Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, hosted by Megan Van Petten! In this episode, we sit down with Ben Traub, Director of Sales at ggCircuit. With nearly 30 years in software sales, nonprofit development, and event production, Ben brings a unique perspective to the esports industry.
He shares his journey from early gaming with siblings to leading sales at ggCircuit, where he supports LAN centers and schools with tools that simplify esports operations. We talk about the growth of scholastic esports, the impact of the “Esports Winter,” and why building well-rounded players matters.
Ben’s passion for service, community, and keeping gaming fun makes this a conversation worth tuning into.
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! Today, we have Robert Powell, Founder & CEO of the BGG Foundation. Based in St. Louis, BGG empowers youth by transforming their passion for gaming into rewarding careers. With partnerships with industry giants like PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox, Robert has created opportunities for underserved youth through tournaments and programs supported by local libraries, universities, and school districts. As a former pro player and Sony PlayStation Marketing Manager, Robert uses his industry connections to break down barriers and provide resources for young gamers. Join us as we explore his journey and vision for inclusivity in esports.
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Joanne Loton, Film and Media Officer at Tourism Kingston. Joanne brings a wealth of experience from traditional media, immersive, digital, and XR, making her platform agnostic in her approach to storytelling. Now entering the world of esports from a tourism perspective, she is developing an esports strategy for Kingston, Ontario, aiming to position it as a premier destination for esports in the region. Join us as Joanne shares her journey, her passion for community building in esports, and her vision for how Canada can compete with the best in this dynamic industry.
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Ron Kerbs, Founder and CEO of Kidas, about his groundbreaking AI-powered software, ProtectMe Bot. Despite Discord's efforts to enhance moderation, toxicity still infiltrates voice chats. Ron's innovative solution addresses this gap by monitoring both voice and text communications to safeguard young users from predators, scammers, and cyberbullies. We'll explore how Kidas' technology empowers server administrators with actionable insights and the importance of creating safer online gaming environments. Tune in to hear Ron's journey from Israeli military service to leading Kidas and his vision for a more secure and inclusive esports community.
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, where we explore the dynamic world of competitive sim drifting with our special guest, a passionate tournament organizer deeply involved in the sim racing scene. In this episode, we uncover the origins of the Esports Drifting Association (ESDA) and its strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Next-Level Racing, MOZA Racing, and Firman. Our guest shares insights into the challenges and nuances of competitive sim drifting, ESDA's experiences at Dreamhack, and their mission to expand sim drifting in the esports world. From their entry point into esports through fighting games to being a member of ESTA for networking, discover the journey of our guest in shaping the esports industry. Join us for an engaging conversation at the intersection of esports, sim racing, and drifting on the Esports Connected Podcast!
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of esports and its intersection with education. Join David Bruno and Sean Dwyer, as they share their journeys into the esports industry, from casual gamers to key players in academic and competitive spaces. In this episode, explore the incredible growth of Cougar Esports at Camden County College, from its inception to current opportunities. Discover the NJ Pathways Project in Esports Production and Content Creation and the duo's roles in overseeing it. Get to know the hosts with fun facts, and explore their insights on industry trends, challenges, and the importance of inclusivity. From the unexpected encounters with political figures to running marathons, David and Sean bring a unique perspective to the podcast. Don't miss the discussion on academic opportunities and the duo's commitment to shaping paths forward with industry standards. Join us in unraveling the esports landscape, its evolving dynamics, and the passion that drives educational initiatives forward. Tune in for an engaging conversation that transcends the boundaries of gaming and education.
Join us on the Esports Connected Podcast for an exclusive Q&A session with Titus Walker, the dynamic CEO of Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL). Titus, a lifelong gamer and visionary entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from childhood gaming experiences to leading the charge in esports innovation. In this episode, Titus provides insights into UEL's latest endeavors, including a TV show, major tournaments, and a groundbreaking Casino esports deal. Learn about his unique entry into esports, challenges faced, and his mission to build a sustainable esports industry free from reliance on others' intellectual property. Titus's commitment to inclusivity and community-building shines through as he discusses the future of gaming and shares his vision for UEL as a global esports powerhouse. Subscribe now to catch this compelling conversation and stay connected with the forefront of esports evolution.
