Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role? I started in esports by helping build EGLX starting all the way back in 2014. Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA? To help develop the gaming industry in Toronto. What is your expertise/niche and how do you see that changing relative to the esports industry? What are you doing now? Where are you making an impact? I'm currently focused on building XP Gaming and through that, the XP Game Developer Summit in Toronto and Vancouver. I hope to create a platform where more esports deals can be made ..read more

Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: We got drawn into the world of Esports through our Valari gaming pillow product, which we believe can play a role in improving the comfort and enjoyment of professional & casual gamers Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: We would like to be involved more in the Esports ecosystem, we would like to network with other businesses in gaming and Esports and we would like to learn more about Esports. Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts you would like us to mention when we introduce you?: The Vala ..read more

Meet Matthew Hixon of Gamers Glorified. Gamers Glorified works with youth gamers by giving them a social outlet where they can come together in a safe environment, learn new games, and make new friends. To learn more about Gamers Glorified, visit: GamersGlorified.com Full Episode Q&A Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: I've been a competitive and professional gamer since 1999 Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: Because of ESTA Network and connections. Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts you would like us to mention when we i ..read more

There is no doubt talent plays a significant role in any success story; however, talent only is not enough. The right mindset, proper guidance, and putting in the work are also necessary. Coming from a family of athletes and entrepreneurs, Caleb Smith is the perfect example of that.  Caleb Smith is the founder and CEO of CVS Entertainment and a franchise owner of Contender eSports in Cary, NC. CVS Entertainment provides premium encounters to improve the esports community, mainly in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Caleb is also the founder and owner of the clothing brand Griarté. Son ..read more

The gaming and esports industry is about connection, inclusion, and growth, but what happens when people interested in participating can't do it because they lack the resources to do it. That is why organizations like Varsity Esports Foundation exist; to ensure connectivity for low-income families and schools. In this episode of Esports Connected, Megan is joined by Bubba Gaeddert, Executive Director of Varsity Esports Foundation. He has over 20 years of experience in non-profit and development. Being a child raised in the urban core of Oklahoma, where funding and STEM weren't available, he is ..read more

The 20% growth of the gaming industry during the pandemic turn it into a talent constraint market. Betting dollars, hours of content consumption, people buying the consoles, and the entertainment industry, in general, is heading into esports and gaming. Because of all that, companies turn into recruitment agencies and ask for help; they need to recruit double of what they initially thought they would. That is one of the many challenges recruiters face and some of the things we will discuss with Kim Shatzer today. Kim Shatzer is the Managing Director at Onward Play and Women In Games Ambassado ..read more

Being authentic and bringing positive energy, and of course, his natural talent for marketing, helped our guest, Jeff Donnelley, build a flawless and outstanding career as an independent contractor working with online gaming companies. After 15 years of experience in the gaming market, the moment he learned about esports, he knew it was the industry's next natural wave. Jeff hasn't stopped doing great things since then, and today is sharing all that with us. Jeff Donnelley is the CEO of MEGAFANS, a mobile esports platform that combines mobile games with competitive tournaments for prizes. Jeff ..read more

There is a difference between professional organizations and gaming communities; professional teams focus only on professional players and neglect community building. However, it is possible to create a community, have a professional structure, and be competitive at the same time, and Team 7AM is the living proof of that. John Smith-Howell, Director of Team 7AM, created a professional esports team grounded on community values, offering its players the opportunity to compete at the highest level and be part of a supportive environment ideal for developing new talents. He shares his vision of wh ..read more

Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Bruce Stein, Managing Director at Westbridge Consulting, LLC. Bruce is an experienced CEO and multi-preneur. He has vast experience as president, CEO, and Board Member of several toys, video game, technology and entertainment companies. He co-founded and directed aXiomatic, an esports and video gaming enterprise. In this episode, Bruce shares his thoughts on the need for a connection in the gaming industry, the misunderstanding about esports, and why esports and gaming companies should learn how to take advantage of the demographic and technology ta ..read more

There was a time when robots serving you drinks and food only seemed to only be real in a cartoon like the Jetsons. However, if you were at the EsportsNext Conference last September, you would have had drinks being served to you by CLOi. CLOi is LG’s robot technology, and she’s not just about serving drinks. In fact, she does so much more, including disinfecting public places by utilizing UV lights. Dan Leunig, Senior National Sales Manager, joins Megan for this live episode at EsportsNext to talk about innovation at LG Technologies, and why he’s so excited about what is on the horizon for CLO ..read more