EP. Just like going over a long lost children's book you found.. Can remember it all as if it was yesterday. OG H3CZ. Pioneer of the Esports community. GOATS.
Great video loved how you let him talk without interrupting you are a great host. Hecz is very knowledgeable been watching since cod 4. I don’t game anymore but I still keep up as much as I can through TH-cam exc. I wish hecz and optic nothing but the best and I will continue to be a fan at heart !
Wow, trip down memory lane, I've been in the community since 2008 and remember it all like yesterday. What a journey. I still have the xbox 360 faceplate hector made for me in 2009 haha, best $40 i ever spent
That was such a good video. Even though I've been an OpTic fan since the 6050 days, I learned some new things from this conversation. You're a natural at this. Good shit.
The things H3CZ did for the world of gaming in general is just insane. I remember seeing him in an actual movie and thinking I can't believe this guy who plays video games is making it this big. It gave me the confidence to want to do the same. What an absolute legend, he also just seems like the same guy he was over a decade ago.
WOW what an episode! I've never personally watched any of the optic content but was always aware of hecz place in the industry and hearing him talk about it was really informative and worthwhile. In the past decade that I've been a part of the "gaming community" I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. This episode showcased why! Great work Apex
Unc Apex, i’ve watched your content in middle school during the NY era, watched your content in high school during the LA era, and watched the downfall during college. I’m basically an unc too now and watching these new videos of yours on my way to work makes me feel like a kid again, and that’s the biggest blessing anyone can give. Keep at it man.
Apex, I never actively watched your content, prior NY days and even the NY days, but recently I've been consistently watching your uploads! Both on your main channel and 'secret channel,' I love what you're doing. This feels super fresh in the dull age of TH-cam content. Keep it up!!
I knew this was gonna be a banger as soon as I seen it. Been following OpTic and Faze since 2011 when I was only ten years old. You both will forever have a place in my heart. Much love 💚❤
Ive heard so many stories and podcast from Hecz. But never this deep. This is the best one hes ever done. Great job Apex. Opened him up, asked the right questions and most importantly let him talk. Too many podcasters dont understand when its time to talk amd when its time to let the magic happen
This was insane. Hearing more from Apex about what went wrong and hearing Hecz struggle was so inspirational. I loveeeed this so much I grew up on both of these orgs. Hearing this is what I needed.
this was a very good watch, been around since 2010ish. growing up with optic and faze was awesome im sure a lot of people feel the same way. keep up the interviews these videos are great and makes us feel like we're apart of it
Followed Optic since 2014, H3CZ really has been such a great leader and has had great awareness for his brand and players within Optic, but also has seemed to go above and beyond for his team mates. Love to see the success, well deserved!
Gosh this makes me feel old being 30 in two days. This was my childhood. The feeling of playing cod waiting for you guys to upload it’s truly unmatched. Thank you Guys for great time during my life
What a nice episode I really enjoyed that one. What a inspiring guy Hecz is, growing up in that era while he was fighting the battle for all of us - holy moly man ❤️ respect to him.
This has to be one of the biggest comebacks and best podcasts to come out it doesnt seem like a podcast seems more like a conversation you are sitting in on at a bar or a dinner table or something like that
This was the best interview I’ve heard from Hecz. I’ve been following him Since the beginning but listening to this brought me back and legit gave me goosebumps. Man what a time to be alive back then. Dude when COD 4 was released every branch of the military was at my GameStop recruiting at the midnight release and you could play 1v1”s in the back of the army’s hummer. Crazy time man and these dudes were the leaders of it all. Green wall for life
awesome video, i never like or comment on videos but this one was awesome, watched all the way through & enjoyed the vulnerable & serious, happy & larger than life experiences, 23 here & been a fan of both OpTic & FaZe, FaZe when it was content & OpTic in Call Of Duty when i got my first xbox one for Christmas with a 14 day gold trial at 16, all this to say Apex & Hecz, i’m glad good ones made it & i hope you guys continue to be blessed.
man this content as i have grown from really playing, watching these podcasts are really fun just becuase we get the inside scoop of a business but we can also start and learn alot! awesome my brotha
I have so much respect for H3CZ from how he runs/started Optic to how he handles his team.. he treats them like friends not employees and that’s how it should be. 💯
Best podcast ever, been a Hauge fan of both OpTic and faze from mw2. So nice to see the story both good and bad from both OpTic and faze. Munch love from a true number noe fan!!
