The weekend of 3 and 4 April saw the start of the first edition of the Talent Development Programme. In the TOP programme, nine game talents are trained to become true esports players. We give you a short summary of the first weekend.
The TOP programme started on Saturday 3 April. The participants arrived at the H20 Esports Campus at 9am. They then had to do a COVID19 quick test, because of course it has to remain safe. After all participants had been tested negative, the weekend started with a presentation by H20-founder Dirk Tuip. In this presentation Dirk told how he started this company and how he experiences it. 
After the introduction it was time for a tour through the H20 Esports Campus where the participants were thrown in at the deep end. They had to give a presentation about themselves on the mainstage in the Rabo Esports Arena. Dealing with stage fright is of course one of the most important aspects if you want to become a professional athlete. Of course, this also includes an appropriate photo. After this impromptu photo shoot, the participants were treated to a hearty lunch prepared by H20's catering staff.
These are the nine TOP talents of the Talent Development Programme:

 
After the hunger had been satisfied, it was time to get some exercise. The whole group got ready for a trip to BodyResults, a gym where the participants were tested on how fit they really were. Upon arrival, the first five participants were measured with a body scan. The BodyResults staff were able to determine all sorts of things from these measurements, including fat content. After this measurement, it was time for a vigorous workout that lasted no less than an hour! The TOP talents went all the way. After this gruelling workout the participants returned to the location with the esports bus. Here they ended the day with a presentation on sleep from the Talent Academy.

Day Two

The second day of the TOP weekend started on Sunday at 10 am. Our TOP-talents were suffering from muscle ache from the hellish work-out the day before. With a presentation by Jesse Groenendaal we went back in time with the game Quake. The former Quake-pro told about his experience in the world of esports and what the participants could expect. After this history lesson, it was time for a nice, hearty lunch to boost those overworked muscles.

While our talents were having lunch, a set-up was prepared by the company Senaptec, where the participants were tested on their reaction time. Here, the participants got to know interesting results about their eyes that they can put into practice in the future. During this test, time was used to discuss the pre-completed PIT test with the participants. These results were discussed by former professional footballer Dirk Marcellis. At the same time sports psychologist Jan Sleijfer gave a workshop in the Gaming club. In this workshop, participants learned about their 'batteries' and how to influence them while gaming. The workshop focused on breathing, but also on the stress that the participants experience while gaming. The day ended with a presentation on behaviour by the Talent Academy.
The second TOP weekend will take place on Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May.