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, featuring Mark Consiglio, a 20-year veteran in the event technology industry and current Account Executive at 4Wall Entertainment. Join us as Mark discusses his transition from traditional sports and entertainment to esports, sharing insights into creating synergies between the events and sports business. Explore his role in managing esports opportunities at 4Wall and the potential ownership of esports-specific equipment. Mark opens up about his entry into gaming, love for ice hockey, and passion for live events. As a member of ESTA, he reflects on industry trends and advocates for inclusivity. Gain behind-the-scenes insights and industry perspectives on the Esports Connected Podcast—your go-to for all things esports and live events. Subscribe now!
In this episode of the EsportsConnected Podcast, we sit down with Danielle Rourke, a technology strategist turned gaming entrepreneur. After a successful career at Dell Technologies, Danielle launched Gaming Culturist, LLC, a consulting business aimed at bridging the gap between the gaming world and education. Join us as we explore Danielle's journey from childhood gaming enthusiast to esports advocate, discussing her passion for diversity and inclusion in the industry, her unexpected adventures, and her vision for a more inclusive and sustainable gaming community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true gaming and esports culturist.
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast with Patricia Driscoll and Christina Grimes! Join us as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the dynamic world of esports. From the electrifying energy of live esports events that bring communities together to the ever-evolving technology that drives the industry, we dive deep into the passion and innovation that fuels this vibrant space. Our conversations touch on the significant changes and trends we've witnessed since entering the esports realm, highlighting the growing recognition of gaming as more than just a hobby. We also emphasize the importance of inclusivity, advocating for diversity, and celebrating the inspiring women who are breaking barriers in the industry. Tune in as we share insights, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with the passionate individuals shaping the future of esports on the Esports Connected Podcast.
What was your entry point into esports/gaming and what is your current role?: I run a network of nonprofits that use Esports for education and empowering youth; high school Esports Coach; collegiate Esports Coach.
Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: I wanted more insight into the industry and how we can expand it into Connecticut.
Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts about yourself: I started a GI Joe toy repair business in the 5th grade; I wasn't allowed to play video games, and didn't own a console until I was 18; I got a Certificate of Recognition from the City of New York for peer mentoring work at 19 and have been doing advocacy work ever since.
Which aspect of the esports industry are you most passionate about?: Scholastic Esports is my expertise. I'm empowering youth and advocating for scholastic Esports in schools in multiple States and working with an education company in Dubai and several other initiatives geared at bringing Esports to schools across the African continent.
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.
Since you’ve entered the esports industry, what has been the biggest industry change or trend that you’ve seen? Have you felt the impact of this change? I've seen the industry go from mainly grassroots communities to mainstream attention - for better or worse.
What is your favorite esports title, genre, and/or esports passion? Smash Bros and Hearthstone.
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 Valari was inspired by Nadim using his wife's nursing pillow. We launched on Kickstarter. The company was founded in Beirut, Lebanon in the middle of one of the bigges economic and political disasters in history.
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?: Our niche is comfort and ergonomics in gaming. We started by launching our gaming pillow but we see this expanding into a range of gaming peripherals and accessories designed with comfort in mind. We believe this will have beneficial impact on the comfort and posture of gamers.
Since you’ve entered the esports industry, what has been the biggest industry change or trend that you’ve seen? Have you felt the impact of this change?: We just entered the space so too soon for us to comment on this
We are all about making a real connection - not talk about just business - what’s the most FUN or craziest thing that happened to you this past year?: Our trip to Twitchcon in San Diego was a really fun and interesting experience
Tell us about a situation that you can look back on and say that it defined, or really influenced you as you are now or doing what you are doing now? A “fork in the road” moment?: Probably really early on in our development of the Valari pillow we made a decision to launch on Kickstarter. While Kickstarter certainly has its challenges, and it certainly wasn't easy, it was definitely the right decision as we managed to prove the concept in a significant way and draw the interes of our current investor.
Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: I view esports as a terrific way to engage a vibrant community and audience for fundraising. My entry point was watching the Starcraft championships in South Korea. As a video gamer, it's awe-inspiring to see stadiums filled with people who want to watch a competitive video game tournament. Currently, I serve as the livestream gaming SME at Doctors Without Borders USA.
Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: I felt that the ESTA's wealth of experience in esports could be a source of learning for both my company and at Doctors Without Borders USA
Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts you would like us to mention when we introduce you?: 1) As a Twitch streamer, I've raised over $7K for orgs, and about 75% of that was from donation incentives for eating Beanboozled jelly beans; 2) I was a member of the American Homebrew Association and livestreamed how to make beer; 3) Found out that the #2 biggest lie in competitive video games is "I'm bad at Mario Kart"
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?: My expertise is in utilizing livestream media, specifically gaming, as a vehicle for fundraising. I see more esports events organized as a fundraiser for various organizations. For example, Dreamhack does plenty of events for charity. What I am trying to do is to make connections between organizations and esports organizers to try and get more fundraising events on calendars. Since my venture is new, I haven't had any impact yet, but I hope to start making an impact at college esports, in particular at my alma maters Rutgers and Seton Hall, who have established esports programs.
Since you’ve entered the esports industry, what has been the biggest industry change or trend that you’ve seen? Have you felt the impact of this change?: The biggest change is the growing level of acceptance. Gaming in general has grown from being viewed as a hobby and is now viewed as a full-blown industry. The impact of this in the fundraising sphere is an increase in corporate giving either via event sponsorships or by direct donations to nonprofits.
What is your favorite esports title, genre, and/or esports passion?: Overwatch We are all about making a real connection - not talk about just business - what’s the most FUN or craziest thing that happened to you this past year?: The most fun was attending TwitchCon. It was great to meet up with colleagues from across the nonprofit industry, as well as seeing friends I've met on Twitch and hanging out with them in person for the first time.
Tell us about a situation that you can look back on and say that it defined, or really influenced you as you are now or doing what you are doing now? A “fork in the road” moment?: 6 years ago, at my last job, I was told to watch Summer Games Done Quick - a speedrun event to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. For years, organizations had been looking to engage younger audiences and failed. Now, I see an org that has embraced gaming and seeing the dividends pay off. I was inspired by this and I tried to get a similar initiative started at my last job, but alas my pleas fell on deaf ears. When a job opened up at Doctors Without Borders, even though it wasn't related to gaming, I jumped on it and it's where I am today. Though I still work at Doctors Without Borders, I am also able to work with other organizations and their gaming fundraising initiatives. It's so refreshing to be involved with folks who understand the gaming world and are always trying to figure out how best to utilize it as a way to raise funds as well as for advocacy.
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 introduce you?: Born in England, I have dual citizenship, I'm the only Lefty in my family
Since you’ve entered the esports industry, what has been the biggest industry change or trend that you’ve seen? Have you felt the impact of this change?: The Biggest change is that other major companies and industries are now looking into Esports.
What is your favorite esports title, genre, and/or esports passion?: Genre Fighting Games, passion coaching & teaching.
We are all about making a real connection - not talk about just business - what’s the most FUN or craziest thing that happened to you this past year?: I entered Combo Breaker 2022 and placed top 3, top 8, and top 8 in three I've never played or competed in
Tell us about a situation that you can look back on and say that it defined, or really influenced you as you are now or doing what you are doing now? A “fork in the road” moment?: Becoming the Head Esports Coach of Kishwaukee College
Has there been a moment in your life or career when you realized that you have reached a certain level of satisfaction with your position or status? If you became an influencer in your space has this happened?: Satisfaction brings content, I never want to be content, that means I'll stop growing and striving to accomplish new things.
What lies ahead for you? What is your biggest goal for the year ahead?: Acquiring more schools for my programs and to attend at least 2 more schools this year while hiring more employees.
What is your parting advice for the industry?: In order to survive we have to work together we cannot be in competition with one another. We all have to bring value to one another while simultaneously staying in your lane.
When it comes to getting kids involved in team sports, it shouldn’t stop at gaming. Teacher Chris Aviles saw an opportunity to use kids’ love of gaming to create a team atmosphere and developed the first middle school esports team through Garden State Esports.