I honestly am so proud of Aped and this podcast he has going on here. Been watching this guy 2013 and this comeback of the faze brand makes me happy to see. You guys are killing it.
Amazing podcast and great having the goat Hecz and his insight and life with esports. Great seeing two goats sitting and sharing and having friendly family convos.
I think Hector is one of the only people on this platform who rarely gets any hate. Everyone loves this guy. He’s a businessman and creator who built what he has from the ground up.
It’s kind of insane the internet effect Hecz talks about . Back in the optic house days , even modern warfare days - the niche felt huge . Back then I already thought the whole world knew about optic , faze , and e-sports . I would make a video in 2012 and then delete it for low views . In hindsight the growth that came after is quite incredible
It’s great to see Hecz talk. Nearly 15+ years of history dropped made me feel like a teen again lol. It’s just a shame that Snipers are what built CoD up to be what is, but each yet snipers are always on the back burner :/
This man is on the Mount Rushmore of Gaming/Esports. Hecz is an absolute legend
Straight facts
imagine if he never sold to immortals
He is the mountain. The Mount Rushmore was built across Hector Rodriguez back.
@@Yumadlolhe neeeded to at the time for there to even be a now bro
He's the foundation of E-Sports. He darn near invented it. People don't realize OpTic is older than FaZe
We NEED more OGs like H3CZ here. Hearing the behind the scenes of the industry is AWESOME for us that have been around since 2010.
Not many like him
Not gonna find em. Optic are the the ogs of cod
H3CZ is the only OG, theres no esports without him.
2 legends
This is why I watch every piece of content that OpTic releases. They're the goats of this industry
bahahah optic meat rider
you sound like a virgin
Jude is the most underrated part of the OpTic lore. If she did what most women do when men have a crazy idea and shoot it down, there likely isn't the OpTic we have today. She also did so much behind the scenes back in the OpTic house days prior to going to more of a corporate style of business.
now she got enough money to do whatever she wants. you're right she is the Queen of OpTic!
Oh forsure man, I hope we get an in depth undated podcast with her. Would love to see OG from her perspective. What a goat
That’s why we was happy back when he did the podcast and, had her on to shed insight.
She’s literally Mrs. Hecz, it’s what she’s always called herself. She is a much bigger part of the gaming community than she probably understands.
Nailed it brother
i love hearing H3CZ talk. Dude has the best outlook on life and you can learn so much from him. Great interview Apex
Hearing him speak about the respect he has for his Mother and Father is heartwarming ❤️
So much respect for this man! Great interview
I know it may be tough to do but WE NEED A JEV INTERVIEW. Plzzz Apex❤
Ohhhhh I hope that him liking this is a sign😂😂
Please
We’re good
I haven’t watched faze right before the clout house after the first LA crib, but this apex series has got me back into all of it
Couldn’t agree more! I love the direction of his new content and the “comeback” of our beloved og members
Your comment makes no sense lol
Check out his “Secret” gaming channel too, feels like OG apex with the editing style and all.
Everything faze had built went to downhill after they moved to LA (Newport and clouthouse) and clout/ content creator era took over to what we have now
@landon7045 what about Apexs "SECRET" gaming channel do you not understand buddy boy.
H3CZ needs to write a book or come out with a documentary using his production team about his story and the journey into what competitive COD and making money off of gaming has become
Has to be done fr
He’s been doing it documentary style for years
There’s a book that’s some years old at this point but look up “the process.”Or the older ones are called “vision”
Being from El Paso, I love how Hecz speaks about the city. His love for the city is evident, makes me happy
You know Nordan’s hyped to see this 😂
I’m hyped to watch this. Two OGs talking about the good ole days and how it we got here. Hell ues
It’s quite nostalgic to hear the stories and know bits of it from the past
Papa Hecz. He doesn’t even know it, but he raised me. I was there watching OpTic in 2008-9, right before Hutch joined. This is literally bringing me goosebumps. I remember everyone he mentioned to a t.
he was genuinely the master mind behind all of this. Big respect 🫡
this is quite literally the best Convo yet
Zerkaa would be a sick guest, going from one of the OG OG’s in cod sniping and one of the biggest cod sniping channels at the time to now being in the sidemen. That would be such an interesting podcast
Thank you for this episode Apex! ❤❤ it was such an honour to hear H3CZ talk about the origins of the whole industry. 1:00:35 negotiating with activision to get exclusive skins for his players is CRAZY🔥 yall are the goats, the ones that inspired me to build up my own gaming channel and show me it was possible as a kid 🙏
Hecz is great. Him and optic were pioneers for esports, and he specifically tried to encourage scump, nadeshot, and the whole optic crew to make content instead of just competing. Which very few orgs were trying to push on their players back then. Love hector. Also sidenote, you are very good at getting the whole picture from people apex. this is your calling for sure.
