5 Chapter 5 – Anti-Fans

Furthermore, another concept to consider from the research paper “The passion work of professional wrestlers, fans and anti-fans.” written by Annette Hill explores the complex relationships that exist between fans and anti-fans in the context of professional wrestling, shedding light on the hazy lines and strong feelings that define these roles at live events. This fan dynamic and the excitement surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round rivalry with the Tampa Bay Lightning can be compared. The situation facing the Leafs is unusual in that the intense atmosphere surrounding the games is fueled by both ardent fans and anti-fans, who are similar to the heels in professional wrestling. This negative attitude frequently finds a voice on Twitter, where passionate fans of the Leafs and opponents of the team come together. The same way that professional wrestlers use the fervor and participation of their rivals to enhance their performances, the Leafs’ games versus the Lightning become a platform for strong feelings, with both supporters and detractors actively adding to the story and spectacle. “This switching between being a fan and anti-fan highlights the audience work in the shaping of an emotional structure for these kinds of live events.” (Hill paragraph 19, 2014); this phenomenon reflects the intense participation witnessed in the Leafs’ fandom and anti-fandom during pivotal playoff matchups, and it is consistent with the article’s examination of the audience’s active role in expressing hot sentiments, embracing both negative and positive feelings. Competition brings upon intensity which the playoff environment strives off, encouraging fans to become prosumers in debating which team is preferred to go through onto the next round. The ESPN article “Stanely Cup playoffs 2023: Meet the anti-fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs” explores the Di Giusto family’s distinct anti-fandom toward the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their passionate support for any club that plays against the Leafs, as seen by the clothes they wear to games, reveals a deep-seated rivalry that goes beyond conventional fandom. Their narrative highlights an intriguing facet of sports culture: fans who fervently cheer against a certain team instead of just one. The Di Giustos oppose the game, but they never act antagonistically; instead, they try to make it fun for everyone who comes, stressing how important it is to have a positive environment. Their online presence has drawn notice, making them a viral sensation and illustrating the fascination and mystery surrounding such unusual fan behaviour. Furthermore, this situation mainly gained traction due to the nature of being in a playoff setting where stakes are high and even the seat prices. Lastly looking into “@iAmNickWize” it can be seen that he’s interacting with both communities through the use of hashtags ensuring his message (that the series isn’t over yet) is delivered to is rival fanbase but also to show encouragement towards his own.