He now helps kids from all over through school teams and events, helping them cultivate their love for gaming in a team atmosphere. Garden State Esports He joins Megan Van Patten on this episode of Esports Connected to talk about his journey to creating and building this organization, and what he sees for its future.
Garden States Esports is a nonprofit founded by educators, Garden and is the organizing body of scholastic esports for New Jersey. Their mission is to create high-quality, student-centered experiences through scholastic esports so ALL students can use esports as a platform to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Chris talks about how the pandemic provided him opportunities to expand the team, the obstacles they continue to overcome to bring this brand to the masses, and how sponsorships have helped him offer this service to kids for free.
He also talks about what’s next for this amazing organization.
To find out more, visit: gsesports.org or email Chris at:
chris@gsesports.org
Having an idea is only the first step in a very long journey to make a company successful. However, there are many nights of hard work and many different paths that can be taken to find the right partners and funding to grow a company.
In this episode of Esports Connected, Megan is joined by Mark Besharaty, CEO and President of Gamelevate. Gamelevate is on a mission to become the premiere hub for esports information and content by sharing inclusive and diverse thoughts about the world of esports and gaming.
Mark shares his journey from bootstrapping at the beginning of his company to seeking investors. After hitting some obstacles when approaching standard investors, Mark decided to explore the crowdfunding route. He talks about the process of working with Start Engine, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
If you’re interested in learning more about Gamelevate, visit: https://gamelevate.com/
If you’d like to learn more or even participate in Gamelevate’s funding campaign, visit: StartEngine.com/GamElevate
Resources mentioned: Rohan Bose at https://www.teknosassociates.com/
Although it seems very obvious that there’s a correlation between eye health and gaming, it hasn’t been at the forefront of research and solutions.
Dr. Amy Czyz and her husband, Dr. Tom Czyz, Optometrists by Day, discovered an opportunity after they weren’t making their own health a priority during the pandemic. This was when they got the idea for SLY, the first of-its-kind, drink made specifically for gamers. Plus it’s made with the ingredients you need for better sleep and better recovery, which all leads to better eye health.
Dr. Amy joins Megan on this episode of Esports Connected to talk about her journey from seeing over 80,000 patients to discovering a need in the gaming space. And she talks about why she was so passionate about creating this product herself. She also discusses how the Esports Trade Association has been crucial for her in helping build partnerships and create collaborations.
If you’re interested in connecting with Dr. Amy, you can email her at: dramy@intentbrands.com. To find out more about the products, visit: DrinkOnTheSly.com
Many times we don’t think about needing a lawyer or legal advice until it’s too late. However, this is the absolute worst time to start engaging a team who can help you with your due diligence and setting up things the right way.
This is more important than ever in the gaming industry, and in this episode of Esports Connected, Megan is joined by Darius Gambin and Leah Leyendecker from Saul Ewing Arnstein and Lehr. They are lawyers and also the hosts of the Lawyers with Game Podcast.
They talk about how they got involved in the world of gaming, and it’s so important to have representation if you’re a veteran or just getting in.
They also talk about their podcast, and how it’s been such an incredible journey for them. What started as a COVID project, has now turned into an incredible networking tool for them and something they have a lot of fun doing.
If you’re interested in learning more about the legal world of esports, trademarks, patents, copyrights, video games, and more, then visit their podcast: https://www.saul.com/lawyers-game.
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 and grandson of athletes, Caleb decided to play soccer overseas. He played two years for the German team FC Herta Rheidt 1916 e.V before deciding to start his entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode, we talked about Caleb's latest entrepreneurial endeavor, the Lan Center that provides a space to play, workshops, and coaching sessions. Caleb kindly shared his journey into entrepreneurship and gave us a bit of background from his entrepreneurial family. We also talked about the importance of coaching in the esports community.
You can connect with Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-s-b8556b103/
CVS Entertainment Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cvsentertainment/
Contender eSports Cary website: https://www.contendercary.com/
The Esports Connected Podcast was created by the Esports Trade Association. To find out more, visit: https://esportsta.org/
This podcast is also part of the Esports Futuri Podcast Network. To find out more about this podcast, and all of our other shows, visit: EsportsFPN.com