There is no FaZe without OpTic, There is no Nadeshot without OpTic. There is no Scumpii without OpTic. There is not OpTic without H3CZ. Absolute Legend....
Do you remember OpTic Predator
Btw, love this comment. Most people don't realize OpTic came before Faze
@@toxicgracie3772 yes
@@toxicgracie3772fax pred really made them in the early years 😂😂 when they were still a sniping team good times
@@toxicgracie3772yea. But there really isn’t any of them with hecz. His vision and love for cod took them above they ever thought they could be . Hecz is what messi was to Barcelona. To what curry is to the warriors. To what pele was to Brazil. Hecz took them to the next level. The man.
I am 30 now and remember creating a sniping team with my online friends in high school and grinding for hours and hours together creating the best memories. I was a massive Optic fan growing up and still watch COD competitive to support the scene because of how influential it was growing up.
My first MLG event MLG Dallas 2013 Black Ops 2 we playing Optic Gaming in open bracket wr3 and the crowd watching us get dominated while playing split screen will always stick with me.
I never thought I'd be playing against a team I followed for so long, was completely surreal and everyone from Optic at the event was exactly how I imagined them being. You are told never meet your heros or whatever but they were so friendly and everyone jumped in to take a group photo after our 0-2 map even Hecz.
That made me a lifelong fan of Optic and Nadeshot. Now that I'm older with more life experience I understand the stress Hecz must have been feeling every day on this gamble of making a living gaming.
Great podcast episode and this is exactly what I have been wanting to listen to after all these years and living through the boom of e sports.
Thanks for attending my Ted Talk. #Greenwall
Watching competitive CoD at 30? What a dork!
Hecz is the goat man. Legend in the space and all around great person.
absolute fire interviewer, guest, production, and flow. y'all nailed this, Hector is a living legend
hearing hutch's name mentioned is soooo nostalgic for me. if anyone remember's pinktage days you're beyond og and I can't believe how old we are now. hutch, grizz, predator, dtreats, toysoldier, ireapzzz etc so many og legends that don't get the respect they deserve
DTreats had a crazy shot, esp on CoD2. I remember watching him and Smoky DRFT around the same time and knowing clip standards wouldn't be the same. Then Reapzz just fucked it up for everyone lol
i dont think ive heard the name ireapzzz in like 12 years.. now i feel old asf
Toysoldier was my go to. Not only was his montages lit but he put me on so much music that I would've never listened to otherwise
the hutch and seananners dual comms.. the feels
the green and red lights are a nice touch
This was an amazing ep. We def needs banks and tommy on together for a similar break down of FaZe and the behind the scenes of how everything started and went down hill. I know we've heard things here and there but never really heard the complete story as Hecz broke it down with OpTic!
What an EP. Just like going over a long lost children's book you found.. Can remember it all as if it was yesterday. OG H3CZ. Pioneer of the Esports community. GOATS.
Man you are KILLING IT WITH THE GUESTS! My new favorite pod.
Great video loved how you let him talk without interrupting you are a great host. Hecz is very knowledgeable been watching since cod 4. I don’t game anymore but I still keep up as much as I can through TH-cam exc. I wish hecz and optic nothing but the best and I will continue to be a fan at heart !
Wow, trip down memory lane, I've been in the community since 2008 and remember it all like yesterday. What a journey. I still have the xbox 360 faceplate hector made for me in 2009 haha, best $40 i ever spent
Finally, Hecz gotta be one of the most interesting people on the internet
Hecz dropping some gems on our heads what a killer interview
I never been too big into faze, but I have loved this podcast series. You really are a good interviewer.
Man hecz came a long way you’re the goat bro created OpTic it’ll live on forever and be a staple in the esports scene forever I see it
That was such a good video. Even though I've been an OpTic fan since the 6050 days, I learned some new things from this conversation. You're a natural at this. Good shit.
Do you remember OpTic Predator? And the video titled "Predators"?
The things H3CZ did for the world of gaming in general is just insane. I remember seeing him in an actual movie and thinking I can't believe this guy who plays video games is making it this big. It gave me the confidence to want to do the same. What an absolute legend, he also just seems like the same guy he was over a decade ago.
You really cooked 🍳with this one hats off this is gonna be a banger Green 💚 Wall for life
No idea how this podcast hasnt gotten more attention. Much needed, another great video Apex
WOW what an episode! I've never personally watched any of the optic content but was always aware of hecz place in the industry and hearing him talk about it was really informative and worthwhile. In the past decade that I've been a part of the "gaming community" I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. This episode showcased why! Great work Apex
Apex the goat. Thank you for legting my boy spean and tell his story. the fans for sure appreciate it
Unc Apex, i’ve watched your content in middle school during the NY era, watched your content in high school during the LA era, and watched the downfall during college. I’m basically an unc too now and watching these new videos of yours on my way to work makes me feel like a kid again, and that’s the biggest blessing anyone can give. Keep at it man.
Apex's new podcast has got to be the best series of FaZe content I've seen in a longgg time
Wow. This meeting of minds is perfect to set the tone for the year, thank you for getting the Hecz timeline in one solid solid interview. Love
Hecz just says “I’m creative.” Bro you’re a fucking genius, stop it lol
I think this is the first time I've watched the entirety of a 2 hour video and paid attention the whole time. Great interview.
Apex, I never actively watched your content, prior NY days and even the NY days, but recently I've been consistently watching your uploads! Both on your main channel and 'secret channel,' I love what you're doing. This feels super fresh in the dull age of TH-cam content. Keep it up!!
I knew this was gonna be a banger as soon as I seen it. Been following OpTic and Faze since 2011 when I was only ten years old. You both will forever have a place in my heart. Much love 💚❤
Ive heard so many stories and podcast from Hecz. But never this deep. This is the best one hes ever done. Great job Apex. Opened him up, asked the right questions and most importantly let him talk. Too many podcasters dont understand when its time to talk amd when its time to let the magic happen
Never stop making these Apex, 10/10. You’re very talented at hosting.
I love this podcast! This is great! Keep up the good work Yousef! Or FaZe Apex! I want to see Jev on this podcast!
This was insane. Hearing more from Apex about what went wrong and hearing Hecz struggle was so inspirational. I loveeeed this so much I grew up on both of these orgs. Hearing this is what I needed.
this was a very good watch, been around since 2010ish. growing up with optic and faze was awesome im sure a lot of people feel the same way. keep up the interviews these videos are great and makes us feel like we're apart of it
Followed Optic since 2014, H3CZ really has been such a great leader and has had great awareness for his brand and players within Optic, but also has seemed to go above and beyond for his team mates. Love to see the success, well deserved!
Bro you been on fire with these guests. Hecz is a g
Gosh this makes me feel old being 30 in two days. This was my childhood. The feeling of playing cod waiting for you guys to upload it’s truly unmatched. Thank you Guys for great time during my life
What a nice episode I really enjoyed that one. What a inspiring guy Hecz is, growing up in that era while he was fighting the battle for all of us - holy moly man ❤️ respect to him.
I already knew Hecz was the goat but finding out he worked at UPS is awesome I’ve been working there for 2 years doing exactly what he described 😭
I’ve enjoyed Hector allowing others to tell their story over the years. Thank you for letting Hector tell his. As my daughter would say, So Cool 🤘🏻
This is literally history to us who lived through this growing up as gamers in the COD niche. awesome to hear his side of the story
Love hecz. always been intrigued with his story. amazing !
This has to be one of the biggest comebacks and best podcasts to come out it doesnt seem like a podcast seems more like a conversation you are sitting in on at a bar or a dinner table or something like that
I could listen to Hecz speak all day. What a guy! Such a pivotal figure in gaming and esports. He will go down in the books for sure
Hecs is the goat. Been loving what you've been doing with the channel Apex, the quality and consistency continues to be immaculate
Youve been killing this man, i think youre perfect for this stuff man keep up to good work, glad to still be watching you after all these years.
Some huge name drops on this! Hecz is a gaming legend in the community. Would love to see grizz on this. Make it happen
This was the best interview I’ve heard from Hecz. I’ve been following him
Since the beginning but listening to this brought me back and legit gave me goosebumps. Man what a time to be alive back then. Dude when COD 4 was released every branch of the military was at my GameStop recruiting at the midnight release and you could play 1v1”s in the back of the army’s hummer. Crazy time man and these dudes were the leaders of it all. Green wall for life
I could watch this for hours on end. Love the convos. Keep on improving! ❤
awesome video, i never like or comment on videos but this one was awesome, watched all the way through & enjoyed the vulnerable & serious, happy & larger than life experiences, 23 here & been a fan of both OpTic & FaZe, FaZe when it was content & OpTic in Call Of Duty when i got my first xbox one for Christmas with a 14 day gold trial at 16, all this to say Apex & Hecz, i’m glad good ones made it & i hope you guys continue to be blessed.
This is incredible! Over the years, I heard a lot of history from Hecz interviews, but not like this!
H3CZ the Goat. No one did it better.
Hecz is such an interesting man and so wise. Love hearing these stories and tapping into his mind
Hecz we genuinely need a pod with just you and Nade, telling the story from the beginning from both sides
man this content as i have grown from really playing, watching these podcasts are really fun just becuase we get the inside scoop of a business but we can also start and learn alot! awesome my brotha
I have so much respect for H3CZ from how he runs/started Optic to how he handles his team.. he treats them like friends not employees and that’s how it should be. 💯
Best podcast ever, been a Hauge fan of both OpTic and faze from mw2. So nice to see the story both good and bad from both OpTic and faze. Munch love from a true number noe fan!!
Apex you are killing it recently, love these vids 👏
I honestly am so proud of Aped and this podcast he has going on here. Been watching this guy 2013 and this comeback of the faze brand makes me happy to see. You guys are killing it.
H3CZ has been inspiring me since I was a kid. I was watching when optic started and they’re the ones that got me into sniping
Been watching optic since I was 10-11. I turn 25 in a few weeks. When Hecz speaks, I listen. Dude is a wealth of knowledge
This was a really good episode 🔥 Hecz was dropping knowledge 💎 it was a good conversation between friends just all together.
Amazing podcast and great having the goat Hecz and his insight and life with esports. Great seeing two goats sitting and sharing and having friendly family convos.
I think Hector is one of the only people on this platform who rarely gets any hate. Everyone loves this guy. He’s a businessman and creator who built what he has from the ground up.
Been waiting for this for awhile🔥 optic never gets the light they deserve
Amazing interview the culture needed to see this 🙌🙏🤙 keep it up 💯 GREEN WALL !!!!! 💚
Loved this interview. Listened to it all. Super inspiring to hear his full story!
Been watching OpTic since I can remember & still learned a lot I didn't know. Great episode💚
Could listen to Hecz speak all day. What a guy. Such a pivotal figure in gaming and esports
What a good interview Apex, thanks for not including so many ads also considering the length of this video. Sheesh 🔥
It’s kind of insane the internet effect Hecz talks about . Back in the optic house days , even modern warfare days - the niche felt huge . Back then I already thought the whole world knew about optic , faze , and e-sports . I would make a video in 2012 and then delete it for low views . In hindsight the growth that came after is quite incredible
Man's had a very clear vision of what he wanted optic to be and he made it happen. Have to give this man his flowers. God of CoD
I mean this is what i love from the CoD community forever an optic fan myself but Apex this was phenomenal.
Hands down one of the most interesting podcast I’ve ever listened to. Both pioneers of the TH-cam/gaming industry.
Love whatchu doing Apex! Die hard OpTic fan but love to FaZe always.
🐐x🐐
As a fan of optic and faze since 2011 these videos are absolutely amazing 🤞🏽 and unmatched nostalgia feeling
It’s great to see Hecz talk. Nearly 15+ years of history dropped made me feel like a teen again lol. It’s just a shame that Snipers are what built CoD up to be what is, but each yet snipers are always on the back burner :/
New to Apex interviews and like the respect he has with his guests 👌💯
My favourite episode so far! Loving the new videos recently
The God of COD himself, Hector!! 🎉 love it man
Great Video! Love to see this new podcast series from you and seeing more of the MAN, the PHENOM, H3CZ
Such an amazing video thank you Apex for interviewing Hector!
OpticBigtymeR next please